Changing your child’s name can be done for various reasons. However, the procedure for changing the name can range from a pretty simple ordeal you’ll be done with quickly, to a complex affair that might take a while.

So, how do you change birth certificate information that many people believe is permanent? Well, there are a few ways to go about it, but let’s take a look at some potentially limiting factors first so you know whether or not it is possible at all, and how complicated it is in your specific situation.

Аge is a critical thing

When you’re looking to change your child’s name, a major factor is how old the child is. When he or she is under 16, they cannot formally change their name by themselves. Only their legal guardians, those with parental responsibility can do this. And it is important that all individuals with parental responsibilities agree on the name change. 

The other category is if your child is either 16 or 17 years old. If this is the case, your child can change his or her name by themselves, as if they were adults. The way to do this is either with a deed poll or with a Statutory Declaration of Name Change. Note that in case you opt for a deed poll, only adults can put it on public record, by enrolling it at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Who should give permission?

When you’re trying to change your child’s name, all who have parental responsibility (usually the mother and the father), must both give consent. To add to that, if the child is 16 or 17 years old, they should give consent as well.

But what happens if consent is not given? What if those with parental responsibility have a disagreement as far as the change of name goes? In this situation, it’s possible to apply to the court in order to receive a Specific Issue Order. Note that in this situation, the person applying would need to prove to the court that the change of name is in the child’s best interest.

Another interesting potential issue is what if there is an absent parent? If this is the case, their consent may not be necessarily required in order to change the child’s name. However, the parent seeking a change of name will need to take reasonable steps to contact them. In some situations, they may even be required to provide evidence of those steps.

So, how do you change your child’s name?

For a child under 16 years old, the change of name can either be done with a Statutory declaration, a deed poll, or a birth certificate.

With a Statutory declaration, which is the easiest way, you basically make a formal statement of intention to change one’s name. That statement needs to be signed under oath, and a solicitor must be present. Most organizations do accept this as proof of a change of name.

A deed poll is the other option and is required for any official documents. This includes driving licenses, passports, and other similar documents. To create a deed poll, you must use specific wording, and in order to put it on public record, it must be enrolled at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Last but not least, the birth certificate is the most specific one of them all. Generally, the name on a birth certificate is only changed when there is a spelling mistake. In any other situation, such as with a deed poll, the birth certificate’s name remains the same. It is considered a historical record and thus isn’t changed.

A few things to consider before you change your child’s name

As we mentioned, we won’t get into the reasons why you’d want to change your child’s name. However, before you do begin with the process, there are a couple of considerations you should think about. It’s not just something you’ll want to discuss with the other parent – you should talk to your child as well, and consider their opinion.

The first question you’ll want to ask yourself is whether the name change will affect your child’s relationship with other family members, such as the other parent or any relatives. Next, and this is very important, consider whether the change will make your child feel more secure, or less secure. If it makes them feel less secure, changing the name might not be the best idea.

Last but not least, you’ll want to think about how your child will explain the name change to others. Be it their friends or other relatives, they’ll need a way to explain it. If you have good answers for all of these, you could start with the process.