More Questions on Deed Poll? Enquire Here

Singapore’s Trusted Deed Poll Lawyers
Who Are We?
IRB Law LLP is a leading full-service law firm with extensive experience helping individuals and families through the legal process of deed poll. Our lawyers handle hundreds of deed polls each year for adults and children, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant process.
What is a Deed Poll?
A Deed Poll is a legal document that officially records your new name or your child’s new name. Once properly signed and witnessed, you can update all official records including passports, NRICs (National Registration Identity Card), and government documents with your new name.
What Types of Changes Can I Make Using a Deed Poll?
You can legally update your name in Singapore through a deed poll to:
- Add or remove punctuation
- Add, or remove Chinese or Tamil characters
- Add Chinese pinyin names
- Reorder words in your name
- Add or remove English, Western, or Christian names
- Correct spelling errors
- Add married names
- Add baptism or religious names
The Deed Poll Process
Deed Poll process explained in 5 Steps

Fill the form
Complete the Deed Poll Online form (5 mins) – Fill out our simple online form with your current and new name details.

Confirm Your Deed Poll
Meet with an experienced lawyer who will verify your identity and officially endorse your deed poll.

Submit the Deed Poll to ICA
Submit your endorsed deed poll and supporting documents through the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoint Authority) website to update your official records. Processing times vary. You can check with ICA for current timelines.

Update All Other Records
Notify banks, insurers, schools, employers, and other organizations of your new name using your new NRIC.

Apply for a New Passport
Once you receive your updated NRIC, apply for a new passport with ICA within seven days.
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Transparent & Competitive Fees
Our Pricing
Your Age | Pay Online/Pay in Person | Walk-In |
---|---|---|
Over 21 | $40 | $130 |
Under 21 | $50 | $130 |
Read More On Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
My child doesn't have an NRIC yet. What would be the steps?
A Deed Poll does not automatically record the name of your child in the Singapore Government’s official records. Once you have signed a Deed Poll in our office, we advise that you notify the relevant authorities and/or relevant organisations (eg. ICA, schools) for the new name.
If your child does not have an NRIC or Singapore Identity Card yet, it is good practice for the parents to do the following:
A. To record the name of your child in the Passport or apply for a new Passport for the child and the new name will be updated at ICA records; or
B. go to Registry of Birth at ICA with the new name with the Deed Poll (note that if your child is above 1 year old, you can’t modify their name in the Birth Certificate, but just ICA’s record).
If your child has an NRIC or Singapore Identity Card, then you should attend ICA to modify his/her name within 28 days from the date of the Deed Poll.
Does my child need to attend your office for Deed Poll signing?
I have the sole custody of my child. Can I still dispense with the consent of the other parent?
Can a minor execute a Deed Poll by him/herself?
Do I need to reflect my new name in my Passport?
To be consistent with the name in your IC, you should reflect the new name in your Passport. You can do so at ICA after you have recorded your new name in your IC. We strongly advise you to update the name in your Passport before you book your travel ticket or travel overseas. However, if in doubt, please contact the ICA directly.
What should I do after I’ve done a Deed Poll?
If you are an adult or a minor with an IC, the adult or minor (assisted by parents) should record the name of his/her IC/NRIC at the ICA within 28 days from the date of the Deed Poll.
What if I lose my Deed Poll? Can I get a replacement?
Can I add my surname with a Deed Poll?
If you are an adult, you may record your surname with a Deed Poll. For a minor (below 21), the parent should obtain the consent of the other parent of the child prior to changing the surname of the child.
How can I update my name while I’m overseas?
If you are currently overseas and intend to return to Singapore soon, you may apply for a Deed Poll via our online submission form first, and inform us of your intended date of return. However, if you are unable to return to Singapore to record your name, a deed poll may be executed with a foreign lawyer.
What documents should I bring when signing deed poll?
Over 21 years old – please bring either your NRIC, Passport, NS Green IC or Singapore Blue Identity Card.
Under 21 years old – please bring your own NRIC or Passport [both parents] and your child’s original Birth Certificate. In cases where the original birth certificate is not in English, you will need to bring both the original and a certified true copy of an English translated version. If you do not have a certified true copy, please get in touch – we do offer this service for an additional fee.
If you are not clear on any of the information above, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What is the price of a deed poll?
If you complete your deed poll submission via our simple form we are able to process your deed poll for $40 [if 21 and over] and $50 [if under 21]. We charge slightly extra for under 21 due to the additional work required. Based on our market research we believe our prices are the lowest in Singapore. We’ve achieved this through leveraging technology to streamline the process, not reduce the quality of our work or service to you.
I'm under 21, is Deed Poll applicable for me?
Yes, you definitely can request to have your name recorded via a deed poll, but you will need your parents to both sign the document on your behalf. It is always advisable to ensure both parents sign the deed poll to reduce the risk of disputes or to increase the likelihood that the ICA will reject your application. Generally, it is only where one parent has passed away or a parent has sole custody can the deed poll be valid with only one parent’s signature.
We’d recommend contacting the ICA directly if you need further advice on this particular area.
Is parental consent required for minors?
Can I execute a Deed Poll if I am under 21 years old?
Yes, individuals under 21 years old can record their new names through a deed poll with the consent of their parents or guardians. Additional requirements and processes may apply.
Is a Singapore Deed Poll available for foreigners?
Deed polls are generally valid for Singapore citizens and PRs; foreigners should check with their embassy.
Can I execute a Deed Poll if I am married or divorced?
Yes, but you’ll need additional documents like your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Can I execute a Deed Poll if I have outstanding legal obligations?
No, a deed poll doesn’t remove any existing legal obligations or debts. Consult a lawyer if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is a deed poll recognised internationally?
Recognition varies by country. Check with relevant authorities in other countries where you need the name recognized.
Can I execute deed poll for my child without the consent of the other parent?
Generally no — both parents must consent. In exceptional cases (like when one parent is uncontactable), the Family Court may grant permission.
How do I request a copy of my Deed Poll?
Keep multiple copies of your deed poll document. A lawyer or notary public can provide certified copies for official use.
Can I execute a Deed Poll if I am a Singaporean living abroad?
Yes, but you must follow procedures set by the Singapore High Commission or Embassy in your country of residence.
Am I allowed to do a Deed Poll if I am applying for Singapore citizenship?
This may complicate your naturalization application. Consult ICA or a legal professional before proceeding.
Can a Deed Poll be used for a non-English name?
Yes, just ensure the new name is properly transliterated or translated.
Am I allowed to do a Deed Poll while bankrupt?
This may have legal consequences. Consult a legal professional about your specific situation.
Can I execute a Deed Poll if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record doesn’t automatically prevent deed poll, but consult a lawyer about any potential requirements.
What is unlikely to accepted by the ICA?
Firstly, it’s important to note that a deed poll is not the appropriate document to change your religion, race or other particulars. This should be done by contacting the ICA directly, or you may contact us if you need any advice. It would be common to have your deed poll application rejected if your name request matched any of the below items:
- If your name could be deemed vulgar or offensive.
- If your name strongly resembled that of a famous politician.
- If your name attempted to apply honorary titles such as Datuk or Sir.
- If your name includes Chinese characters which cannot be identified in any Chinese dictionary recognised by the registrar.
What adjustments can be made to my name?
There are many things you can adjust within your name via the deed poll, these typically include:
(1) Adding, deleting, or modifying the Chinese or Tamil characters in your name;
(2) Adding, deleting, or modifying the punctuation in your name (eg. Audrey See-Toh);
(3) Adding, deleting, or modifying your English/Western/Christian name (you can have an English name, such as John, without being Christian);
(4) Adding, deleting, or modifying your Hanyu Pinyin name (eg. Chen Shu Ling);
(5) Changing the order of the words in your name (eg. Albert Ong Li Ming instead of Ong Li Ming Albert);
(6) Correcting misspelled names;
(7) Inserting married names; and
(8) Inserting Baptism or religious names;
General Disclaimer
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Accuracy of Information
Client is responsible for ensuring that all information submitted to us is accurate and complete. We are not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from inaccurate or false declarations. -
Parental Consent for Minors
If the Deed Poll is for a child below 21 years of age, both biological/legal parents or legal guardians must consent. Additional documentation may be required, especially in cases involving custody or disputes. -
Compliance with Singapore Law
All Deed Polls executed through our services must comply with the laws of the Republic of Singapore. We reserve the right to refuse service in cases where the intended new name appears to contravene public policy or regulatory requirements. -
Limitation of Liability
We shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or legal consequences arising from the use of the Deed Poll or from failure to notify relevant authorities of your new name.