We are responsible for
- installing and maintaining street nameplates within the area
- naming new streets and numbering properties within the Council boundary
- renaming and renumbering of existing properties when required.
The Royal Mail is responsible for the allocating postcodes. Use the Royal Mail postcode finder or call 08456 011 110 with question about postcodes.
The statutory addressing charter contains the processes, procedures and standards for street naming and numbering.
Download the statutory addressing charter - PDF
Download the quick guide to street naming and numbering - PDF
Naming streets
In general, new streets are named after people, places or events associated with the City of Edinburgh to preserve history and sustain our sense of place. Names should meet at least one of these criteria:
- Commemorate local history, places, events or culture, in particular any that relate to the site
- Honour and commemorate notable people associated with the local area or the City of Edinburgh as a whole, giving a woman’s name priority where possible
- Celebrate cultural diversity in the City of Edinburgh
- Commemorate national and international notable persons who are deceased
- Commemorate national and international events
- Strengthen neighbourhood identity
- Recognise native wildlife, flora, fauna or natural features related to the community or the City of Edinburgh as a whole
We keep and update a bank of potential street names for the various parts of the city. You can propose names to be added to the bank through your ward Councillors, local community council, neighbourhood network or by emailing
streetnaming@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Proposed names should be accompanied by some detail as to the history behind the suggestion.
Download the bank of street names - PDF
Apply for a new street name or number
Submit applications for new addresses as soon as possible once a building warrant reference number has been issued.
Read our statutory address application guidance.
Download the statutory address application form - PDF
Request address confirmation
To confirm the statutory address of an existing property, complete the form below.
Please note that we cannot confirm the occupant(s) of the property, only the statutory address.
If you require a Statutory Notice a fee is chargeable. If confirmation in a letter is sufficient there is no fee.
Street nameplates
You are able to apply for street signage at the CC5 stage of Road Construction. Installation will not take place until stage CC6 (full road adoption). Full details can be found in the Street Naming Charter.
Use the form below to apply for street nameplates for a new development.
Download the street signs application form - PDF
To report problems with a street nameplate in an existing street please complete the form below.
Report a damaged or missing street nameplate
Fees
Street naming and numbering is a chargeable service. The proceeds are used to cover administration costs.
Street naming and numbering
Address: G.3,Waverley Court,
4 East Market Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 8BG