Changing a child's name by deed poll in the UK is possible, but the process is different from an adult name change. A child under 16 cannot sign their own deed poll — a parent or guardian with parental responsibility must sign the deed poll on the child's behalf. If there are two parents with parental responsibility, both must usually consent to the name change. Proceeding without the consent of a parent with parental responsibility can give rise to legal complications, and some organisations will ask for evidence that both parents have agreed.
For children aged 16 or 17, the situation is slightly different. A 16 or 17 year old can sign their own deed poll as a self-declaration, though many organisations still prefer or require a parent or guardian to co-sign. If the young person has the consent of a parent with parental responsibility, a jointly signed deed poll is the clearest approach. At 18, the person can change their name entirely independently.
Once signed, the child's deed poll can be used to update school records, medical records, a passport, and any other records held in the child's name. The process for each organisation is similar to an adult name change — present the deed poll and request the update. Some organisations may also ask for evidence of parental consent or the relationship between the signatory and the child.