Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed Poll: Which Do You Need?

What is an Unenrolled Deed Poll?

An Unenrolled Deed Poll is a legal document signed by you in the presence of an independent witness. Under English Law, there is no official central register of names in the UK. Therefore, executing a properly worded unenrolled deed poll is legally sufficient to change your title, first name, middle names, and surname.

Once executed, you present this original physical document to official organisations such as HM Passport Office, the DVLA, HMRC, and your bank to update your records.

What is an Enrolled Deed Poll?

An Enrolled Deed Poll is a deed poll that has been submitted to the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice (Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London) for enrolment in the Court Records.

When a deed poll is enrolled, your details—including your previous full name, your new full name, and your residential address—are permanently published online in The London Gazette.

Which Organisations Accept Unenrolled Deed Polls?

Every major government department and commercial institution in the UK accepts a validly executed unenrolled deed poll, including:

• HM Passport Office: For updating British Passports
• DVLA: For driving licence photocard and counterpart updates
• HMRC: For National Insurance, PAYE, and Self-Assessment records
• UK High Street & Online Banks: HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Monzo, Revolut, Santander, Nationwide
• NHS & GP Surgeries: For medical cards and patient records
• UK Universities & Electoral Roll: For degrees and voting registration

Frequently Asked Questions