Name change for toddler by deed poll. How can it be done?

[VivaForever97]

Very uncommon I'm sure, but I would like to change my young child's middle name. And to do this it will need to be by deed poll as I've been told.

I'm happy to do this but wondered if anyone can give insight into how quick this process can be done. I would like to order their passport this week if possible! Is that even possible?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

If the father has PR, you need his consent or a court order to change your child's name. If he does not, a simple change of name deed is all that is required. You don't need an enrolled deed poll.

Thanks for your response.

Father is in agreement. :)

Does it need to be done by an online company or can I do it myself?

You can use an online template or, if you want something looking more official, go with an online company.

www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/change-a-childs-name

Thanks for this.

I read the gov.uk website but needed clarity regarding the options:
-make an unenrolled deed poll by using a specialist deed poll agency
or
-a solicitor

I wasnt sure if I could do it myself or I had to use an agency based on what was said online.

Any recommendations for online agencies used?

Many thanks in advance

How old is your child? If he’s under one, you can change his name after registeratoon and be issued with a new birth certificate? Apologies if he is older but thought it might be worth asking.

Older :)

I’m so sorry I was in a rush when I posted the link. I would do the enrolled deed poll as you may find the other might not be accepted by eg the passport office. Otherwise use a family solicitor not an online agency for safety.

We changed the name of our eldest son years ago. We used a change of name deed. He is now in his 20s and has never had any problems with the passport office, DVLA or anyone else.

Did you use an online agency? If so, do you mind saying which one?

Hi, I've just done it for my young child via https://deedpolloffice.com/

I used them as someone at work had used them successfully too and it worked because I've just had their new passport back. They sent a template letter for me and dad to sign as well so that was helpful. But for the passport I had to send proof that child is using name, eg letter from doctor etc so it's not as quick as applying for passport immediately.

Google 'free deed poll' you don't need to pay anything and it is perfectly legal.

Can you do a free one even for a child?

Yes, you can.

Sorry for the questions, for the free one does it need to be signed by a solicitor? Or can it be anyone who has known us for 10 years?

It does not need to be signed by a solicitor.

The only reason for using a company such as Deed Poll Office is that they will give you a more official-looking certificate than something you do yourself. That may help in some circumstances, but a free one you do yourself is just as valid provided it is correctly worded and executed.

No need to involve a solicitor, you just need two witnesses, they could be your neighbours, the child's teacher(s), the postie - anyone.

Thank you.

I have found some wording online so hopefully it is sufficient.

Using a company or your solicitor is just throwing money away. You can do a free one and it will be accepted, from experience. The reason adults may say it didn't work is because the passport office requires you to show proof of using your new name before they will issue a passport so you need to apply for a new driving license and change your bank account/payslip first.
For children, this obviously isn't expected.