Costs and Timings for Enrolling Your Deed Poll
If you have decided that you absolutely must enrol your Deed Poll (perhaps due to a complex family court order), you need to be prepared for the administration involved.
Unlike our standard service, which is a fixed price and dispatched within 48 hours, the enrolment process involves government fees, solicitor costs, and the pace of the Royal Courts of Justice.
Here is the breakdown of exactly how much it costs and how long you will be waiting.
The Costs: Expect to Pay £60+
Enrolling a deed is not a free process. There are several different fees you need to cover.
1. The Court Fee (£50.32)
This is the official fee payable to HM Courts & Tribunals Service. It covers the administration of the King's Bench Division and the cost of advertising your name change in The London Gazette.
You usually pay this by cheque or postal order sent with your application.
2. The Solicitor's Fee (£5 - £15)
You cannot sign an enrolled deed on your own. You must swear a "Statutory Declaration" in front of a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths.
They charge a statutory fee for this service:
- £5.00 for witnessing the declaration.
- £2.00 for each "exhibit" (document) attached.
Note: If you go to a high-street solicitor, they may try to charge you for "advice" or a consultation fee, which can be significantly higher. Ensure you state you only need the "Statutory Fee" service.
The Timings: Weeks or Months?
This is the most frustrating part of the process. The Royal Courts of Justice are often backlogged.
- Preparation: You need to book an appointment with a solicitor and prepare your forms (1-2 weeks).
- Processing: Once posted, the court takes an average of 3 to 8 weeks to process the application.
- Publication: After approval, the notice must be scheduled for publication in The London Gazette.
Total Estimated Time: 2 - 3 Months.
Comparison: Enrolled vs. Unenrolled
| Feature | Unenrolled (Our Service) | Enrolled (High Court) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | £19.49 (Fixed) | £60.00+ (Variable) |
| Time to Issue | 24-48 Hours | 2-3 Months |
| Privacy | 100% Private | Public (Online) |
| Legal Validity | Accepted by Passport/DVLA | Accepted by Passport/DVLA |
Summary
If you have a choice, the "Unenrolled" route is the clear winner for speed and price. But if you must enroll, ensure you budget at least £60 and prepare for a wait of several months before your new identity is officially registered.
