Scotland has its own system for recording a change of name, and it works differently from England and Wales. Which route applies to you depends on where your birth was registered, not on where you live now.
This page explains the difference so you can work out which you need before you pay for anything.
If your birth was registered in Scotland
National Records of Scotland holds your birth record and can record a change of name against it. This is a statutory process run by NRS, it carries its own fee, and it is separate from a Deed Poll.
Because your Scottish birth record is amended directly, this is generally the route Scottish organisations expect. NRS applies conditions to it, including limits on how many times a name can be recorded as changed and rules about age, so you should read the current NRS guidance before deciding.
Where to go
Applications to record a change of name go to National Records of Scotland, not to us. Search for "National Records of Scotland change of name" for the current forms, fees and conditions.
If your birth was registered outside Scotland
NRS cannot amend a birth record it does not hold. If you were born in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or abroad and now live in Scotland, recording a change of name with NRS is not available to you.
In that situation a Deed Poll is commonly used as documentary evidence of a change of name, and it is the same document that would be used elsewhere in the UK. Organisations such as HM Passport Office and DVLA operate UK-wide and accept evidence of a name change from applicants in Scotland on the same basis as anywhere else, though each sets its own requirements.
Born in Scotland
Recording your change of name with National Records of Scotland is usually the appropriate route. Contact NRS directly.
Born elsewhere, living in Scotland
A Deed Poll is the usual option, and you can apply for one through this site.
Children in Scotland
Changing a child's name involves further considerations wherever you are in the UK. Everyone with parental responsibilities and rights for the child normally needs to agree, and Scottish family law uses its own terminology and framework.
If a child's birth was registered in Scotland, a change of name would normally be recorded with NRS. Where that is not available, our Child Deed Poll application may be suitable. If you are unsure whether consent has been properly obtained, take advice before applying.
Before you order anything
- Check where your birth was registered, since this decides the route.
- If it was Scotland, contact National Records of Scotland first.
- Check the requirements of any organisation you particularly need to satisfy, such as your bank or HM Passport Office.
- Only order a Deed Poll from us if the NRS route does not apply to you.
We would rather you spent nothing with us than bought a document that is not the right one for your circumstances. If you are not sure which applies, email admin@deedpolldirect.com before ordering.
Ready to apply?
Adult, child and family applications can all be completed online.
Start your application