Form LOC024: Statutory Declaration for a Minor's Deed Poll

At a glance

• What it is: Form LOC024 is a statutory declaration, sworn by an independent adult, that GOV.UK requires as part of enrolling a child's new name with the High Court. It is one of four core forms in the bundle, alongside LOC022 (the deed poll), LOC023 (the affidavit of best interest), and LOC026 (the Notice for The Gazette). You may also need LOC028, an additional exhibit cover sheet completed once for each exhibit.
• Not needed for an unenrolled deed poll: if you use an unenrolled deed poll made privately through a solicitor or a specialist deed poll agency instead of going through the court, LOC024 does not apply.
• Who can be the declarant: an independent adult who has known you for 10 years or longer, is a British or Commonwealth citizen, and is a UK householder. They cannot be your husband, wife, civil partner, or any other relative by birth or marriage. GOV.UK also confirms the declarant can sign the LOC022 deed poll form itself as one of the two witnesses.
• Known the applicant less than 10 years? GOV.UK allows this if you add an extra witness statement in a set form of words; a judge then decides whether to accept it.
• Where it's sworn: in front of a solicitor, a commissioner for oaths, or an officer of the court at the Royal Courts of Justice. GOV.UK's current fee is £14 if sworn in court; check GOV.UK for the current fee if using a solicitor or commissioner for oaths instead.
• Making a false declaration is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 — up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• If your child is 16 or 17, they can choose to make their own unenrolled deed poll instead, or you can enrol one for them with a signed letter of agreement from them.
• If the other parent hasn't agreed: you need either the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or a family court order (a specific issue order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989) before the enrolment can go ahead.

What Form LOC024 is

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact, sworn in front of an authorised person, under the framework set out in the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It carries legal weight because knowingly making a false one is a criminal offence.

Form LOC024 is the version of this document that GOV.UK requires specifically for enrolling a child's deed poll with the High Court. The enrolment process itself — the Central Office of the Supreme Court (now the King's Bench Division) recording a deed poll on public record — is governed by the Enrolment of Deeds (Change of Name) Regulations 1994. When you apply — online or by post — HM Courts and Tribunals Service sends you four core forms to complete: LOC022, LOC023, LOC024 and LOC026 (the Notice for The Gazette). You may also need LOC028, an additional exhibit cover sheet completed once for each exhibit. If you apply online, LOC024 is not something you download in advance; it is emailed to you to print and complete once your application has been submitted. LOC024 itself is completed by an independent adult, known as the declarant, who confirms to the court who you are.

This form only comes into play if you are using the court enrolment route. GOV.UK sets out a second option — an unenrolled deed poll made through a solicitor or a specialist deed poll agency — which does not involve LOC024 at all, though some organisations (such as certain banks or utility providers) may insist on an enrolled deed poll before they will update their records, so it is worth checking with the organisation you need to satisfy.

Who can be the declarant

The declarant does not need any special qualification, but GOV.UK sets firm requirements:

• They must have known you for 10 years or longer.
• They must be a British or Commonwealth citizen.
• They must be a householder in the UK — someone who owns or rents their own home there, or is responsible for paying household bills and expenses.
• They cannot be your husband, wife, civil partner, or any other relative by birth or marriage. A friend or colleague is acceptable.

If you have not known anyone for 10 years or longer, you are not automatically stuck. GOV.UK allows you to include an additional witness statement explaining why, using this specific wording: "I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth." The declarant must still complete the statutory declaration form as normal; a judge decides whether the enrolment can proceed on that basis.

GOV.UK also confirms the declarant can sign the LOC022 deed poll form itself as one of the two required witnesses — so the same person can play both roles if they meet the criteria above.

How to complete and swear the declaration

1. Check you're using the right form for the right route. LOC024 is for enrolling a child's deed poll with the High Court, not for an unenrolled deed poll.
2. Identify your declarant using the criteria above, and check they are willing to swear a formal declaration on your behalf.
3. Complete the form accurately. The declarant records their own details and confirms what they know about you and the child, including proof of the child's citizenship. Do not sign or date it before attending the swearing appointment.
4. Swear the declaration in front of a solicitor, a commissioner for oaths, or an officer of the court. To use an officer of the court, you must call the Deed Poll Team to book an appointment at the Royal Courts of Justice; alternatively, GOV.UK's find a legal adviser service can help you locate a solicitor or commissioner for oaths.
5. Pay the fee. GOV.UK's current fee is £14 if the oath or affirmation is made in court; the fee may be different with a solicitor or commissioner for oaths, so check GOV.UK for the current amount either way. The form must be printed single-sided.
6. Post the completed, sworn form to the Deed Poll Office along with LOC022, LOC023 and LOC026, plus any LOC028 exhibit cover sheets and the required supporting documents (including the child's full birth certificate).

If your child is 16 or 17

The rules shift slightly once a child turns 16. GOV.UK confirms a 16 or 17-year-old can choose to make their own unenrolled deed poll, without needing a parent to apply on their behalf through the enrolment route this page covers.

If you do apply to enrol a deed poll for a 16 or 17-year-old, you must include a letter from them confirming they agree to the change. The letter must state their old and new name, and be witnessed and signed by someone aged 18 or over who is not related to the child. If the 16 or 17-year-old is, or has previously been, married or in a civil partnership, GOV.UK requires them to apply to enrol their own deed poll as an adult instead.

If parental consent is missing or disputed

Enrolling a child's deed poll needs either the agreement of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order — GOV.UK is clear that you must try to reach agreement first. LOC024 itself does not resolve a disagreement between parents; it only confirms who the applicant is.

Where agreement genuinely cannot be reached, the parent seeking the change can apply to the family court for a specific issue order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, using form C100. GOV.UK's current fee for this application is £263, and help with fees may be available if you are on benefits or a low income. Because these applications turn on the specific facts of the family's situation, it is worth taking advice before you proceed if you expect the other parent to object.

This guide provides general information about Form LOC024 and how it fits into enrolling a child's deed poll in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always check GOV.UK for the current forms, fees and process before you apply.

Last reviewed: August 2026 by a non-practising solicitor · Next review due: August 2027 or on GOV.UK process change.