- A deed poll is drafted by a lawyer and signed in the lawyer's presence.
- ICA can reject names it considers inappropriate, such as offensive ones.
- For a child under 21, the parents sign and consent.
- Update your NRIC with ICA within 28 days of signing.
What a deed poll is
A deed poll is a short legal document in which you declare that you are giving up your current name and will use a new one from the date you sign. ICA and other authorities generally rely on a deed poll as proof of a change of name.
A deed poll is needed for any change to a name: adding a name (such as an English name), removing one, rearranging the order, taking a spouse's surname or dropping a married name, or adopting a completely new name. Names in Chinese characters can also be changed.
Choosing the new name
There are few restrictions on what you can choose, and surnames can be changed. However, ICA can reject a name it considers inappropriate, for example one that is offensive or vulgar, one that resembles a famous political figure, or one that includes a title such as 'Sir'.
Check the exact spelling, spacing and order carefully before signing, because the name should appear identically on the deed poll and on your new documents.
Signing the deed poll
The deed poll is drafted by a lawyer and you sign it in the lawyer's presence. Bring your original NRIC or passport so the lawyer can confirm your identity. The lawyer witnesses your signature and the document is sealed to mark it as a deed.
Changing a child's name
For anyone under 21, both parents generally need to consent and attend to sign the deed poll on the child's behalf. Bring both parents' NRICs and the child's birth certificate and identity documents.
Where parents are divorced, the other parent's consent may still be needed unless you have sole custody, and ICA may ask for the divorce judgment. If a parent has died, a death certificate may be required.
After signing: updating your records
The deed poll does not change your NRIC by itself. You need to apply to ICA to update your NRIC within 28 days of signing, either in person or online using a scanned copy of the deed poll. Once your NRIC is updated, update your passport too, especially before travelling.
Then let other organisations know. Typical ones include:
- your employer's HR department;
- banks, insurers and investment platforms;
- schools or universities, for certificates and transcripts;
- your mobile phone provider and IRAS.
If you are not a Singapore citizen
A Singapore lawyer can prepare a deed poll for a foreigner or permanent resident, but that does not guarantee your home country will recognise the change. Check with your country's embassy or consulate in Singapore first.
A lawyer can review your situation and explain your options.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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