One of the most common questions we hear at our London office is: "How much will it actually cost me to change my name?" While the process of changing your identity in the UK is legally straightforward, the costs can vary wildly depending on whether you choose a court-enrolled route, a solicitor, or a modern digital service like UK Name Change.
In 2025, there is no reason to spend hundreds of pounds on legal fees. This guide breaks down every cost involved in a name change so you can budget with confidence and choose the path that offers the best value for your needs.
The Different Tiers of Name Change Costs
To understand the total cost, you first need to decide which "type" of deed poll you require. As we have discussed in previous guides, the two main options in the UK are enrolled and unenrolled deed polls.
1. Enrolled Deed Polls (£50.32 + Legal Fees)
If you choose to "enrol" your name change at the Royal Courts of Justice, you will pay a mandatory government fee of £50.32. However, this is rarely the final price. Because the court application is complex, many people hire a solicitor to help, which can add another £100–£200 to the bill. Furthermore, you must pay to have your name change published in the London Gazette, and you may incur costs for a solicitor to swear an affidavit.
2. Unenrolled Deed Polls (Free to £29.99)
An unenrolled deed poll is the most popular choice because it is 100% legally valid for updating your passport and driving licence without the "court tax." While you can technically write your own for free, many people avoid this "DIY" route because a single wording error can lead to a rejected (and non-refundable) passport application.
UK Name Change Pricing Packages
At UK Name Change, we have designed our pricing to be transparent, affordable, and inclusive of everything you need to successfully update your records across the UK.
- The Basic Package (£19.49): Perfect for those who just need the legal document. You get an instant PDF download of your solicitor-approved deed poll, clear witness instructions, and a step-by-step guide to get you started.
- The Complete Package (£29.99 - Was £45): This is our most popular option for a reason. It includes the instant deed poll plus access to our Interactive Dashboard. The dashboard provides ready-made letter templates and checklists for the Passport Office, DVLA, HMRC, and all major UK banks, saving you hours of administrative work.
- The Guide Only (£14.99): If you already have a deed poll but are feeling overwhelmed by the "admin" of notifying dozens of organisations, this guide provides the professional templates and instructions you need to finish the job.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When budgeting for your name change, remember that the deed poll is just the first step. You should also factor in the fees charged by government agencies to issue your new identification:
| Organisation | Standard Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| HM Passport Office (Adult) | £88.50 (Online) |
| DVLA (Driving Licence) | FREE |
| HMRC / National Insurance | FREE |
| High Street Banks | FREE |
Why Paying for a Service Saves You Money
It might seem counterintuitive to pay for a deed poll when "DIY" options exist. However, the true cost of a name change often comes from errors. If you submit an incorrectly drafted deed poll to the Passport Office, they may reject your application. In many cases, you will not get your £88.50 application fee back, and you will have to pay for a new application once you have a "proper" deed poll.
By investing £19.49 in a professional service, you are essentially buying an "acceptance insurance policy." We guarantee that our documents meet the exact standards of all UK institutions, ensuring you only have to pay those government fees once.
How to Save Money on Your Name Change
- Order Multiple Copies: If you order 5–10 originals or certified copies, you can send them to the DVLA, your bank, and your employer simultaneously. This saves you weeks of waiting and the cost of multiple separate postage trips.
- Update Your Driving Licence First: Since the DVLA updates your licence for free, doing this first gives you a "free" piece of photo ID in your new name, which makes dealing with banks and utilities much easier.
- Use Our Dashboard: Our Complete Package includes pre-written templates. This prevents you from making mistakes that require you to resend documents or call expensive helplines.
Summary
Changing your name in the UK is a highly affordable process. For less than the cost of a meal out in London, you can obtain a legally binding deed poll that opens the door to your new identity. Whether you choose our Basic or Complete package, you are choosing the most cost-effective and secure way to handle your name change in 2025.
Ready to start your journey without the high legal fees? Choose your package today and join over 70,000 people who have successfully changed their name with us. If you have questions about specific costs for child name changes or family bundles, please contact our support team for a transparent quote.