Deed Polls: Name Changes in Singapore

If you seek to change your name in Singapore, you need to make a document known as a deed poll. After executing a deed poll with a lawyer, you can apply to change your name in your NRIC and other documents with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. At IRB Law, we offer efficient and highly affordable deed poll services through our online form.

What Is a Deed Poll?

In Singapore, a deed poll is a binding legal instrument that enables individuals to change their name. It is a personal declaration that requires no approval from the court or government authorities. At the same time, the ICA may reject name changes that are misleading, offensive, or contrary to public interest.

Deed polls receive full legal recognition in Singapore. When a name change is made through a deed poll, individuals can update their personal records, including identification documents such as passports, NRIC (National Registration Identity Card), and driver’s licenses.

What Name Changes Can Be Made Through Deed Polls?

When you make a deed poll in Singapore, you can change your name in multiple ways, including:

  • Adding, deleting, or modifying the punctuation in your name
  • Adding, deleting, or modifying your name after marriage or divorce
  • Adding, deleting, or modifying the Chinese or Tamil characters in your name
  • Adding, deleting, or otherwise modifying your Chinese pinyin name
  • Changing the order of the words in your name
  • Adding, deleting, or otherwise modifying your English/Western/Christian name
  • Correcting misspelt names
  • Inserting Baptism or religious names

What Are the Limitations on Name Changes in Singapore?

When you change your name through a deed poll, you are free to choose your new name and how you want it to appear in your documents. At the same time, the ICA may refuse name changes with deed polls in cases involving:

  • Offensive, vulgar or inappropriate names
  • Misleading names, for example, those resembling names of famous politicians or containing honorary titles (e.g. “Sir” or “Datuk”)
  • Names changed with fraudulent or deceptive intent
  • Frivolous name changes, for example, if the ICA considers that the applicant changes names too often.

Changing Name with Deed Polls for Foreigners

Foreigners residing in Singapore can change their names through deed polls as well. The procedure of name change for foreigners includes executing and signing a deed poll with a lawyer and notifying the respective authorities.

At the same time, foreigners need to consult with embassies or consulates of their countries to ensure that their name change through a deed poll in Singapore is recognised and reflected in official documents in their home countries. Foreigners seeking to change their name in Singapore are advised to consult a lawyer to explore their options and any additional requirements specific to their nationality or immigration status before proceeding with a deed poll in Singapore.

The Process of Changing Name Through a Deed Poll with the ICA

Step 1: Choosing a new name

Before executing a deed poll, you need to carefully choose your name according to your individual preferences while avoiding inappropriate, misleading, or offensive variants.

Step 2: Submit your details to deed poll lawyers in Singapore

Contact deed poll lawyers, submit your details for drafting a deed poll, and make an appointment for signing.

Step 3: Sign the deed poll

Visit the law office and sign the deed poll before the lawyers.

Step 4: Apply to ICA to update your name in the NRIC and other documents

Change the name in your NRIC by submitting an application on the ICA website by choosing the Change IC Particulars (Self) option, logging in with your Singpass within 28 days after signing. During the electronic application process, you will need to submit a digitally scanned deed poll and supporting documentation, including your current NRIC, passport, or other documents.

Step 5: Inform other authorities and institutions of your name change

After your name change, you need to inform other authorities, such as MOM, and relevant institutions, including your bank, school and other entities.

Step 6: Request copies of your deed poll

You may need to obtain certified copies of the deed poll from your lawyers as evidence of your name change, as required.

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Deed Poll Fees

Change your name for:

OVER 21 UNDER 21
S$ 40 S$ 50

How does our online deed
poll service work?

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Fill in the form

Our simple, 5-minute online form enables you to submit all the necessary details to start the process.

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Drop by our office

A member of our team will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time with you to sign your deed poll. This has to be done in the presence of our deed poll lawyer.

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Submit your deed poll to ICA

After your deed poll is signed, you need to send a copy to the ICA or visit their office in person to change your name on the NRIC within 28 days after signature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am married or divorced?
Yes, you can change your name through a deed poll after getting married or divorced. When applying to the ICA, you will need to submit your deed poll for name change together with your marriage certificate or divorce certificate, as applicable.
Is a deed poll recognised internationally?
The recognition of deed polls may vary across countries. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities or consult a lawyer to understand the recognition and acceptance of a deed poll in specific jurisdictions.
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am under 21 years old?
Yes, you can request the ICA to have your name changed via a deed poll with the consent of your parents or guardians. It is always advisable to ensure that both parents or guardians sign the deed poll to reduce the risk of disputes or to increase the likelihood that the ICA will accept your application.
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am in the process of naturalising as a Singapore citizen?
Changing your name during the naturalisation process may affect your application. It is recommended to consult with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or a lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am bankrupt?
Changing your name while bankrupt may have legal and practical implications. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the implications and requirements in your situation.
Can I use a deed poll to change the name of a deceased person?
No, a deed poll cannot be used to change the name of someone after they pass away. The process for changing the name of a deceased person may differ, and it is advisable to consult with relevant authorities or a legal professional for guidance.
What are the costs and timeframe for changing name through a deed poll?
The costs associated with changing one’s name through a deed poll in Singapore are relatively low, primarily comprising notarial fees for certified copies of the deed poll document. The timeframe for the entire process may vary, but it typically takes several weeks to update all official documents with the new name.
Do I need to change my name in my passport?
It’s advisable to change the name in your passport to be consistent with the name in your NRIC. You can change the name in your passport with ICA after updating your particulars in the NRIC. We strongly advise you to update the name in your passport before you book your travel ticket or travel overseas.
How can I change 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 and inform us of your intended date of return. However, if you are unable to return to Singapore to change your name, a deed poll may be executed with a foreign lawyer.
Does my child need to attend your office for a deed poll signing?
Your child does not need to attend our office (but is required to attend the ICA). Only the parents need to attend, bringing the child’s birth certificate and the NRIC (if available) along with their identity documents.
What documents should I bring when signing a deed poll?
After you send us your details for name change through deed poll via this page and schedule your appointment, you need to come to our office with your NRIC or passport. If you are under 21 years of age, you also need to bring your birth certificate and come with your parents, who should bring their NRICs as well. If your birth certificate is not in English, you need to bring the original and a certified translation.
What can I change in my name?
There are many things you can change or adjust in your name via a deed poll, which include:

  1. Adding, deleting, or modifying the Chinese or Tamil characters in your name
  2. Adding, deleting, or modifying the punctuation in your name (e.g. 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 (e.g. Chen Shu Ling)
  5. Changing the order of the words in your name (e.g. 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
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I have outstanding legal obligations?
Changing your name through a deed poll will not absolve you of any outstanding legal obligations. It is recommended to consult with a lawyer to understand the implications in your specific situation.
Can I change my child’s name without the consent of the other parent?
Generally, the consent of both parents is required to change a child’s name. However, in some circumstances, for example, when one parent cannot be reached or refuses to provide consent, the Family Court may consider granting an order to change the child’s name.
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am a Singaporean living abroad?
Yes, Singaporeans living abroad can change their names through a deed poll as well. However, they may need to follow specific procedures outlined by the Singapore High Commission or Embassy in their respective country of residence.
Can I change my name to a non-English name through a deed poll?
Yes, executing a deed poll allows you to change your name to a non-English name, or any other name. It is essential to ensure proper transliteration or translation of the new name.
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from changing your name through a deed poll. However, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional to understand any potential implications or requirements.
How can I get a copy of my deed poll after changing my name?
After changing your name through a deed poll, it’s advisable to obtain multiple copies of this document. It is recommended to approach a lawyer or notary public to obtain certified true copies for official purposes.
My child doesn't have an NRIC yet. What would be the steps for a name change?
A deed poll does not automatically change 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 (e.g. ICA, schools) of this name change.

If your child does not have an NRIC yet, it is good practice for the parents to do the following:

  1. Change the name of your child in the Passport or apply for a new Passport for the child so that the new name will be updated at the ICA records, or
  2. Visit the Registry of Births and Deaths at ICA to update the name with the deed poll (note that if your child is above 1 year old, you can’t change their name in the Birth Certificate, but only the ICA record).

If your child has an NRIC, you should attend the ICA to change their name within 28 days from the date of the deed poll.

Can I have a copy of a Deed Poll if I lose it?
Yes, you can get a certified true copy of your deed poll at our office. Please note that this would incur an additional cost.
What is the price of a deed poll?
If you complete your deed poll submission through our simple form, we can process your deed poll for​​ $40 if you are aged 21 or above, and $50 if you are under 21. We charge slightly more when executing deed polls for minors due to the additional work required. Based on our market research, our legal fees for deed polls are the lowest in Singapore. We’ve achieved this through leveraging technology to streamline the process while ensuring high-quality service.
What should I do after I’ve done a deed poll?
After you have signed a deed poll before a lawyer, you need to change your name in your NRIC by accessing the ICA website (choose “Change IC Particulars (Self)”) or visiting their office in person within 28 days from the date of signing the document.
How many times can I change my name through a deed poll in Singapore?
In Singapore, there are no specific limitations on how many times a person can change their name through a deed poll. However, it is important to note that changing one’s name frequently may raise concerns about potential misuse. Authorities may exercise discretion in considering name change applications and may reject requests if they are deemed frivolous or deceitful.

Meet Some of the IRB Team
Handling Deed Poll

Mohamed Baiross

Founding & Managing Partner, IRB Law LLP

Mohamed Baiross is the managing partner of IRB Law and one of the nation's leading lawyers in multiple practice areas, including civil, corporate, and commercial law. With over three decades of experience as a business lawyer, Mohamed Baiross has built a renowned corporate law firm in Singapore, providing expert legal services to global corporations and local businesses.

Kulvinder Kaur

Partner

Kulvinder Kaur is a prominent commercial and corporate lawyer and an expert in litigation matters. Kaur is well-known in all courts of Singapore for strong legal representation in the most complex cases across multiple practice areas.

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