Can a 16- or 17-year-old change their name without parental consent?

A single yes-or-no answer obscures the important difference between making an unenrolled deed, enrolling it and applying for a passport. Check the rule for the step you actually need. GOV.UK: changing a child’s name; HM Passport Office: passport consent and child name changes

Enrolment puts the change on a public court record. For a child’s enrolment, HMCTS requires the child’s agreement in a letter showing both names, signed and witnessed by an unrelated adult aged 18 or over. The process also uses additional forms, including an affidavit of best interest and statutory declaration. A public notice is normally published in The Gazette; explain a strong reason for limiting publication in the application. GOV.UK: changing a child’s name

This is a formal court process and may take several months. Enrolment is a separate court procedure; choose it where it suits the requirements of your particular case.

• Check the recipient’s requirements for an unenrolled deed, enrolment or other evidence.
• If a passport is needed, read HM Passport Office’s current age and consent rules separately.
• Keep a court order or caveat available and follow its terms.
• Use the chosen full name consistently across the document and applications.
• Make a plan to update school, bank, HMRC, employer, travel and immigration records as relevant.
• If a family dispute or safeguarding risk is involved, obtain appropriate legal or specialist advice before contacting another person.

For more on the young person’s passport evidence, see changing a child’s passport name after a deed poll.