Changing your name in the UK involves more than just the deed poll. The deed poll is the legal document that proves your name has changed — but using it to update official records involves a series of separate applications, each with its own fees. Understanding the full cost upfront helps you plan ahead.
Here is a complete breakdown of everything you are likely to spend.
The deed poll itself
The deed poll document can cost anything from nothing to several hundred pounds, depending on how you get it.
| Method |
Cost |
Notes |
| DIY (write your own) |
£0 |
Legal if correctly worded and witnessed. Takes research and care. |
| Online deed poll service (this site) |
£14.99 |
Correctly formatted PDF, instant download. |
| Other online services |
£22 – £36 |
Same document at a higher price. No legal advantage. |
| Solicitor |
£50 – £200 |
No legal advantage over an online service for a standard name change. |
| Enrolled deed poll (Royal Courts of Justice) |
£42 court fee + solicitor prep |
Optional. Most people do not need this. |
For most people, an online service at £14.99 is the right balance between cost and confidence.
Updating your passport
Updating a British passport after a name change costs the same as a standard passport renewal. You are not penalised for the name change — you simply apply for a new passport as normal, including your deed poll as evidence.
- Adult passport (online application): £88.50
- Adult passport (paper application): £100.00
- Child passport: £57.50
- Fast Track (1-week service at a passport office): additional ~£177
- Premium (same-day service): check current HMPO fees
The passport is likely to be your largest single expense in the name change process. If you do not travel or use your passport as ID, you can leave this until it naturally comes up for renewal.
Updating your driving licence
The DVLA does not charge a fee for updating your name on a driving licence. You complete form D1 (free from Post Offices), send it with your current licence and a certified copy of your deed poll, and the DVLA issues a replacement licence at no charge.
Cost: £0 — though you may want to use Royal Mail Special Delivery to send your documents securely (around £7 to £9).
Photocopying and postage
You will need several certified copies of your deed poll to send to various organisations. Certified copies cost nothing to make — just the cost of photocopying. Budget around £2 to £5 for copies and printing.
Postage costs will vary depending on how many organisations you need to write to and whether you use standard or tracked delivery. Budget around £10 to £20 for postage if you are writing to multiple organisations by post.
Bank accounts
Banks do not charge a fee to update your name. The process is usually done in branch or online. No cost beyond travel to a branch if required.
HMRC and DWP
No fee. Updates are made by phone or letter.
Enrolling your deed poll (optional)
Enrolment with the Royal Courts of Justice is optional and most people do not need it. The court fee is currently £42. If you use a solicitor to prepare the enrolment application (which is common), add their preparation fee on top — typically £50 to £100. Total enrolled cost: £92 to £142, in addition to what you paid for the deed poll itself.
See our guide on enrolled vs unenrolled deed polls to decide whether you need this.
Total realistic costs by scenario
| Scenario |
Estimated total |
| Name change only, no passport update needed |
£15 – £30 |
| Name change + standard passport update |
£103 – £120 |
| Name change + Fast Track passport |
~£280 |
| Name change + solicitor deed poll + passport |
£150 – £290 |
| Name change + enrolled deed poll + passport |
£185 – £260 |
What you do not have to pay for
It is worth being clear about what carries no charge:
- There is no government registration fee for a deed poll
- The DVLA does not charge for a name change on a driving licence
- Banks, HMRC, DWP, the NHS, and most employers update records for free
- Certified copies of your deed poll are free to make yourself
The passport application is the main cost for most people — and that is simply the standard passport fee, not a name-change surcharge.