When researching how to legally change your name in the UK, you might encounter the term "Change of Name by Enrollment." While both a Deed Poll and an Enrolled Deed Poll achieve the same outcome – legally changing your name – there are key differences in the process and implications. Today, the standard and most common method for changing your name in the UK is via a Deed Poll.
What is a Deed Poll?
As we've discussed, a Deed Poll is a legal document that declares your intention to abandon your previous name and adopt a new one. It is signed by you and witnessed by two independent adults. Once executed, it serves as legal proof of your name change and is accepted by most organisations for updating your records. The Deed Poll itself is a private document that you retain.
What was Change of Name by Enrollment?
Historically, individuals could choose to "enroll" their Deed Poll with the Enrolment of Deeds in the Supreme Court (now the Royal Courts of Justice). This involved submitting the Deed Poll to the court for official recording in a public register.
Key Differences and Why Deed Polls are Now Standard:
- Public Record: The most significant difference is that an Enrolled Deed Poll becomes a public record, meaning anyone can apply to the court for a copy. A standard Deed Poll remains a private document.
- Privacy Concerns: Due to the public nature of enrolled Deed Polls, most individuals today opt for a standard Deed Poll to maintain their privacy.
- Necessity: Historically, enrollment was sometimes perceived as adding extra weight or officialdom to a name change. However, a properly executed and witnessed standard Deed Poll is now widely accepted by all government agencies and other organisations in the UK. Enrollment is generally no longer necessary for legal recognition.
- Cost and Complexity: The process of enrolling a Deed Poll involves additional fees and administrative steps compared to simply creating and executing a standard Deed Poll.
- Current Practice: While the option to enroll a Deed Poll still technically exists, it is rarely used for standard adult name changes due to privacy concerns and the universal acceptance of unenrolled Deed Polls.
Legalmaster™ focuses on providing you with a legally sound and effective standard Deed Poll. We ensure that your document is correctly drafted and provides you with the necessary legal proof of your name change without making your personal information a matter of public record.
Choose the modern and private way to change your name. Learn more about our Deed Poll service at Legalmaster™:
