Yes. In England and Wales you can change your name yourself from the age of 16. GOV.UK says anyone aged 16 or over can make their own unenrolled deed poll and start using their new name, and you do not need your parents to sign it or agree to it.
What you can do at 16 and 17
You make and sign your own deed poll, in front of two witnesses aged 18 or over who are not close relatives. It is valid as soon as it is signed. The Passport Office treats you as an adult from 16, so you can apply for your own passport in your new name. You can also use the deed poll with your school or college, GP, bank and exam boards.
Some organisations are more cautious with under-18s and may ask whether a parent knows about the change. That is their policy, not the law, and many will go ahead with the deed poll alone. If a parent is happy to support you, a letter from them can smooth things over.
Get your deed poll in the next few minutes
Fill in the form, check the preview, pay once. Your PDF downloads straight away — one payment of £19.99, no account and nothing that renews.
What has to wait until 18
Enrolling a deed poll, which puts it on public record at the High Court, is for adults aged 18 or over. At 16 or 17 enrolment is done through the children's process, with a parent applying and a letter from you saying you agree. Most people never enrol anyway; see enrolled vs unenrolled deed polls.
Under 16
Under 16, a child cannot make their own deed poll. A parent with parental responsibility makes it for them, and everyone with parental responsibility needs to agree. See our guide to a deed poll for a child.
Why people change their name at 16 or 17
Common reasons include dropping a surname you no longer feel connected to, taking a parent's or family's surname, using a name that matches your gender identity, or sorting out your name before exams, college applications or your first job. You do not need to give a reason. If it is about gender identity, see deed polls for trans and non-binary people.
Making your deed poll
Choose "Myself" on the form and fill it in with your own details. It costs £19.99 and downloads straight away. Then print it and sign it in front of your two witnesses; how to sign a deed poll walks through it.