Royal and Peerage Titles
Titles such as Duke, Earl, Viscount, Baron, or Sir cannot be bought. They are granted by the Monarch and are protected under strict rules, including the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925, which makes selling them a criminal offence.
Feudal or Manorial Titles
Some old titles connected to property, such as Lord of the Manor, can sometimes be transferred or sold. However, they don’t come with privileges or authority today, and obtaining one can be complicated and expensive.
Souvenir Titles
Some companies offer small plots of land with a certificate, claiming this lets you call yourself “Laird” or “Lady.” While fun for gifts, these are not officially recognised and can’t be used on passports, driving licences, or bank accounts.
The Recognised Way to Add a Title to Your Name
You can’t buy a peerage, but you can change your name to include a title using a Deed Poll. For example, you could become “Lord James Smith” or “Lady Sarah Jones.”
While this won’t give you powers or rights, it is accepted by UK organisations including the Passport Office, DVLA, and banks.
FAQs
Can I Buy A Title?
Some companies sell small plots and claim this lets you call yourself a Laird or Lady, but these are novelty titles and not officially recognised.
Only titles included as part of your official name through a recognised name change process, such as a deed poll, can be added to official documents like passports.
Yes, they exist but are rare, and owning one doesn’t grant special privileges. They may also be expensive and complicated to transfer.
The simplest way is to change your name to include the title using a deed poll. This is quick, affordable, and accepted by most UK institutions.
No. Official titles like Lord, Lady, Sir, or Dame cannot be purchased. You can, however, change your name by deed poll to include a title if you wish.
