Why Parents Change a Child’s Middle Name
Common reasons include:
- Adding a name to reflect family heritage
- Correcting errors on the original registration
- Updating a name after a family change or divorce
- Personal preference as the child grows
Changing a middle name can be just as important as updating a first or last name.
Who Can Apply
If your child is under 16, everyone with parental responsibility must provide consent. This usually includes both parents unless a court order says otherwise.
At Change My Name, we make it easy to apply for a Child Deed Poll online to officially update your child’s middle name.
How to Change a Child’s Middle Name Step by Step
- Complete the online Child Deed Poll application.
- Provide consent from everyone with parental responsibility.
- Receive the official deed poll document by post.
- Use the document to update your child’s middle name across official records.
Once complete, the new middle name can be used on:
- Passports
- School records
- Medical records
- Other official documents
Where to Update the New Middle Name
After the deed poll is issued, notify key organisations:
- NHS and GP surgery
- Passport Office
- HMRC and Child Benefit
- Schools or nurseries
- Sports clubs or extracurricular activities
Cost to Change a Child’s Middle Name
- Child Deed Poll: £14.95
- Name Change Kit: £24.95 (includes template letters to quickly notify organisations)
FAQs: Changing a Child’s Middle Name
If both parents have parental responsibility, you need consent from everyone or a court order.
No. The original birth certificate stays the same. The deed poll acts as legal proof of the new middle name.
You can apply for a deed poll at any age under 16, with parental consent.
Yes. You can add, remove, or change more than one middle name in a single application.
