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.
When you make a deed poll in Singapore, you can change your name in multiple ways, including:
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:
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.
Before executing a deed poll, you need to carefully choose your name according to your individual preferences while avoiding inappropriate, misleading, or offensive variants.
Contact deed poll lawyers, submit your details for drafting a deed poll, and make an appointment for signing.
Visit the law office and sign the deed poll before the lawyers.
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.
After your name change, you need to inform other authorities, such as MOM, and relevant institutions, including your bank, school and other entities.
You may need to obtain certified copies of the deed poll from your lawyers as evidence of your name change, as required.
Our simple, 5-minute online form enables you to submit all the necessary details to start the process.
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.
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.
If your child does not have an NRIC yet, it is good practice for the parents to do the following:
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.
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.
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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