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The practical guide · Name change in Scotland

# Changing your name in Scotland

Compare recording a change with National Records of Scotland, a deed poll and a statutory declaration, then check what each organisation accepts.

Quick answer

In Scotland you can use a deed poll or a statutory declaration signed before a notary public or Justice of the Peace. If you were born or adopted in Scotland, you can also record the change with National Records of Scotland (NRS), which updates your birth or adoption record for £40. Marriage, divorce and civil partnership documents are separate evidence.

£40

NRS fee to record a change of name, checked 24 September 2026

\+ £10

For each extra family member applying at the same time

By post

NRS does not accept online applications

JP or notary

Usual witnesses for a statutory declaration in Scotland (councillors can also sign)

Updated 24 September 2026 · 9 min read · [Official sources linked](#guide-sources)

**Before you start**

This guide is for people who live in Scotland or were born or adopted there. It explains official routes and is not legal advice. NRS and Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service details were checked on 24 September 2026. Ask each organisation which evidence it accepts before choosing a route or paying for a document.

Optional document preparation

[Preview my deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/start/) [Use the free DIY template](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-deed-poll-template/)

One payment · PDF delivery · Printing and witnessing completed by you

## Which ways can you change your name in Scotland?

There are three routes. People born or adopted in Scotland can record a change of name with National Records of Scotland. A deed poll or a statutory declaration can be used by anyone, including people born elsewhere. Marriage, divorce and civil partnership documents already cover many surname changes, so check them first.

Name-change routes in Scotland, checked 24 September 2026
| Route | Who it suits | Cost | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Records of Scotland recording | People born or adopted in Scotland, for a change that is not because of marriage, divorce or civil partnership | £40, plus £10 for each additional family member applying at the same time | Updates the birth or adoption record; new copies show the new and previous names (HM Passport Office guidance says the previous name is not shown where the change is for a child under 12 months) |
| Deed poll | Anyone who needs evidence of a chosen name for organisations such as HM Passport Office and DVLA | Free if you prepare it yourself | A signed and witnessed document; it does not change the birth record |
| Statutory declaration | Anyone whose recipient accepts or asks for one | JP signing is currently free; notaries may charge | A declaration signed in front of a notary public or Justice of the Peace |
| Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or decree of divorce | A surname change after marriage, divorce or civil partnership | Uses a document you already hold | NRS says most organisations accept it as evidence |

GOV.UK’s deed poll guidance notes that there are different rules for changing your name if you were born in Scotland. The NRS route is the only one of the three that changes the Scottish register itself. A deed poll or declaration is evidence you show to each organisation.

Use the [which-document checker](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/which-document/) if you are unsure, and read the [UK name-change guide](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/how-to-change-your-name-uk/) for the overall process.

Source: [GOV.UK change your name by deed poll](https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll).

## Who can record a change of name with National Records of Scotland?

You can apply if you were born or adopted in Scotland and the change is not because of marriage, divorce or a civil partnership. NRS says the service updates your birth or adoption certificate, and new copies show your new name and your previous name. HM Passport Office guidance says the previous name is not shown where the change is for a child under 12 months.

NRS charges £40 to record a change of name. If you apply for more than one family member at the same time, it costs an extra £10 for each additional person (checked 24 September 2026). NRS emails payment instructions after it receives the application, so you must include an email address. It uses email for all further contact.

NRS does not automatically provide a replacement birth certificate. It explains how to order one once the change is complete. HM Passport Office’s caseworker guidance tells staff to accept a Scottish birth certificate showing the new and old names as evidence of a change of name.

If you were neither born nor adopted in Scotland, this service is not available to you, even if you live in Scotland. Use one of the other routes below.

Source: [National Records of Scotland: how much it costs](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=how-much-it-costs).

Source: [HM Passport Office names evidence guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/names-evidence-to-change-a-name-caseworker-guidance/names-evidence-to-change-a-name-accessible).

Source: [HM Passport Office birth registration guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/birth-registration/birth-registration).

## Which NRS form do you need, and how often can a name be changed?

You must apply by post; NRS does not accept online applications. The form depends on the age of the person changing their name. People aged 16 or over can have one forename change and up to three surname changes, at least five years apart. People under 16 can have one forename change and one surname change.

National Records of Scotland forms by age, checked 24 September 2026
| Age of the person | NRS form | Limit on changes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 16 or over | Form 24 (the over 16 application form) | One forename change; up to 3 surname changes, with a gap of at least 5 years between each |
| Under 12 months | Form 21 to change a forename, or Form 23 to change a surname | One forename change and one surname change |
| 12 months to under 16 | Form 23 (the under 16 application form) | One forename change and one surname change |

Complete and sign the form by hand, then send it to: Change of Name Team, New Register House, West Register Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YT.

NRS aims to email you within 20 days of receiving your application to confirm the details of the change and request payment. After you pay, it aims to email you within 15 working days to confirm when the change is complete and explain how to order a replacement birth certificate. Allow for this before planning a passport or other application that depends on the new certificate.

Source: [National Records of Scotland: how to apply](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=how-to-apply).

## Can you use a deed poll in Scotland?

Yes. NRS lists a deed poll as one way for people born outside Scotland to change their name, and HM Passport Office and DVLA both list deed polls as change-of-name evidence. A deed poll does not alter your Scottish birth or adoption record; only NRS recording does that.

HM Passport Office guidance says an unenrolled deed poll must be signed in both the old and new names, signed by at least one witness, dated, and signed in wet ink. Our adult document follows the GOV.UK model, which uses two witnesses. Read the [passport name-change guide](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-passport/) for the full evidence list.

DVLA handles driving licences in Scotland as in England and Wales. If you use a deed poll or statutory declaration, DVLA also asks for one document showing your new name, such as a letter from your employer or a UK bank statement issued in the last 12 months. The [driving licence guide](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-driving-licence/) has the details.

Deed polls are free to prepare yourself with the [free template](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-deed-poll-template/). A paid document does not update any record for you.

Source: [National Records of Scotland: if you were born outside Scotland](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=if-you-were-born-outside-scotland).

Source: [GOV.UK driving licence evidence for a name change](https://www.gov.uk/id-for-driving-licence).

## How do you make a statutory declaration in Scotland?

Sign it in front of a notary public or a Justice of the Peace. You book a JP appointment through your local JP court, and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service says the signing service by JPs is currently free of charge (checked 24 September 2026). JPs do not write or supply the wording, so bring a completed declaration.

SCTS lists statutory declarations “for changing your name” among the documents JPs sign. You will need to make an appointment, bring identification such as your driving licence or passport, and bring the forms you need signed. You will be asked to take an oath or affirm that you will tell the truth.

SCTS also says “JPs do not compose or supply the forms. If that is required you should consult a solicitor.” Most solicitors in Scotland are also notaries public and may charge for that service. SCTS adds that councillors can sign certain documents, mainly statutory declarations.

If an official form exists for your purpose, use it: see the [free official statutory declaration forms](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-statutory-declaration-forms/). If the organisation accepts a general declaration and you would like the wording prepared, our [name-change declaration](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/statutory-declaration-name-change/) is an optional £9.99 PDF. Signing it before a JP remains a separate appointment.

Source: [Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service: signing documents](https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/courts-and-tribunals/sheriff-and-justice-of-the-peace-courts/justice-of-the-peace-courts/signing-documents/).

## Do you need anything extra after marriage, divorce or a civil partnership?

Usually not. NRS says you do not need to change your surname after marriage, divorce or a civil partnership, and most organisations accept a marriage or civil partnership certificate, or a decree of divorce, as evidence if you start using a new surname. The NRS recording service cannot be used for these changes.

If an organisation asks for more evidence, NRS says to contact it for guidance. Our guides to [changing your name after marriage](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-after-marriage/), [civil partnership name changes](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/civil-partnership-name-change/) and [returning to a name after divorce](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-after-divorce/) explain the evidence each record-holder may ask for.

A deed poll is still an option if you want a surname the certificate does not support, such as a newly blended name.

Source: [National Records of Scotland: after marriage, divorce or civil partnership](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=after-marriage-divorce-or-civil-partnership).

## Which records work differently in Scotland?

Passports and driving licences use the same HM Passport Office and DVLA processes as in England and Wales. Some records are Scottish: Social Security Scotland asks you to report a change of name, and NHS Scotland keeps patient details on the Community Health Index, which is updated through your GP practice.

If you receive Scottish benefits, tell Social Security Scotland about the change. mygov.scot says that if you also get benefits such as [Universal Credit](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-universal-credit-benefits/) or Pension Credit, you need to tell DWP as well. Our [benefits guide](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-universal-credit-benefits/#scotland-and-northern-ireland) covers the separate routes.

For health records, NHS National Services Scotland says patient details are kept up to date on the Community Health Index using updates from GP practices. Ask your practice how it will update your name; see [NHS records outside England](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-nhs/#what-is-different-elsewhere-in-the-uk).

Choose Scotland in the [free name change organiser](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/name-change-organiser/) to build a checklist with these differences.

Source: [mygov.scot: tell Social Security Scotland about changes](https://www.mygov.scot/if-your-circumstances-change).

Source: [NHS National Services Scotland: changing patient details](https://www.nss.nhs.scot/medical-services/patient-registration-and-medical-records/how-to-change-patient-details/).

When you need the paperwork

### Using a deed poll in Scotland?

If the organisations you are updating accept a deed poll, you can prepare a personalised adult deed poll with Instant Deed Poll for £14.99 and preview it before paying. It does not change your Scottish birth record; only National Records of Scotland can do that.

[Preview my deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/start/) [Use the free DIY template](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-deed-poll-template/)

One payment · PDF delivery · Printing and witnessing completed by you

A few more answers

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does it cost to change your name in Scotland?

Recording a change with National Records of Scotland costs £40, plus £10 for each additional family member applying at the same time (checked 24 September 2026). A deed poll you prepare yourself is free. SCTS says JP signing of documents is currently free; notaries may charge.

### Can I apply to National Records of Scotland online?

No. NRS says you must apply by post and it does not accept online applications. Include an email address, because NRS uses email for all further contact.

### Will NRS send me a new birth certificate?

Not automatically. NRS does not provide a replacement birth certificate as part of the change. It explains how to order one once the change is complete, and new copies show your new name and your previous name. HM Passport Office guidance says the previous name is not shown where the change is for a child under 12 months.

### I live in Scotland but was born in England. Can I use NRS?

No, unless you were adopted in Scotland. The NRS service is for people born or adopted in Scotland. NRS says people born outside Scotland can use the name-change process in their country of birth, a deed poll or a statutory declaration.

### Do I need a statutory declaration rather than a deed poll in Scotland?

Not automatically. NRS lists both as options for people born outside Scotland, and HM Passport Office guidance lists deed polls and statutory declarations as change-of-name evidence. Ask each organisation you are updating what it accepts.

### Will a Justice of the Peace write my declaration?

No. SCTS says JPs do not compose or supply the forms. Bring the completed declaration and identification to your appointment, and do not sign it before you are in front of the JP.

## Related guides

-   [How to change your name in the UK](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/how-to-change-your-name-uk/)
-   [Statutory declaration costs](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/statutory-declaration-cost/)
-   [Check the free official declaration forms](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-statutory-declaration-forms/)
-   [Update your passport](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-passport/)

## Sources and further reading

Sources last checked on 24 September 2026. Follow the receiving organisation’s current instructions for your own application.

-   [National Records of Scotland — change your name in Scotland](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/)
-   [National Records of Scotland — how to apply and processing times](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=how-to-apply)
-   [National Records of Scotland — how much it costs](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=how-much-it-costs)
-   [National Records of Scotland — if you were born outside Scotland](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=if-you-were-born-outside-scotland)
-   [National Records of Scotland — after marriage, divorce or civil partnership](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/change-your-name-in-scotland/?section=after-marriage-divorce-or-civil-partnership)
-   [Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service — JP signing of documents](https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/courts-and-tribunals/sheriff-and-justice-of-the-peace-courts/justice-of-the-peace-courts/signing-documents/)
-   [HM Passport Office — evidence to change a name](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/names-evidence-to-change-a-name-caseworker-guidance/names-evidence-to-change-a-name-accessible)
-   [HM Passport Office — birth registration guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/birth-registration/birth-registration)
-   [GOV.UK — driving licence identity evidence](https://www.gov.uk/id-for-driving-licence)
-   [GOV.UK — change your name by deed poll](https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll)
-   [mygov.scot — tell Social Security Scotland about changes](https://www.mygov.scot/if-your-circumstances-change)
-   [NHS National Services Scotland — changing patient details](https://www.nss.nhs.scot/medical-services/patient-registration-and-medical-records/how-to-change-patient-details/)

Spotted something that needs correcting? [See our corrections log](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/corrections/) or [contact us](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/contact/).

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