What Is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?
A Deed Poll is an official document that declares you are:
- Abandoning your old name,
- Taking on a new one, and
- Intending to use it consistently.
An unenrolled Deed Poll is a private document, not registered in public court records. It’s the most common and widely accepted way to change your name in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
Is It Valid in Northern Ireland?
Yes. You do not need to enrol your Deed Poll with the Royal Courts of Justice for it to be valid.
As long as your Deed Poll is:
- Correctly worded,
- Signed and dated by you,
- Witnessed by an independent adult (18+, not a family member), then it’s official and accepted by most institutions.
Who Can Use an Unenrolled Deed Poll?
- Adults (16+) with the mental capacity to understand the change.
- Children (under 16) can have their names changed by someone with parental responsibility, but consent from all parties with parental responsibility is typically required.
Where Is It Accepted?
An unenrolled Deed Poll is widely accepted by:
- HM Passport Office
- Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA)
- Banks and building societies
- Employers and universities
- Health services and exam boards
How to Change Your Name Using an Unenrolled Deed Poll
Purchase or Create Your Deed Poll
- You can draft one yourself, but it must meet official formatting standards.
- To ensure it’s accepted by official bodies, it’s best to use a professional service like Change My Name.
Sign and Witness It
- Sign the Deed Poll in front of a witness.
- The witness must also sign, print their name, and include their address and occupation.
Start Using Your New Name
- Begin updating your details with relevant organisations using your Deed Poll as proof.
- You’ll typically need to show ID along with your Deed Poll for changes to be processed.
Is It Necessary to Enrol a Deed Poll?
No. Enrolment is optional and only required if:
- You want your name change published in the Belfast Gazette.
- You’re changing your name for a second or third time, and want a public record.
For most people, an unenrolled Deed Poll is more than enough.
FAQs
About Changing Your Name in Northern Ireland
Yes. An unenrolled Deed Poll is fully official and valid in Northern Ireland if it is properly executed (signed, dated, and witnessed). It does not need to be registered with any court unless you specifically choose to do so.
Yes. HM Passport Office (which serves the whole UK, including Northern Ireland) accepts properly executed unenrolled Deed Polls, as long as your identity documents support the change and you can show consistent use of the new name.
No. There is no requirement to register or enrol your name change. You can use an unenrolled Deed Poll to update your name across all official records and institutions.
No. Your Deed Poll only needs to be witnessed by an independent adult (aged 18 or over) who is not a relative and not living at the same address. A solicitor is not required, although some people choose to use one for extra assurance.
Yes. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland accepts an unenrolled Deed Poll as long as it is valid and accompanied by appropriate supporting documents (like proof of identity and residency).
If you prefer your name change to be officially recorded, you can enrol the Deed Poll through the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. This will result in your name change being published in the Belfast Gazette, but it is entirely optional.
Yes, you can. However, if your child is under 16, you must have parental responsibility, and all other individuals with parental responsibility must consent in writing. Without joint consent, a court order may be needed.
While this is rare, you can ask the organisation to provide their requirements in writing. Most issues are resolved by providing a certified copy of your Deed Poll and consistent documentation. If needed, you can escalate to their complaints process or seek advice from a solicitor.
