When most people decide to change their name, they look at the price of the deed poll itself and think, "Great, that's affordable." And they are right—our deed polls start from under £20. However, the deed poll is just the key that unlocks the door. The process of actually walking through that door—updating your official government identity documents—comes with its own set of costs.
At UK Name Change, we believe in total transparency. We don't want you to be surprised by government fees after you have already started the process. To help you plan, we have compiled a comprehensive budget guide for the administrative side of changing your name in 2025.
1. The Deed Poll (The Starting Point)
First, you need the legal document itself. This is the least expensive part of the journey.
- Cost: £19.49 - £29.99 (depending on your package).
We recommend ordering a few extra high-quality printed copies when you purchase. While you can print the PDF yourself, having professional copies on 100gsm paper can make face-to-face appointments at banks much smoother.
2. The Big One: HM Passport Office
This is usually the single biggest expense. You cannot simply "update" an existing passport with a sticker; you must apply for a brand new one. As of April 2025, the government has increased these fees.
Adult Passport
- Apply Online: £94.50
- Apply by Post (Paper form): £107.00
Child Passport
- Apply Online: £61.50
- Apply by Post (Paper form): £74.00
Tip: Always apply online if possible to save money. You will need to send your original deed poll to the Passport Office by post after submitting the online form.
3. The DVLA (Driving Licence)
There is some good news here. If you have a valid driving licence, updating your name is technically free. You simply need to complete the D1 form and post it with your deed poll and current licence.
+1However, there is a catch. If you decide to update your photo at the same time (which many people do to reflect their "new era"), there is a fee.
- Name change only: Free
- Name change + New Photo: £17.00 (by post)
4. Postage and Security
This is the hidden cost that catches everyone out. When you send your original documents (like your birth certificate, old passport, and deed poll) to the Passport Office or DVLA, you should never use a standard second-class stamp. If these documents are lost in the mail, replacing them is expensive and time-consuming.
We strongly advise using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed.
- Estimated Cost: £7.00 - £9.00 per envelope.
You will likely need to send at least two secure letters (one to the Passport Office, one to the DVLA), so budget around £15 - £20 for postage.
5. Total Estimated Budget
So, what is the realistic total? Let’s assume you are an adult doing everything properly: buying a Complete Deed Poll package, getting a new passport online, updating your driving licence photo, and using secure postage.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| UK Name Change (Complete Pkg) | £29.99 |
| New Passport (Online) | £94.50 |
| Driving Licence (with photo) | £17.00 |
| Secure Postage (x2) | £16.00 |
| TOTAL | £157.49 |
How to Keep Costs Down
If £150+ sounds steep, here are a few tips to reduce the immediate burden:
- Prioritize: You don't need to do everything at once. Your deed poll does not expire. You can change your name with the bank (free) and DVLA (free if you keep your old photo) immediately, and wait to renew your passport until you actually need to travel.
- Keep the Old Photo: Keeping your current driving licence photo saves you £17 instantly.
- Time it Right: If your passport has 8 months left, it might be worth using it under your old name for one last holiday before renewing it, as any remaining months are not carried over to the new passport.
Conclusion
Changing your name is an investment in your identity. While the deed poll itself is cheap, the government fees can add up. By understanding the full picture, you can plan your budget and avoid unexpected bills.
Ready to take the first affordable step? Create your deed poll with us today.