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.
Rating
Mr Baiross and his team helped me with my litigation case and offered really good advice. I am very appreciative of his work and expertise as it helped me close my case. Thank you🙏🏼🥹
Excellent service from Mr. Baiross and the team at IRB Law LLP. The consultation was clear, professional, and provided very practical solutions. Thanks!
Cannot praise the team at IRB Law enough... from Mohamed Baiross's prompt reply to my whatsapp message late in the night, to Hadhri's prompt follow-up and assistance, they made the process of getting of a POA a really smooth one. Given our tight deadline, the team was very patient and super duper helpful in answering our queries and lending the helping hand. Thank you so much again for everything, we really appreciate it. Kudos to the wonderful team! Cheers! 😀
Highly recommended! With their welcoming office, I had a great experience with IRB Law. Kudos to Mr. Ahmad Ghazi, Mr. Baiross, and the rest of the IRB Law team for their efficiency and excellent coordination. Special thanks to Mr. Ahmad Ghazi, who handled my queries with exceptional professionalism, patience, and dedication from the very beginning. He took the time to explain the process clearly, answered all my questions promptly, and provided clear legal advice on possible future scenarios as well. It was all smooth process within 2 weeks!
We engaged IRB for a recent case and had an absolutely wonderful experience with Mr Baiross and Mr Joel. From our very first consultation, we knew we were in good hands. Mr Baiross took the time to understand our situation and walked us through the potential consequences with so much empathy, patience and genuine concern. He never made us feel rushed, and his ability to explain everything clearly gave us a lot of reassurance during what was a very stressful period for us. It was clear from the very first conversation that he genuinely cared about helping us, and we knew we wanted to engage him and his team. We were also incredibly fortunate to work with Joel throughout the process. His friendly and approachable demeanour made it so easy to communicate with him. He always kept us focused on the end goal, while making the entire process feel much less daunting. At times, it genuinely felt like we were discussing things with a friend rather than a lawyer. What we appreciated most about Joel was his ability to empathise with our situation and understand how we were feeling before offering his thoughts and advice. He never made us feel like our concerns were insignificant, and we always felt heard, respected and supported. His professionalism, patience and personal touch really stood out to us. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a team that is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely empathetic and invested in their clients.
Deed Poll Fees
Change your name for:
| OVER 21 |
| S$ 40 – Standard (normal turnaround) |
| S$ 80 – Urgent (same-day) |
| S$ 100 – Weekend / after-hours urgent |
| UNDER 21 |
| S$ 50 – Standard (normal turnaround) |
| S$ 100 – Urgent (same-day) |
| S$ 120 – Weekend / after-hours urgent |
Why Us
Why Choose IRB Law
Proven Track Record
Consistently achieving smooth, hassle-free name changes for clients.
Constructive, Solutions-Focused Approach
Our experienced team focuses on minimizing delays, reducing paperwork stress, and ensuring your name change is completed quickly and correctly.
Transparent Fees
At IRB Law, we offer competitive pricing and transparent legal fees for change the name with no hidden charges.
Full Steps
How does our online deed poll service work?
Fill in the form
Drop by our office
Submit your deed poll to ICA
Our Lawyers
Meet Some of the IRB Team Handling Deed Poll
Mohamed Baiross
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
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.
Deed Poll Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am married or divorced?
Is a deed poll recognised internationally?
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am under 21 years old?
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am in the process of naturalising as a Singapore citizen?
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am bankrupt?
Can I use a deed poll to change the name of a deceased person?
What are the costs and timeframe for changing name through a deed poll?
Do I need to change my name in my passport?
How can I change my name while I’m overseas?
Does my child need to attend your office for a deed poll signing?
What documents should I bring when signing a deed poll?
What can I change in my name?
- Adding, deleting, or modifying the Chinese or Tamil characters in your name
- Adding, deleting, or modifying the punctuation in your name (e.g. Audrey See-Toh)
- Adding, deleting, or modifying your English/Western/Christian name (you can have an English name, such as John, without being Christian)
- Adding, deleting, or modifying your Hanyu Pinyin name (e.g. Chen Shu Ling)
- Changing the order of the words in your name (e.g. Albert Ong Li Ming instead of Ong Li Ming Albert)
- Correcting misspelled names
- Inserting married names, and
- Inserting Baptism or religious names
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I have outstanding legal obligations?
Can I change my child’s name without the consent of the other parent?
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I am a Singaporean living abroad?
Can I change my name to a non-English name through a deed poll?
Can I change my name through a deed poll if I have a criminal record?
How can I get a copy of my deed poll after changing my name?
My child doesn't have an NRIC yet. What would be the steps for a name change?
If your child does not have an NRIC yet, it is good practice for the parents to do the following:
- 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
- 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?
What is the price of a deed poll?
For clients aged 21 and above:
- Standard (normal turnaround): $40
- Urgent (same-day): $80
- Weekend / after-hours urgent: $100
For clients below 21:
- Standard (normal turnaround): $50
- Urgent (same-day): $100
- Weekend / after-hours urgent: $120
We charge slightly more for minors due to the additional documentation and verification required. Despite this, our fees remain among the lowest in Singapore. This is made possible by leveraging technology to streamline the process while maintaining a high standard of legal service.
