When researching how to change your name in the UK, you may come across two different types of document: a deed poll and a statutory declaration. Both are legally recognised methods of declaring a name change. Understanding which one is right for your situation will save you time and unnecessary cost.
What is a deed poll?
A deed poll is a document in which you formally declare that you are abandoning your old name and adopting a new one, and that you intend to use the new name exclusively from that point forward. It is signed by you and witnessed by two independent adults.
A deed poll does not need to be approved or certified by any official body. It takes effect the moment it is signed. It is the most common method of legal name change in England and Wales.
What is a statutory declaration?
A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It is signed before a solicitor, notary public, or commissioner for oaths, who administers an oath or affirmation and then countersigns the document. Unlike a deed poll, a statutory declaration requires this third-party verification to be valid.
Statutory declarations are used for many purposes beyond name changes — they can be used to make any formal declaration of fact where an official witness is required. For name changes, they are more common in Scotland than in England and Wales.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature |
Deed Poll |
Statutory Declaration |
| Witnesses required |
Two independent adults |
A solicitor, notary, or commissioner for oaths |
| Professional required |
No |
Yes |
| Cost |
Low (£14.99 with our service) |
Higher (solicitor fees apply) |
| Used in Scotland |
Accepted but less conventional |
Traditional Scottish method |
| UK government acceptance |
Yes — HMPO, DVLA, HMRC etc. |
Yes — accepted by the same bodies |
| Can be enrolled |
Yes — Royal Courts of Justice |
No direct equivalent |
Which is more widely accepted?
Both documents are accepted by the major UK institutions — HMPO (passports), the DVLA (driving licences), HMRC, DWP, and high-street banks will all accept either a deed poll or a statutory declaration as evidence of a name change.
In practice, deed polls are far more commonly used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and most institutions are more familiar with them. In Scotland, a statutory declaration is the conventional approach, but deed polls are routinely accepted there too.
When might you need a statutory declaration instead of a deed poll?
For most people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a deed poll is the right choice. However, there are situations where a statutory declaration may be preferred or required:
- Scottish institutions: Some Scottish solicitors and record-keepers may prefer a statutory declaration as the locally conventional document
- Certain foreign embassy requirements: Some embassies require a sworn declaration rather than a deed poll — check with the specific embassy
- Complex legal proceedings: In some court proceedings, a statutory declaration may be the specified format
- Historical preference: If you have previously obtained a statutory declaration for another purpose and want to be consistent
What about a statutory declaration of name change specifically?
Some people specifically want a "statutory declaration of name change" rather than a deed poll. This document serves the same function but requires a solicitor or commissioner for oaths to witness and sign it. It is generally more expensive (typically £30 to £100 in solicitor fees on top of any service charges) and offers no legal advantage over a deed poll for UK domestic use.
Which should you use?
For most people in the UK:
- If you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland — use a deed poll
- If you are in Scotland and dealing with Scottish institutions — a statutory declaration may be more familiar, but a deed poll will work fine
- If you have a specific requirement from a foreign embassy or court — check their requirements carefully before choosing
Our service generates a correctly formatted deed poll for £14.99. If you need a statutory declaration, you will need to see a solicitor, notary, or commissioner for oaths directly.
For more on what makes a deed poll legally valid, see our guide on whether a deed poll is legally binding in the UK.