Document wording
We prefer providers that use clear, well-structured wording and avoid unnecessary complexity, while still meeting expectations of major organisations.
Not all deed poll providers are equal. See how leading services compare on price, turnaround time, and acceptance – and when a free DIY deed poll is enough.
We are not a government website. We review private UK deed poll services and include free DIY options where appropriate.
The table below shows how a selection of UK deed poll providers and a DIY option compare. Information here is general; always check the provider’s own website for the latest details.
You can scroll horizontally on smaller screens to see the full table.
| Provider | Typical price | Processing & delivery | Passport/DVLA acceptance | Offers a Name Change Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UK Deed Poll Office
Best overall
|
£22.50 (adult deed poll) | Same-day processing in most cases, documents posted by 1st class post or similar. | ✅ | Visit UK Deed Poll Office → | |
|
UK Deed Poll Service
|
£29.00 | 1–2 working days processing; standard postal delivery. Some options for duplicate copies. | ❌ | Visit ukdp.co.uk → | |
|
DeedPolls.com
|
£16.99 | Standard processing with postal delivery. Duplicate copies and extras may cost more. | ❌ | Visit DeedPolls.com → | |
DIY free deed poll |
£0 | Instant – you draft and print your own deed poll using a template or generator. | ❌ | Use free generator → |
We look at several practical factors that matter once you start changing your name with banks, HM Passport Office, DVLA, and other organisations.
We prefer providers that use clear, well-structured wording and avoid unnecessary complexity, while still meeting expectations of major organisations.
A key consideration is whether customers report consistent acceptance of their deed poll by HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks and other institutions.
You will often need to send original or duplicate copies to different organisations. We favour services that include multiple copies as standard.
Clear instructions on signing, witnessing and notifying organisations greatly reduce the risk of delays or rejections.
We look for providers who are upfront about pricing, what is included, and what they can and cannot do (for example, they are not a court or government department).
Cheapest is not always best. We balance price against copies, service, support and overall clarity for customers.
Both routes can work. The right choice depends on how complex your situation is and how confident you feel about drafting and checking documents yourself.
If you are an adult, changing your name for straightforward personal reasons, and you are comfortable following written guidance, a DIY deed poll can be a perfectly workable solution.
If you prefer a professionally prepared document and clearer support, or your situation is more sensitive, a specialist provider is usually the safer choice.
These answers are general guidance only. Always check the specific provider’s terms and documentation before placing an order.
In the UK, you do not need a court order or government-issued document to change your name for most everyday purposes. A properly worded, signed and witnessed deed poll from a private provider is usually sufficient for organisations such as HM Passport Office and DVLA, provided their other criteria are met.
Most people do not. Enrolling a deed poll in the Royal Courts of Justice is a separate, more formal process that makes your name change a matter of public record. Many adults are content with an unenrolled deed poll, especially when changing their name for ordinary personal reasons.
Policies differ slightly. Broadly, if the deed poll is correctly worded and executed, and you provide any other documents they ask for (such as ID and proof of address), it should usually be accepted. Some organisations may ask for additional information in unusual or complex cases.
Many providers offer deed polls for children, but additional rules apply, especially around parental responsibility and consent. If there is disagreement between parents or court orders in place, you should obtain specialist advice before proceeding.
The legal effect comes from the wording, your intent, and the way it is signed and witnessed – not from the price. However, a paid provider may give you clearer documentation, more copies and support if you are unsure how to use the deed poll with different organisations.
This website is independent content. We may highlight or link to providers we believe offer a clear and useful service, including specialist deed poll services and free DIY options. Where relevant, we explain why one service might be better suited to certain situations than another.
This website is designed to give a simple, practical overview of different ways to change your name by deed poll in the UK. It is not a government or court website, and it does not provide personalised legal advice.
Our aim is to help you understand the trade-offs between free DIY templates and paid specialist services, so you can choose the route that fits your circumstances and risk-tolerance. For most straightforward adult name changes, a well-established deed poll provider with clear documentation offers a good balance of convenience and reassurance.
If you are in any doubt about which option to choose – especially where children, court orders, immigration status or safety concerns are involved – you should seek individual legal or professional advice.