Do You Need an Enrolled Deed Poll for a Passport? (Don't Get Rejected)
Applying for a new passport is stressful enough. It is expensive, the forms are confusing, and the fear of having your application rejected due to a paperwork error is real.
When changing your name, the biggest confusion comes from the term "Enrolled Deed Poll." Many people believe that Her Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) will only accept a deed poll that has been officially registered (enrolled) with the High Court.
If you think you need to spend £150+ on solicitors and court fees just to get a passport, read this first. It is a myth.
The Short Answer: No.
You absolutely do not need an enrolled deed poll to change your name on your UK passport.
HM Passport Office processes thousands of name changes every year using standard, Unenrolled Deed Polls—exactly like the ones we provide at uknamechange.com.
What Does the Passport Office Actually Require?
The Passport Office does not care if your document has a fancy red seal from the High Court. They care about legal validity.
For a Deed Poll to be accepted by HMPO, it must simply meet specific legal criteria. It must:
- Be worded correctly, stating that you abandon your old name and will exclusively use your new name for all purposes.
- Include your full former name and your full new name.
- Be signed and dated by you.
- Be signed by two independent witnesses (people who are not related to you or living with you) who provide their name, address, and occupation.
Crucial Warning: HMPO will reject homemade or free internet template deed polls if the wording isn't exact or if they suspect the witnesses aren't genuine. Rejection means losing your passport application fee and starting over.
Why "Enrolling" is Usually a Bad Idea for Passport Applications
If you choose to enroll your deed poll (which, remember, the Passport Office doesn't require), you are choosing the slow lane.
- It costs significantly more: Court fees alone are over £60, plus potential solicitor costs. Our packages start at just £19.49.
- It takes longer: You have to wait for the courts to process your application before you can even apply for your passport.
- It kills your privacy: Enrolling requires publishing your old name, new name, and home address on a permanent public record online.
The Safe Way to Get Your New Passport
You want a passport in your new name quickly, cheaply, and without the risk of rejection.
At uknamechange.com, we guarantee our Deed Polls meet the exact legal wordings required by HM Passport Office, the DVLA, and all UK banks.
While our Basic package (£19.49) provides the legal document, we strongly recommend our Complete Package (£29.99) for passport applicants. This package includes our essential Step-by-Step Guide, which walks you through exactly which forms you need to send to the Passport Office and in what order to ensure smooth acceptance.
