Are deed polls registered anywhere?

Contrary to popular belief Deeds of Change of Name (deed polls) are not actually registered anywhere unless the individual executing the deed poll decided to enroll it in the Close Rolls of the Chancery (from 1851 to 1902) or in the Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature (from 1903 onwards).

Why enroll a deed poll?

There is absolutely no legal requirement to enroll a deed poll in the Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature and the only benefit in doing so is providing a public record of your name change. Since 1914 enrolled deed polls have had a notice published in either the London or Belfast Gazette including the person’s name (old and new names) and home address.

The vast majority of deed polls are not enrolled because it adds a very significant expense to the name change process. At the time this article was published (November 2010), the total cost for enrolling a deed poll is £64.43.

Getting your deed poll enrolled

If you wish to have your deed poll enrolled in the Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature you should call 0207 947 6000 for more information or write to:

The Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL