How to Legally Change Name in Singapore?

Having frequent changes to your nicknames may be common when you were a kid, but changing name is a totally different story when doing so in the eyes of the law.

Name – is a symbol of who you are and what you identify with. Names today holds a lot more significance; making anywhere from a bold statement to set you miles apart from a crowd of millions.

With names such as Pebble and Armani, there is an overall increase of unique names in Singapore. Be it to make a change in one’s fate or simply to create an interesting conversation starter. A name change in Singapore can be life-changing. A name is not just a name – it can very well be a game-changer..

If you too are thinking about getting a quick and easy name change in Singapore – here’s all you need to know about getting it done, starting with some of the reasons why people do it in the first place:

Common Reasons for a Name Change in Singapore

There are a plethora of reasons why people wish to get their name changed, and here are just some of the most common:

• Religious reasons (e.g. Muslim or Christian conversion)
• Professional reasons (e.g. addition of an English name for easy recall)
• Feng Shui reasons (e.g. changing your Chinese characters in the name)
• Personal reasons (eg. Removal of ex-husband’s family name after a divorce, correcting a misspelling in the birth certificate or removal of Hanyu pinyin name)

A popular occasion that people decide to change their name is when applying for a replacement IC – especially upon reaching the age of 30. In any case, the reason may be as simple as disliking your name, which then leads us to the next step:

Getting a Deed Poll is the Best Way

By far the quickest and most affordable way to change your name legally is via a deed poll.

Similarly used in various legal systems worldwide – a deed poll is essentially a legal document that is drafted by a lawyer and executed (meaning, signed) by you, in the presence of the said lawyer.

When carried out under an experienced lawyer – getting a deed poll is a relatively fuss-free and straightforward process that can be done within a day.

A Simple Process of a Name Change in Singapore

1. Decide on Your New Name

Before starting the process, carefully consider your new name. You can:

• Add, delete, or modify characters
• Include punctuation (e.g., hyphens)
• Change the order of your name
• Correct misspellings

⚠️ Restrictions: ICA may reject names that are offensive, misleading (e.g., containing titles like “Sir” or “Prince”), or used for fraudulent purposes.

2. Engage a Lawyer for a Deed Poll

Once you’ve chosen your name, visit a lawyer to draft and sign a deed poll—a legal document confirming your name change. The process involves:

• Signing the deed poll at the lawyer’s office
• Affixing the red seal for ICA submission

✅ Requirements:

• Adults (21+): Bring your NRIC or passport
• Minors (Below 21): Both parents must sign the deed poll

3. Submit to ICA

After obtaining the deed poll, submit it to ICA to complete the process.

💰 Cost: Deed polls typically cost $120 to $150 at most law firms in Singapore.

Certain Restrictions When You Do a Name Change in Singapore

1. Name Changes for Religious or Marriage Purposes

If you are changing your name due to religious conversion or marriage, you do not need a deed poll. Your Baptism or Marriage Certificate is sufficient for ICA’s records.

2. Name Changes for Minors (Below 21)

• Parental Consent Required: Both parents must consent to the name change.
• Court Orders: If one parent has a court order allowing him or her to change the child’s name unilaterally, only this parent needs to sign the Deed Poll. He or she must:
  • Present the court order
  • Sign the prescribed declaration form at ICA
• Deceased Parent: If one parent has passed away, the surviving parent must provide:
  • A signed declaration
  • The death certificate of the deceased parent

⚠️ Divorced Parents:

• A divorced mother cannot change her child’s surname without the birth father’s consent, even if she has sole custody, care, and control.

3. Name Changes for Permanent Residents (PRs)

PRs can change their names on their Singapore identity card using a deed poll. However, updating the name on a foreign passport depends on the laws of their home country. It’s best to check with your embassy/consulate for guidance.

Final Steps After Getting Your Deed Poll

1. Register for a New Singapore Identity Card (IC)

You must update your IC at ICA within 28 days of obtaining your deed poll.

• Apply online via the ICA website
• Upload a digital copy of your deed poll
• Keep your original deed poll safe for future reference

2. Apply for a New Passport

To avoid travel issues, it’s best to renew your passport with ICA at the same time as your IC update.

3. Notify Relevant Organizations

After updating your IC, inform key institutions of your name change, such as:
✅ Employers & HR Departments
✅ Schools & Universities
✅ Banks & Insurance Companies
✅ Government Agencies

4. Important Considerations

• Your birth certificate and marriage certificate will retain your original name—these cannot be changed.
• Always store your original deed poll safely, as it may be required for verification in the future.

Once everything is sorted, you can proudly announce your new name to friends and family!

If you are ready to get deed poll done or have any more questions in regard to this topic – call us at +65 6323 1261 or fill up our enquiry form to consult our lawyers on what you should do next!