Changing your name is a significant life event. It marks a new chapter, a fresh start, or a return to your roots. However, for many people in the UK, the excitement of a new name is often dampened by the confusion surrounding the legal process—and specifically, the costs involved.
A common misconception is that you must hire a solicitor to change your name legally. While solicitors can certainly facilitate the process, it is often the most expensive route and, for the vast majority of people, entirely unnecessary. In this guide, we will compare the costs and benefits of using a solicitor versus a professional online service like UK Name Change.
Understanding the Deed Poll
Before we look at the price tags, it is vital to understand what you are actually paying for. A Deed Poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. It is not a certificate issued by the government (like a birth certificate); rather, it is a formal declaration made by you. By signing this document in the presence of a witness, you commit to:
- Abandoning your old name.
- Using your new name for all purposes.
- Requiring all persons to address you by your new name.
Whether this document is drafted by a high-street solicitor in London or generated via our secure platform, the legal weight of an unenrolled deed poll is exactly the same, provided the wording is correct and it is witnessed properly.
Option 1: The Solicitor Route
Traditionally, if you wanted to change your name, you would make an appointment with a local law firm. Many people still choose this path simply because they believe it is the "official" way to do it. However, this peace of mind often comes at a premium.
The Cost Breakdown
Solicitors generally charge by the hour or offer a fixed fee for drafting documents. Prices vary wildly depending on your location (London firms will naturally charge more than those in rural areas), but you can typically expect the following:
- Drafting Fee: Between £50 and £150 + VAT.
- Appointments: You may need to visit their office to provide ID and sign the document, which can incur consultation fees.
- Certified Copies: If you need multiple certified copies (which we highly recommend so you can notify the Passport Office, DVLA, and your bank simultaneously), a solicitor may charge £10 to £25 per copy.
It is not uncommon for the total bill to exceed £200 to £300 for a straightforward name change.
When is a Solicitor Necessary?
There are rare instances where legal advice is beneficial. If your name change is complicated by foreign citizenship requirements, potential fraud investigations, or complex custody battles regarding children, a solicitor's advice is valuable. However, for a standard UK adult or child name change, you are essentially paying for a lawyer to type out a standard template.
Option 2: The Online Service (UK Name Change)
The modern alternative is to use a specialized deed poll agency. At UK Name Change, we bridge the gap between expensive legal fees and the risk of doing it entirely yourself.
The Cost Breakdown
Our goal is to make name changes accessible to everyone. Our pricing structure is transparent:
- Adult Deed Poll: Starting from just £19.49.
- Complete Package: Even our premium service, which includes digital storage and comprehensive notification guides, is often under £30.
With our service, you receive a professionally drafted Deed Poll that is guaranteed to be accepted by all major UK government bodies and financial institutions, including HM Passport Office and the DVLA.
Speed and Convenience
Aside from saving hundreds of pounds, the other major advantage is time. Booking a solicitor's appointment can take weeks. With UK Name Change, you can fill out your application in five minutes, and receive your documents instantly via email (or by post if you prefer high-quality printed paper).
The "Free" DIY Method: Is it Safe?
You may have heard that you can write your own deed poll for free on a piece of paper. Technically, this is true. There is no law preventing you from typing up your own declaration.
However, we strongly advise caution with this approach. Government bodies are very strict about the wording used in these documents. If your home-made deed poll omits specific legal clauses or is formatted incorrectly, it will be rejected by the Passport Office. This leads to:
- Lost application fees (a passport application costs £88.50+).
- Significant delays to your travel plans.
- The frustration of having to start the process over.
Using a professional service acts as a safety net, ensuring the terminology is legally sound without the heavy price tag of a solicitor.
Summary: Where Should Your Money Go?
Let’s look at the numbers side-by-side.
| Feature | Solicitor | UK Name Change |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | £100 - £300+ | £19.49 - £29.99 |
| Drafting Time | Days or Weeks | Instant / 24 Hours |
| Legal Validity | 100% Accepted | 100% Accepted |
| Convenience | Requires appointments | From home |
Conclusion
Unless you have a highly complex legal situation involving fraud or international law, there is generally no need to hire a solicitor for a name change in the UK. The document provided by UK Name Change carries the same legal authority for a fraction of the price.
The money you save by avoiding legal fees can be better spent on the inevitable administrative costs of updating your documents, such as getting your new passport or driver’s license, or perhaps just a celebration dinner for the new you.
If you are ready to start your journey, or if you are still unsure which package is right for you, our London-based support team is here to help guide you through the process.
Get started today or contact us for more information.
