Changes of Name in Scotland

How to change your name in Scotland, Getting a new birth certificate, Recording your change of name. Who can apply to record a change of name, How much does it cost?

Can I Change My Name?

The law in Scotland allows anyone who wishes to change their forename or surname to do so. You may use almost any chosen name you wish and the new name does not have to be connected in any way to either your original names or those of your family members.

Any change of forename or surname for persons who were born or adopted in Scotland may be recorded against the appropriate entry in the birth register. Once this has been done, a birth certificate may be obtained which shows the new forename and/or surname.

How Do I Change My Name?

Once you have decided to change either your forename or surname, you should advise any agency or Department that may have a record of your name. This will usually include your bank, employers, doctor, social security etc. Some agencies may ask for some from of proof to show the connection between the new name and the original name. If you live in Dundee, the Dundee Registrar may be able to provide you with a statutory declaration which should normally be accepted as proof.

How Do I Get a Birth Certificate which shows the New Name?

There are actually several ways in which a name may be changed on a birth certificate, depending upon your particular circumstances. The most common way to record a name however, is by a Recording of Change of Name. Before you consider applying for any recording of name however, you should speak to your local registrar, who will be able to advise you about the most suitable way to proceed.

Recording of Change of Name

How and Where to Apply

You can obtain an application form9 from any registrar of births deaths and marriages in Scotland. The staff at Dundee will guide you through the process of completing the form and advise you of the procedure. Alternately you may write to the General Register Office, Change of Name Unit, New Register House, Edinburgh EH1 3YT, to whom all completed applications must be sent along with the fees for recording the change. Cheques and postal orders should be crossed and made payable to “The Registrar General.” It is advisable that you first speak to the local registrar however, to advise you of the most suitable means of recording a change of name.

Who Can Apply for a Recording of Change of Name?

Anyone aged 16 years or older, who was born or adopted in Scotland may apply at any time for a change of name to be recorded. If the change of name is for a child under 16, the application must be made by a qualified informant, i.e.

The parent who has sole parental responsibilities in relation to a child.
Both parents of a child, where joint responsibility is held.
Where neither parent has responsibility for the child, the application must be made by the person with responsibility.

How Much Does it Cost to Record a Change of Name?

The cost of a Recording of Change of Name is currently £36. A new certificate, once the recording has been made, will cost £13.50

Remember however, that circumstances may allow or require a change to be made in other ways and a Recording of Change of Name might not be appropriate.

« Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages

This information is provided by the Support Services Department