What Is an Enrolled Deed Poll? (And Why You Probably Don't Want One)
If you have been researching how to change your name, you have likely come across two confusing terms: "Enrolled" and "Unenrolled" Deed Polls.
You might assume that "Enrolled" means "better" or "more legal." It sounds more official, doesn't it?
This is a dangerous assumption.
Enrolling your Deed Poll is a voluntary process that costs significantly more money and destroys your privacy. Here is exactly what it is, and why 99% of people choose to avoid it.
What Does "Enrolled" Mean?
An Enrolled Deed Poll is a name change document that has been formally registered ("enrolled") for safe keeping in the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
It is not a legal requirement. It is an optional extra step. In the UK, a standard "Unenrolled" Deed Poll is fully legally binding and accepted by the Passport Office, DVLA, and all banks.
The Privacy Nightmare: The London Gazette
This is the part most people don't know until it is too late.
When you enroll a Deed Poll, the law requires a notice to be published in The London Gazette. This is an official public journal of record.
This notice will publish:
- Your Old Name.
- Your New Name.
- Your Full Home Address.
This information is then permanently searchable on the internet.
If you are changing your name to escape a difficult past, avoid a stalker, or just value your privacy, enrolling is the worst thing you can do. It creates a permanent digital link between your old identity and your new one, complete with a map to your front door.
The Cost & Complexity
Aside from privacy, enrolling is a headache.
- Cost: It currently costs upwards of £60 in court fees (compared to £19 for our standard deed).
- Solicitor Required: You cannot do it alone. You need a solicitor or commissioner for oaths to swear a "statutory declaration" for you, which adds another £5-£15 to the cost.
- Time: The process involves posting documents to the High Court and waiting weeks or months for approval.
So, Why Does It Exist?
Enrolling is a legacy process from a time before digital records. It exists for people who want a permanent public record of their name change.
It is also sometimes mandatory in complex child name change cases where only one parent consents, or for certain strict professional bodies. But for the average adult changing their name? It is usually unnecessary.
The Better Alternative: Unenrolled Deed Poll
The standard "Unenrolled" Deed Poll (which we provide) is:
- Private: No public record. No newspaper listing.
- Fast: Issued in 24-48 hours.
- Legal: Accepted by HM Passport Office, DVLA, and Banks.
Unless you have been specifically ordered by a judge to enroll your deed, stick to the private, unenrolled option.
