Contrary to popular belief, changing your name in Singapore involves a relatively simple process. All you need is a legal document known as a “Deed Poll” from your lawyer.
A Deed Poll effectively renounces your birth name. It allows you to adopt a new name of your choice, so long as the Deed Poll has been appropriately executed before a lawyer.
What Is A Deed Poll In Singapore?
A deed poll in Singapore is a legally binding document used to facilitate a name change. This legal document outlines your current name and the new name you wish to be known by.
The deed poll is recognised by Singapore authorities, especially the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and is a necessary step if you wish to officially change your name in Singapore.
To initiate the process, you will need to engage an experienced lawyer. The said lawyer will draft the deed poll document and ensure that all your relevant documentation is in order, such as your ID documents and registered address.
Once the deed poll is prepared, you will visit the lawyer’s office to sign the document. It must be properly drafted, signed, and witnessed by the lawyer to be valid. After signing, the deed poll can be submitted to the ICA for the name change to be officially recognised.
Once the deed poll is submitted and approved by the ICA, the document serves as formal proof of the name change in Singapore. The ICA will update its records and issue you a new NRIC bearing your new name.
1. Why Would You Need To Change Your Name?
There are various valid reasons to change your name in Singapore, but it’s important to avoid fraudulent intentions. Attempting a name change to escape legal obligations, such as debt, or to mislead authorities could result in legal consequences.
Most individuals apply for a deed poll in Singapore for personal, cultural, or religious reasons. For instance, it is common to add an English name for auspicious purposes or due to feng shui beliefs. Others may opt for a name change simply because they are unhappy with their current name.
Whatever the reason, it is crucial to go through the proper legal channels. The ICA will only recognise name changes in Singapore if they are supported by a deed poll. This legal document must be submitted to the ICA for your records to be updated.
2. What Part Of Your Name Can Your Change?
Singapore is one of the most diverse cities, consisting of people from different backgrounds – Chinese, Indian, Malay, etc. This diversity also reflects in the many rules regarding name changes.
Below are the many different ways one can have their name changed in Singapore:
- You can include, remove, or alter Chinese or Tamil characters in your name;
- You can include, remove, or alter any punctuations in your name (e.g. Wo Mei-Han);
- You can include, remove, or alter your Western/English/Christian name. (You can add an English name even if you aren’t baptised as a Christian);
- You can include, remove, or alter your Hanyu Pinyin name (e.g. Zhang Xin Yi);
- You can change the order by which your name appears (e.g. Donald Chow instead of Chow Yun-Fat Donald);
- If your parents accidentally misspelt your name on your original birth certificate, you can correct such mistakes through a name change;
- You have recently gotten married and want to include your married name;
- You have recently converted to another religion and want to include religious or Baptismal names.
Remember that a Singapore Deed Poll can only be used to modify your name. You may not change other particulars, such as race, religion or date of birth. Anyone who wishes to will need to contact the ICA for more information.
3. How Many Times Are You Allowed To Change Your Name In Singapore?
There is no limit on the number of times you want to change your name. As long as you abide by legal regulations on name changes and the ICA duly recognises it.
4. How To Change Your Name In Singapore Through A Deed Poll?
The process to change your name in Singapore through a deed poll is straightforward but requires several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.
First, you will need to engage a lawyer to prepare the deed poll document. The lawyer will require certain relevant information from you, including:
- Your current name
- The new name you wish to adopt
- Your ID documents (NRIC, passport, etc.)
- Your registered address
Once your deed poll has been drafted, you will need to visit the lawyer in person. The lawyer will confirm your identity and oversee the signing of the deed poll. It is important to carefully check the deed poll for any mistakes before the lawyer applies the official red seal and Advocate & Solicitor stamp.
Tembusu Law is a firm in Singapore which offers its assistance to people who want a name change. We may require you to duly fill out a Deed Poll submission form.
Once the deed poll is signed and completed, you will have two options for submitting it to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA):
- You can submit the original deed poll in person at the ICA office, 10 Kallang Rd, Singapore 208718.
- Alternatively, you can scan and submit the deed poll as a soft copy via the online application form on the ICA website. This is a more convenient option for many.
After submitting your deed poll, you will receive an updated NRIC with your new name. It’s important to act quickly to ensure your name change in Singapore is properly reflected in all relevant documents.
Updating Other Documents And Institutions
After receiving your new NRIC, it’s important to update other relevant documents and institutions to reflect your name change.
You must obtain a new passport within 7 days by visiting the ICA or Singapore Embassy with the necessary documentation. For those over 21, bring your NRIC, passport, NS Green IC, or Singapore Blue Identity Card.
If you are under 21, bring your NRIC or passport, both parents’ identification, and your child’s original birth certificate. If the birth certificate is not in English, a certified true copy of a translated version is required. A law firm can arrange this for an additional fee if needed.
Once you receive your completed deed poll, you must bring it to the ICA within 28 days to officially change your NRIC. For children under 15, bring the deed poll to their school to update their records.
You can keep the deed poll until they turn 15 to update their NRIC. If you need to change a child’s passport, visit the ICA or apply online.
You should also inform the following after a name change:
- Academic institutions to update certificates
- Insurance agencies and vendors
- Phone company
- Internet service provider
- Creditors
- Employer
- Financial institutions
- IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)
The purpose of notifying these institutions is to ensure that your details are accurate across important documents like credit card billings, bank slips, driver’s licence, and Singpass.
5. How Long Does A Name Change Take To Process?
Changing your name in Singapore can take several days to process. Five minutes will be allotted to completing and signing the Deed Poll form, 10 to 15 minutes to review the details, and a few days before the ICA will issue you a new NRIC (National Registration Identity Card).
6. How Do I Update My Documents With The Name Change?
After completing your deed poll in Singapore and receiving your updated NRIC, you will need to update several other important documents. The first step is to obtain a new passport.
You can do this by visiting the Singapore Embassy or the ICA with the relevant documentation, including your updated NRIC. The embassy typically processes new passports in four to six weeks.
However, it is important to note that a deed poll cannot be used to alter certain documents. Specifically, you cannot change the name on your birth certificate or marriage certificate.
These original names will remain unchanged regardless of any deed poll name change. The birth certificate and marriage certificate are considered permanent records, and no changes to the names on these documents are allowed under Singapore law.
7. Can I Change My Name In Singapore If I’m Under 21 Years Old?
If you’re a minor or under 21, you will still need a Deed Poll to process your name change. But both your parents or legal guardian must also sign the document, except in the following cases:
- The other parent is incapacitated.
- The parents are divorced.
- The other parent is estranged from the family and can no longer be contacted for several reasons.
- The other parent is deceased (You will need to present the ICA with a death certificate as proof).
8. Can I Change My Name Into Anything?
The ICA may reject certain name changes, especially if they are deemed offensive.
They may also reject names too similar to famous politicians or celebrities or names which include self-proclaimed honorary titles such as “Queen”, “Duchess”, “Sir”, “Duke”, etc.
Names with unidentifiable or made-up Chinese characters may also be rejected, especially if the registrar cannot find them in a Chinese dictionary.
9. Can Foreign Singapore Residents Change Their Name?
Yes, foreign Singapore residents can apply for a Singapore deed poll to change their name. A deed poll in Singapore is valid for updating documents such as the blue NRIC, MOM work pass, or other Singapore-related identification.
However, it is important to understand that a Singapore deed poll may not always be recognised by the resident’s home country.
Each country has its own regulations regarding name changes, so it is advisable for foreigners to check with their home country’s embassy or consult with a lawyer before proceeding with a deed poll name change in Singapore.
If their home country does not recognise the deed poll, they may need to follow the name change process as outlined by their country’s laws.
For example, Malaysian residents have specific rules regarding name changes:
- If you are a Malaysian who is not applying for Singapore citizenship, you are only allowed to add or remove Chinese characters in your name via a deed poll.
- If you are a Malaysian who has been approved for Singapore citizenship, you can apply for a name change using a deed poll, including changes to English, Tamil, and Jawi characters.
For Singapore permanent residents, the process requires updating the name on their current passport first. A copy of the updated passport must be provided as supporting documentation to change the name on their Singapore IC via a deed poll.
It is important to note that while a Singapore deed poll is valid within Singapore, it may not be recognised internationally. If a foreign resident wants their name change to be reflected in documents from their home country, they must follow the legal processes in that country.
For example, a Malaysian resident would need to get a Malaysian deed poll to change the name on their Malaysian NRIC or passport.
10. What Other Restrictions Are There For Changing Your Name?
While you are generally free to change your name in Singapore to whatever you wish, there are certain legal restrictions in place to prevent misuse or inappropriate name changes.
Legal Restrictions
You are not allowed to change your name to something that could be deemed fraudulent or used for illegal purposes.
For example, changing your name to impersonate a famous politician or public figure or attempting to change your name to escape legal or financial obligations, such as fraud or debts, is strictly prohibited.
Your new name should not be vulgar, offensive, or contrary to public policy. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the deed poll is not abused.
You can, however, make a variety of legal changes to your name, including:
- Adding an English name or Hanyu Pinyin name.
- Deleting or altering Chinese characters in your name.
- Correcting wrongly spelled names.
- Inserting married names, such as changing your surname after marriage.
It’s also possible to change your name from a male to a female name or vice versa. However, there is a limit on the length of your full name, which cannot exceed 54 characters.
Ethnicity-Specific Restrictions
There are specific restrictions related to ethnicity. For example, you cannot change your name to include Chinese characters if your ethnicity is Malay, unless one of your parents is Chinese.
Similarly, religious certificates such as birth certificates or marriage certificates may impose limits on what names can be legally changed.
Ensuring Compliance With ICA Standards
You are responsible for ensuring that your new name complies with ICA standards. It is always advisable to check with the ICA if you’re unsure about the validity of your new name. Failure to comply could result in the deed poll being rejected.
Changes In Law Or Policy
While the fundamental principles for deed poll name changes have remained relatively stable, any changes in public policy or laws related to immigration or national identity could affect how names can be changed.
It’s always a good idea to seek guidance from an experienced lawyer who can ensure that your name change is conducted properly and without complications.
Conclusion About The Deed Poll In Singapore
A Singapore Deed Poll is required before you can legally change your name. The process may seem overwhelming, but it’s relatively simple with the help of a divorce lawyer in Singapore.
If you need more assistance, contact our law firm in Singapore. Tembusu Law dedicates itself to providing personalised legal services for our clients, including those seeking a divorce lawyer in Singapore or criminal lawyers in Singapore.
Get your free 30-minute consultation, and we’ll work towards getting your Deed Poll application and other legal matters processed.
We also specialise in other legal services, such as Corporate Law, Litigation, Contested/Uncontested Divorce, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy Law, Mitigation Plea, Deed of Separation, Personal Protection Order, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Deed Poll In Singapore
What Happens To My Child’s Deed Poll If They Don’t Yet Have An NRIC?
Your child’s name won’t immediately be changed in official records, even after executing a Deed Poll. As a parent, you may need to change their child’s name through the following:
- Apply for a new passport for the child, wherein the new name will be automatically reflected in ICA’s records;
- Update the child’s birth certificate by visiting the Registry of Birth. If the child is above one year old, you cannot change the name as it appears on their birth certificate. You can only do so for their ICA records.
Children with an NRIC or Singapore Identity Card (IC) should be able to change their name (with the assistance of both parents or legal guardian/s) by visiting the ICA within 28 days since the Deed Poll was executed.
Can A Minor Execute A Deed Poll In Singapore On Their Own?
At least one parent must be present to execute the Deed Poll of a minor. They must both sign the Deed Poll to prevent legal issues and other complications.
What Happens After I’ve Applied For A Deed Poll?
Adults with an IC should change the name on their IC/NRIC at the ICA building within 28 days after executing the Deed Poll. Parents must accompany minors to do the same.
Can I Replace My Deed Poll If I Lose It?
You can consult with our law firm in Singapore if you lose your Deed Poll. We will happily process another one for you at an additional fee.
What Should I Bring When I Sign The Deed Poll?
Prepare the following documents in preparation for your signing of the Deed Poll:
- (For those over 21 years of age) – Passport, NRIC, NS Green IC, or Singapore Blue Identity Card
- (For minors/those under 21 years of age) – You must be accompanied by your parents with your NRIC/Passport, Original Birth Certificate or certified true copy of the English translated version (for foreign birth certificates)
