When you decide to change your name, the first thing you likely look for is the price of a deed poll. You might see headlines like "Deed Poll for £10" and think you've found a bargain. However, many people in London and across the UK quickly discover that the initial price tag is only the beginning. In the name-change industry, "hidden fees" are common, and the costs of updating your actual identity documents can add up quickly if you aren't prepared.
At UK Name Change, we believe in radical transparency. We want you to know exactly where your money goes. This guide exposes the common hidden costs in the industry and outlines the external fees you will face when updating your records in 2025.
1. The "Checkout Surprises" on Other Websites
Many low-cost providers use a "teaser" price to get you to their checkout, only to add essential services as expensive "optional extras." Common hidden fees include:
- Archive Fees: Some sites charge £20–£25 just to keep a digital copy of your deed poll in case you lose it.
- Title Change Fees: Believe it or not, some companies charge an extra £5–£10 if you want to change your title (e.g., from Mr to Mx or Miss) on the same document.
- Postage Surcharges: You might see a low price, only to find that "standard" postage is delayed by weeks unless you pay an extra £15 for priority shipping.
- Modification Fees: If you spot a typo after ordering, some services will charge you the full price of a new deed poll rather than offering a simple correction.
The UK Name Change Difference: Our pricing is all-inclusive. Whether you choose our Basic or Complete package, the price you see is the price you pay for the document and the service level promised.
2. The "Certified Copy" Trap
One of the most significant "hidden" costs isn't a fee from the provider, but the cost of not having enough documents. Many institutions, particularly HM Passport Office and major banks, will not accept a photocopy of your deed poll. They require an original or a "certified copy."
If you only order one deed poll, you have to send it to one organisation, wait weeks for it to be returned, and then send it to the next. To avoid this, many people end up paying a solicitor in London £10–£15 per page to certify photocopies.
How to save: It is almost always cheaper to order 5–10 original deed polls at the time of your application. This allows you to update your passport, DVLA, and bank simultaneously, saving you both time and solicitor fees.
3. Government Update Fees (External Costs)
No matter who provides your deed poll, you will face external costs from the government to update your primary ID. In 2025, these are the standard fees:
- Adult Passport (Online): £88.50. This is the most significant cost of a name change.
- Child Passport (Online): £53.50.
- DVLA (Driving Licence): FREE. Updating your driving licence is one of the few parts of the process that doesn't cost a penny (though you must pay for postage).
- HMRC / National Insurance: FREE. There is no charge to update your tax records.
4. Professional Fees for "Disputed" Changes
If you are changing a child's name and do not have the consent of everyone with Parental Responsibility, you cannot simply use a deed poll. You will likely need a Specific Issue Order from the court. The court fee for this application is currently £232. This is a major hidden cost for parents who aren't aware of the legal requirement for unanimous consent.
5. The Cost of "Enrolment"
As we have mentioned in our other guides, some people are misled into thinking they must enrol their deed poll at the Royal Courts of Justice. This carries a government fee of £50.32 plus the cost of a London Gazette notice. For 99% of people, this is an unnecessary "hidden" expense that offers no extra legal benefit over a standard unenrolled deed poll.
Summary Table: The True Cost Breakdown
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost | Optional? |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Deed Poll | £19.49 - £29.99 | Recommended |
| New Adult Passport | £88.50 | Required for travel |
| New Driving Licence | £0.00 | Free |
| Solicitor "Oath" Fee | £5.00 | Only if specifically requested |
| Extra Original Copies | £10.00 - £20.00 | Saves time/money later |
Why Transparency Matters
At UK Name Change, we don't think you should have to hunt for the final price. We provide a premium, solicitor-approved service without the "bait and switch" tactics found elsewhere. When you choose our Complete Package, you aren't just buying a document; you're buying a complete administrative solution that helps you avoid the hidden costs of solicitor certifications and rejected applications.
By giving you the templates and the tracking tools you need, we ensure you get your name changed correctly the first time. No rejected forms, no double-paying for passports, and no hidden surprises at checkout.
Ready for a name change with no hidden fees? Apply online today and join the 70,000+ people who have trusted our transparent service. If you have a specific question about costs for your unique situation, contact our support team and we'll give you a straight answer.