Changing Your Name Legally in Singapore
Changing your name is a significant decision. In Singapore, the official way to do this is with a legal document called a Deed Poll.
Here’s everything you need to know about the process, costs, and how we can help you complete it seamlessly.
When you wish to change your name officially, you will need to sign a Deed Poll.
You will need to update the change of your name in your Singapore identity card and your Singapore passport, by bringing the original Deed Poll and a copy of it to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
What is a Deed Poll?
A deed poll is a legal document a person signs to formally change their name. That can mean adding a name, removing one, or rearranging the order of an existing name, and it covers changes to English names as well as Chinese characters.
It only becomes valid once it's signed in the presence of a Singapore-qualified lawyer, which is why the signing has to happen in person rather than through a form alone.
Who needs to sign the Deed Poll?
We keep the signing itself simple, but there are two requirements that can't be worked around:
- The person changing their name must sign the deed poll themselves, in person
- The signature must be witnessed by a practising Singapore lawyer, which we do at our office
You'll need to bring your original NRIC to the appointment so we can verify your identity before witnessing the signature.
How do you change the name of a person who is under 21 years of age?
For a minor under 21, both parents sign the deed poll on the child's behalf. The child does not need to attend, only the parents come to our office.
Bring the child's original birth certificate for verification on the day of the appointment. If your situation involves separated parents, a deceased parent, or a parent who can't be contacted, let us know when you call and we'll advise on what's needed before you come in.
Deed Poll for Permanent Residents and Foreigners
We prepare deed polls for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and can also assist foreigners residing in Singapore with a name change executed here. If you're a PR, we'll let you know upfront what supporting documents we need alongside your NRIC.
One thing worth flagging honestly, a Singapore deed poll is not automatically recognised outside Singapore. If your home country needs to reflect the new name on your foreign passport or other documents, we'd recommend checking with your embassy or consulate on their own requirements before you proceed with us.
Common Reasons for a Name Change
People come to us for a range of reasons, and none of them need special justification to ICA.
1. Adding a Christian or Western Name
Many clients add an English first name to an existing Chinese or other name, for example changing "Lim Ai Ling" to "Valerie Lim Ai Ling."
2. Correcting or Changing an Existing Name
Some clients simply dislike their current name, or need to fix a spelling error that's been carried since birth registration.
3. Following Religious or Feng Shui Advice
A number of clients change their name on the advice of a geomancer or feng shui practitioner, often for reasons tied to luck or life changes.
Our Deed Poll Procedure
Book Your Appointment
Call us on 6323 1261 or email us to arrange a time. We'll take down a copy of your current NRIC and confirm the spelling of your new name before your appointment.
Sign at Our Office
You'll sign the deed poll in front of one of our lawyers at 3 Anson Road, #24-02 Springleaf Tower. The signing itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Collect the Same Day
There's no waiting period, you collect your duly executed original deed poll on the same day as your appointment.
Submit to ICA
Bring the original deed poll and a copy to ICA to have your NRIC updated with your new name.
What Happens After You Sign
Signing the deed poll is only the first step. Here's what to expect once you have it in hand.
- NRIC update — Bring the original and a copy to ICA; your new NRIC will reflect your new name once processed.
- Passport update — Update your passport with ICA after your NRIC is updated, ideally before booking any travel.
- Other records — Your deed poll doesn't automatically update your bank accounts, degree certificates, employer records, or insurance policies; you'll need to notify each of these separately with a copy of your deed poll and new NRIC.
- Birth and marriage certificates — A deed poll cannot be used to amend the name shown on an existing birth or marriage certificate.
Why Sign Your Deed Poll With Us
Most deed polls are straightforward, but the ones that aren't tend to only reveal themselves at the ICA counter, when a rejected name or a missing document means starting over. Having a senior lawyer in the room when you sign is what keeps that from happening.
- Witnessed by a senior lawyer: Ng Pui Khim has over 20 years of experience practising law in Singapore, and every deed poll is witnessed personally, not by junior staff or an online-only process.
- Advice included, not extra: We'll flag an issue with your proposed name before you sign, rather than after ICA has already rejected it.
- Built for the complicated cases: Unusual Chinese characters, PRs with incomplete documentation, or a minor's name change involving separated parents.
- One appointment, same day: You sign and collect the original in a single visit, typically within half an hour.
- Fixed fee, no hidden charges: $120 nett for an English name change, $150 nett where Chinese characters are involved.
Common FAQs for Deed Poll & Change of Name
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