The UK Deed Poll Office London Ltd - Why is it called a Deed Poll?

Why is it called a Deed Poll?

The word ‘Deed’ describes a written legal agreement that must be signed and delivered (shown) to all concerned parties. The word ‘Poll’ in this context is an old English word that describes a legal document with ‘polled’ or straight edges. Originally this polling process was carried out to distinguish between a Deed (signed by one person) and an ‘indenture’ (a Deed made by two parties expressing an uncommon interest) which had serrated edges. Thus, these single signing documents became known as ‘Deed Polls’.

Deed Polls have been in existence for over 150 years and their usage can be traced back as far as 1851.

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