If you are planning to change your name in the UK, you have likely discovered that there isn't just one type of deed poll. You have to choose between an enrolled and an unenrolled document. While both are legally valid, they serve very different needs and come with different sets of advantages and drawbacks.
At UK Name Change, we believe in giving you the full picture so you can make an informed choice. In this guide, we weigh up the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which path is right for your new identity in 2025.
What is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?
An unenrolled deed poll is a private legal document that you sign in front of a witness. It is the most common method for name changes in the UK because it is 100% accepted by the Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and HMRC. It is "unenrolled" because it is not registered with the courts.
Pros of Unenrolled Deed Polls
- Speed: You can download, print, and sign an unenrolled deed poll in less than 15 minutes using our service.
- Privacy: Your name change remains a private matter. It is not published in any public database or newspaper.
- Cost-Effective: With packages starting at £19.49, it is the most affordable way to change your name legally.
- Full Acceptance: There is a common myth that they aren't "official" enough, but they are fully recognised by all major UK institutions.
Cons of Unenrolled Deed Polls
- No Central Record: If you lose all your copies and the original, there is no court record to retrieve it from (though UK Name Change provides digital storage to solve this).
- Misinformation: Occasionally, you may encounter an untrained staff member at a bank who wrongly insists on an enrolled version (though this is easily challenged).
What is an Enrolled Deed Poll?
An enrolled deed poll is a document that is sent to the Royal Courts of Justice in London to be "enrolled" (registered). This makes the change a matter of public record, and your details are published in the London Gazette.
Pros of Enrolled Deed Polls
- Public Record: For some people, having their name change officially recorded in the Supreme Court Enrolment Books provides a sense of "permanence."
- Genealogy: Your name change will be searchable for future generations and historians.
Cons of Enrolled Deed Polls
- High Costs: You must pay a court fee of £50.32 plus the costs of a London Gazette notice and potentially solicitor fees.
- Lengthy Process: It typically takes 4–8 weeks for the court to process and publish your enrolment.
- Zero Privacy: Your old name, new name, and current home address are published in a newspaper and online forever. This is a major concern for those escaping domestic abuse or seeking privacy.
- Strict Witnessing: You need a witness who has known you for 10 years and is a UK householder, which can be a significant barrier for many.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Unenrolled Deed Poll | Enrolled Deed Poll |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframe | Instant | 1–2 Months |
| Total Cost | £19.49 - £29.99 | £100 - £200+ |
| Privacy | High (Private) | None (Public) |
| Witness Rules | Flexible | Very Strict |
Which Should You Choose?
For 99% of people in the UK, the unenrolled deed poll is the logical choice. It offers the same legal result (a new passport and bank cards) without the high costs, the long wait, or the loss of privacy. Enrolment is generally only recommended if you have a specific legal reason to want a public court record, such as for certain types of inheritance or titles.
At UK Name Change, we specialise in unenrolled deed polls because they are the fastest and most secure way to move on with your life. Our documents are guaranteed to be accepted by 100% of UK government bodies and banks.
Ready to choose the path of least resistance? Start your unenrolled deed poll application today and have your legal documents ready in minutes. If you still have questions about which type fits your unique needs, please contact our London-based support team for expert advice.
