College of Arms

The College of Arms is an English institution originally incorporated in 1484 which includes all the Kings of Arms, Heralds and Pursuivants in England and Wales. The Kings of Arms are responsible for granting coats of arms in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and to that end are granted the authority of the Queen in general terms upon their appointment. Scottish heraldry is independently regulated by Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Name changes

The College of Arms is also responsible for recording the changes of names. In order to change one's name, one must apply for a deed poll to be entered on the College's registers and published in the London Gazette. (The deed poll is not entered on the registers, but is still published, if the name change does not amend the surname.)

Related Topics:
Deed poll - London Gazette

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Alternatively, when a Royal Licence is granted for a transfer of arms, the change of the surname of the transferee to that of the transferrer may be permitted by the Licence itself, without the need for a deed poll.

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