Changing your name at 16 or 17

Once you are 16, you can change your name in Northern Ireland without your parents' permission.

You apply for your own deed poll, which is a legal document that changes your name. You choose your new name and sign the deed poll yourself.

Your parents' permission

You do not need permission from your parents or anyone else. You also do not need to give a reason.

Unless a court order applies to you, your parents cannot stop you from changing your name. Their support can still help when you update your records.

Your parents also cannot change your name for you once you are 16.

Court orders

Some court orders mean you still need the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility for you. These include residence orders and care orders.

Check your court order to see whether it mentions your name and when it ends. If an order says you cannot change your name, you will need the court's permission while it is in force.

If you are not sure whether an order applies to you, ask a trusted adult or a solicitor before you apply.

Signing your deed poll

You need to sign your deed poll in front of 2 witnesses, who then sign it too.

You can be under 18, but your witnesses must be 18 or over. They must know you personally, and they cannot be close relatives or live at the same address as you.

Updating your records

You can use your deed poll to update your name with your school or college, your bank and your GP practice. You do not need your parents' permission to do this.

Find out more about who to tell.

Your passport

From 16, you apply for an adult passport. To get one in your new name, you will need your deed poll and evidence that you are using your new name.

Find out more about updating your passport.

Apply for a deed poll

It costs £25 to apply for a deed poll with the NI Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.