Northern Ireland is a separate legal jurisdiction from England and Wales, and it has its own arrangements for recording a change of name.
A Deed Poll is still widely used as evidence of a name change in Northern Ireland, but there are additional options that may suit your circumstances better, particularly where a child is involved.
Using a Deed Poll in Northern Ireland
An unenrolled Deed Poll is a written declaration that you have abandoned your former name and intend to use your new name at all times. Organisations across the UK commonly accept one as evidence when updating their records, and this includes organisations operating in Northern Ireland.
As with anywhere else, individual organisations set their own evidence requirements. Some will ask to see the original document rather than a photocopy, and some will ask for further identification showing you are using the new name.
Enrolment and official recording
Northern Ireland has its own court and registration arrangements, and there are routes for having a change of name formally recorded rather than simply evidenced by a private deed. These are handled by the courts and by the General Register Office for Northern Ireland, not by us.
We provide unenrolled Deed Polls only
Deed Poll Direct does not provide enrolled Deed Polls or any court or registry process. If you specifically need a change of name entered on an official register, contact the relevant Northern Ireland office directly before ordering from us.
Children in Northern Ireland
Where a child's birth was registered in Northern Ireland, there may be a route to have the change of name recorded officially rather than relying on a private deed, and this is often what schools, health bodies and other local organisations expect. It is worth checking that before ordering a Deed Poll.
Whichever route you use, everyone with parental responsibility for the child normally needs to consent. Our Child Deed Poll application asks about the parental responsibility position, and if the answers suggest the position is unclear we would rather talk to you than simply process the order.
Passports, driving licences and other records
HM Passport Office and DVA / DVLA arrangements for Northern Ireland have their own application processes. A correctly signed and witnessed Deed Poll can be used as evidence of a change of name, but you should always check the current requirements of the specific organisation before sending anything, as requirements change and can differ from those in Great Britain.
Before you order anything
- Decide whether you need evidence of a name change or an official recorded change.
- If a child's birth was registered in Northern Ireland, check the registry route first.
- Check what your bank, employer or HM Passport Office will actually accept.
- Contact us if you are unsure whether our service fits your situation.
Ready to apply?
Adult, child and family applications can all be completed online.
Start your application