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How to change your name in Scotland – a complete guide
Changing your name in Scotland is a straightforward process, whether you’re doing so after marriage, divorce, gender transition, or simply because you’d like a fresh start. At Deed Poll Department, we specialise in helping individuals through the name change process, making it as simple, secure, and stress-free as possible from start to finish
The Scottish legal system permits any person to change their name freely. However, certain organisations, such as the DVLA, HM Passport Office, banks, and schools — often require formal proof to demonstrate the link between your new name and your previous one.
This is where formal documentation, such as a Deed Poll, becomes essential when changing your name in Scotland.
Methods of changing your name in Scotland
There are three main ways to change your name in Scotland:
Statutory Declaration: A formal document declaring your intent to abandon your old name and adopt a new one, sworn before a solicitor, notary public, or justice of the peace.
By Usage (Informal Method): You can start using your new name informally in everyday life—at work, socially, or with family and friends. While others may gradually accept it, this method may not be accepted by official bodies like the HM Passport Office or DVLA.
By Deed Poll: A Deed Poll is a formal legal document that records your change of name and provides clear, official evidence of your new identity. The process is straightforward: complete an application through a trusted service such as the Deed Poll Department, sign the document in the presence of two independent adult witnesses. This will then become a legal name change document, accepted by all government bodies and other organisations. It is a simple, cost-effective, and widely understood method for legally changing your name.
Steps on how to apply for a name change in Scotland
Changing your name in Scotland is a straightforward legal process, and a Deed Poll is the most common and recognised method for doing so. Whether you’re changing your forename, surname, or your entire name, here are the key steps you need to follow:
Step 1. Apply for a Deed Poll
Your first step is to apply for a Deed Poll through a trusted and recognised provider like Deed Poll Department. We offer a simple, secure, and fast application process with same day dispatch for applications received by 3:45 pm.
Step 2. Sign and witness your Deed Poll document
To make your name change legally binding, you must then sign your Deed Poll in front of two independent witnesses. Once signed and witnessed, your Deed Poll becomes a legally enforceable document under the law.
Step 3. Notify relevant organisations
After signing your Deed Poll, you need to inform all relevant organisations and update your official records. We recommend making a checklist to ensure no institution is left out. These include:
HM Passport Office – Apply for a new passport in your new name
DVLA – Update your driving licence and vehicle records
Banks & Building Societies – Notify all financial institutions you use
Employers – Ensure your payroll and HR records reflect your new name
HMRC – Update your tax and National Insurance details
GP, NHS, schools, utilities, insurance providers, and others
Changing your name after marriage or divorce in Scotland
In Scotland, changing your name after marriage is entirely your choice—you can take your spouse’s surname, keep your own, or combine both. If you decide to adopt your partner’s surname exactly as shown on your marriage certificate, that document is usually enough for updating most official records. However, if you want to create a new surname, use a non-hyphenated double-barrelled name (like “Brown Taylor”), or keep your maiden name as a middle name, you’ll need a Deed Poll to make that change legally recognised.
Following a divorce, you’re not required to change your name back, but many people choose to. If you still have your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and decree absolute, you can usually revert to your original name without needing a Deed Poll. Some institutions may also ask for a signed statement confirming your intention to resume your former name. If any documents are missing or you want a simpler solution to revert to your maiden name, a Deed Poll is a quick and accepted way to update your name with all major organisations, including HM Passport Office, DVLA, banks, and HMRC.
Changing a child’s name in Scotland
For children under 16 in Scotland, a Child Deed Poll must be arranged by someone with Parental Responsibilities and Rights (PRRs). At Deed Poll Department, we help parents and guardians change a child’s name in full compliance with Scottish law—whether your child is a newborn or approaching their sixteenth birthday.
All individuals with PRRs must give written consent for the name change. If one or more do not agree, a court order will be required. When making a major decision like a name change, the views of the child (depending on age and maturity) and the views of other PRR holders must also be considered.
Who has PRRs in Scotland?
Mother: Automatically holds PRRs from birth, unless removed by court order or adoption.
Father: Has PRRs if he was married to the mother at the time of conception or afterwards, or if both parents jointly registered the birth on or after 4 May 2006. PRRs can also be obtained through a registered Parental Responsibilities and Rights Agreement (PRPRA) or by court order.
Others: Step-parents, grandparents, civil partners, and same-sex partners may have PRRs through court orders, legal agreements, adoption, or surrogacy arrangements. Local authorities or foster carers may also be granted PRRs in certain circumstances. If more than one person has PRRs, everyone must agree to the name change. Our service ensures your application is legally sound, fully documented, and avoids unnecessary delays. For more details see gov.scot.
Ready to change your name or your child’s? Let Deed Poll Department handle it smoothly and legally.
FAQs: changing your name in Scotland
Q: Can I change my child’s name in Scotland?
Yes, but additional legal requirements apply in Scotland. You must obtain consent from everyone with parental responsibilities and rights. For children under 16, a Deed Poll for minors is required, and the name change must be supported with appropriate documentation.
Q: Is a Deed Poll issued by Deed Poll Department valid in Scotland?
Absolutely. Our Deed Polls are legally valid in Scotland, as well as in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are accepted by all major UK authorities. We also offer solicitor-certified versions for added assurance.
Q: Can I change my name in Scotland for any reason?
Yes, in Scotland you can legally change your name for any reason, provided it is not done for fraudulent or deceptive purposes.
Q: Do I need to inform anyone about my name change in Scotland?
Yes, you must inform all relevant organisations in Scotland and the wider UK where you hold accounts or records—such as banks, HMRC, the Passport Office, DVLA, utility companies, and others.
Q: Can I change my name in Scotland if I’m under 16?
If you are under 16 and living in Scotland, a parent or guardian must apply on your behalf, with the consent of all individuals who have parental responsibility.
Q: Will my Scottish birth certificate be updated after a name change?
Yes, you can apply to the National Records of Scotland to officially update your birth certificate with your new name. This applies to those born or adopted in Scotland.
Q: Can I start using my new name immediately in Scotland?
Yes, once your Deed Poll has been properly signed and witnessed, you may begin using your new name in Scotland. However, updating official documents may take additional time.
Q: Do I need a Deed Poll to change my name after marriage or divorce in Scotland?
Not necessarily. In Scotland, you can use your marriage certificate to take your spouse’s surname, or your decree absolute to revert to your maiden name. If you do not have the required documents you can easily change your name through Deed Poll.
Q: Can I change my name multiple times in Scotland?
Yes, there is no legal limit to the number of times you can change your name in Scotland, provided each change is made in good faith and not for fraudulent purposes.
Q: Can I change my child’s name in Scotland without the other parent’s consent?
No. If both parents have parental responsibility under Scottish law, both must give written consent to the name change. If only one parent holds responsibility, they may apply independently.
Q: What happens to my passport when I change my name in Scotland?
You’ll need to apply for a new passport in your new name. Your Deed Poll will be required as supporting documentation.
At Deed Poll Department, we understand that changing your name is a personal and often meaningful decision. Whether you’re updating your name due to marriage, divorce, or for individual reasons, our expert services help you navigate the Scottish legal process with ease, accuracy, and peace of mind.