When it comes to changing a child’s name in the UK, the process is slightly more rigorous than it is for adults. In London and across the country, parents often find themselves confused by the terminology: do you need a deed poll, or do you need a parental consent form?
The short answer is that for a child under 16, you almost always need both. While the deed poll is the document that actually changes the name, the parental consent form is the evidence that the change is legally authorised. At UK Name Change, we provide both of these as a complete set to ensure your child's new identity is accepted by the Passport Office and schools without delay.
What is the Child Deed Poll?
The deed poll is the primary legal document. It is a formal declaration stating that the child is abandoning their former name and adopting a new one. For a child under 16, this document is executed by a parent or legal guardian on the child's behalf.
By itself, a deed poll for a child is just a statement of intent. It only becomes "active" when it is paired with proof that every person with legal authority over the child has agreed to the change.
What is the Parental Consent Form?
A parental consent form (or Letter of Consent) is a supporting document signed by everyone who holds Parental Responsibility (PR) for the child. In the UK, this usually includes the mother and, in many cases, the father (if he was married to the mother at the time of birth or is named on the birth certificate registered after 2003).
The consent form is critical because organizations like HM Passport Office and the DVLA will not update a minor's records based on a deed poll alone. They must see written proof that no one with legal rights to the child is being "overruled" or ignored.
Why You Need Both Documents
Think of the deed poll as the "What" and the consent form as the "Who."
- The Deed Poll tells the government what the name is changing to.
- The Consent Form proves who authorised that change.
If you present a deed poll to a school without a consent form, they may refuse to update their records if they know another parent has PR. If you send a deed poll to the Passport Office without signed consent from the other parent, they will reject the application and may keep your fee.
The "Sole Responsibility" Exception
If you are the only person with Parental Responsibility for your child (for example, if the father is not on the birth certificate and you were never married), you still need to sign a declaration of sole responsibility. In this case, your signature on the deed poll acts as the consent, but many institutions will still ask for a short covering letter or a copy of the birth certificate to prove that no one else's consent is required.
What Happens if a Parent Refuses to Sign?
If another parent has PR and refuses to sign the consent form, you cannot legally use a deed poll. In this complex situation, the deed poll and consent form are replaced by a Specific Issue Order from a family court. Once the court grants this order, it acts as the "consent," allowing you to proceed with the name change.
Summary: The Child Name Change Checklist
| Document | Purpose | Who signs? |
|---|---|---|
| Child Deed Poll | Legally declares the new name. | The applicant parent + 2 witnesses. |
| Parental Consent Form | Proves unanimous agreement. | Everyone with Parental Responsibility. |
| Birth Certificate | Proves the child's current identity. | N/A (provided as evidence). |
Why Choose UK Name Change for Your Child?
We know that changing a child's name is a sensitive and often urgent matter. That’s why our Child Deed Poll Package is designed to be comprehensive. When you apply through us, we don’t just give you the deed poll; we provide the exact consent form templates that government bodies require. This "all-in-one" approach prevents the most common cause of application rejection: missing or incorrectly formatted consent letters.
Our documents are tailored to meet the 2025 standards of the UK Home Office, giving you peace of mind that your child's new identity is legally sound from day one.
Ready to start your child's name change correctly? Apply for a Child Deed Poll today and get your complete document set instantly. If you are unsure who holds Parental Responsibility for your child, contact our support team and we will help you figure out exactly whose signatures you need.
