The certificate and the deed poll, read together
Where the birth certificate cannot change, nothing is lost. Organisations ask for both documents because they read them as a pair: the birth certificate proves the name you were given, and the deed poll proves you gave it up and took another. The one thing that breaks the link is a mismatch, so the former name on your deed poll must match the certificate exactly, spelling, order and middle names included.
What each register can do
- England and Wales. The register is not amended for a later change of name. The exceptions are a baby's first or middle names within 12 months of the registration, £44, and a correction of something recorded wrongly at the time, £83 or £99.
- Scotland. National Records of Scotland can record a change of name against the birth entry, £40, so new certificates show both names. Not for a change on marriage, divorce or civil partnership.
- Northern Ireland. The General Register Office for Northern Ireland can record a change against the birth entry, £35, plus £15 for a certificate showing it.
- Born outside the UK. Only the registry of the country of birth can say whether it records a change; in the UK the deed poll is the evidence.
Recording a change in Scotland or Northern Ireland is optional. HM Passport Office and DVLA accept a deed poll wherever you were born, and changing your name in Scotland and Northern Ireland compare the two routes.
Questions people ask
Can I change my name on my birth certificate in the UK?
It depends where the birth was registered. In England and Wales a birth certificate is not amended for a later change of name; you show it with your deed poll. National Records of Scotland and the General Register Office for Northern Ireland can record a change against a birth entry, so new certificates show it.
Do you change your name on your birth certificate after marriage?
No. Marrying does not change a birth certificate: your marriage or civil partnership certificate links your birth name to your married name, and HM Passport Office accepts it.
Can I change my baby's name on the birth certificate?
In England and Wales, a first or middle name can be changed within 12 months of the registration, for £44, but not the surname. Scotland and Northern Ireland can record either, within limits. Changing a baby's name after the birth is registered
Can I change the spelling of a name on a birth certificate?
Only if it was recorded wrongly when the birth was registered. GOV.UK says a correction costs £83 or £99 and adds a note in the margin, with the original entry still shown. A spelling you prefer now is a change of name, made by deed poll.
Does a deed poll change your birth certificate?
Not in England and Wales. The two are read together: the birth certificate proves the name you were given, and the deed poll proves the change. In Scotland and Northern Ireland you can also have the change recorded against the birth entry.
Something else? Ask us, and a person replies by email, normally the same working day.
