How do I change my name in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Links marked * are commercial or go to our partner sites, which share our operator. Third-party companies may pay us commission. How we make money.
In short: England and Wales adults usually use an unenrolled deed poll*. Scotland often prefers a statutory declaration or NRS birth-record update if you were born/adopted there. Northern Ireland accepts a deed poll and also offers a paid GRONI “record a change of name” route with stricter change limits.
Content updated:
Northern Ireland: nidirect confirms you can change your name by deed poll* as proof for organisations, or record a change with the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI). The GRONI adult route (18+) currently involves a witnessed form (JP, lay magistrate or practising solicitor), a fee (around £35 to record, plus about £15 for a certificate), and limits — forename once; surname up to three times with five years between surname changes. Official page: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name
Scotland: if you were born or adopted in Scotland you can apply to National Records of Scotland for a name change recorded on your birth entry (new birth certificate). A statutory declaration before a notary or solicitor is the traditional Scottish evidence route; UK caseworker guidance also accepts change-of-name deeds. People born outside Scotland who live there commonly use a UK deed poll* for HMPO, DVLA and banks.
For a fast unenrolled England/Wales/NI-style document accepted by most UK bodies, Instant Deed Poll’s adult deed poll* PDF (from around £14.99) or statutory declaration* templates cover the paperwork — check which evidence your bank or council asks for before you pay for enrolment or GRONI recording.
Primary source: nidirect.gov.uk/articles/recording-change-name
Part of our Family & care
This quick answer sits inside our wider family & care hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full family & care guide →