How to Do a Name Change in Singapore Legally? Deed Poll Guide

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.

What Is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legal document that formally records your intention to abandon your previous name and use a new one.

In Singapore, a Deed Poll is typically drafted and witnessed by a lawyer. Once signed, it becomes the primary document used to update your identity records with government agencies, banks, employers, schools, and other organisations.

For most individuals, obtaining a Deed Poll is the fastest and most reliable way to legally change their name.

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.

Also Read: What to Do When a Family Member Passes Away

Does Every Name Change Require a Deed Poll?

Not always. The scenario determines the document required:

Scenario	Document Required	Deed Poll Needed?
Personal preference / Feng Shui	Deed Poll	Yes
Adding an English name	Deed Poll	Yes
Religious conversion (e.g. Muslim or Christian)	Baptism or Conversion Certificate	No
Adding spouse’s surname upon marriage	Marriage Certificate	No
Reverting to maiden name after divorce	Deed Poll + Final Judgment	Yes
PR updating Singapore IC name	Deed Poll	Yes

How to Change Your Name in Singapore: 3-Step Process

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

Once the deed poll is executed, submit it to ICA to update your official records.

• Apply online via the ICA e-Service portal
• Upload a digital copy of your deed poll
• Keep the original deed poll — you will need it for future updates to banks, schools, and other institutions

Update your IC within 28 days of executing the deed poll. You may also apply to renew your passport at the same time to avoid travel document discrepancies.

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

Changing Your Name After Divorce: A Guide for Women

One of the most common reasons women seek a deed poll is to remove an ex-husband’s surname or revert to their maiden name following a divorce. This is not automatic — a divorce certificate alone does not change your name on official records.

The process requires:

1. Obtaining the Final Judgment (previously Decree Absolute) from your divorce proceedings
2. Executing a Deed Poll before a lawyer to formally adopt your new name
3. Submitting the deed poll and Final Judgment to ICA for your IC to be updated

Important: A divorced mother cannot change her child’s surname without the birth father’s consent, even if she has sole custody, care, and control of the child. A separate court application is required if the father does not agree.

Name Change Restrictions in Singapore: What You Need to Know

Not every name change in Singapore follows the same process. Depending on your circumstances, different rules and document requirements apply.

Religious Conversion or Marriage

If you are changing your name due to religious conversion or marriage, a deed poll is not required. Your Baptism Certificate, Conversion Certificate, or Marriage Certificate is sufficient for ICA to update your records.

Name Change for a Minor (Below 21) in Singapore

Changing a child’s name in Singapore requires both parents to consent and sign the deed poll. There are three exceptions to this rule:

• If one parent holds a court order permitting a unilateral name change, only that parent needs to sign. They must present the court order and sign a prescribed declaration form at ICA.

• If one parent is deceased, the surviving parent must provide a signed declaration together with the death certificate of the deceased parent.

• If the parents are divorced, the rules are strict: a divorced mother cannot change her child’s surname without the birth father’s consent — even if she has been granted sole custody, care, and control of the child. A separate court application is required if the father does not agree to the change.

Name Change for Permanent Residents (PRs) in Singapore

Permanent Residents may change their name on their Singapore IC using a deed poll. However, updating the name on a foreign passport is governed by the laws of the PR’s home country and is a separate process. PRs should check with their respective embassy or consulate for guidance before proceeding.

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!

Why Use a Lawyer for Your Deed Poll?

Online deed poll services may advertise lower fees, but they typically provide a template form with no legal consultation. When you engage a senior lawyer like Pui Khim, you receive:

• A review of your specific circumstances before the deed poll is drafted
• Advice on restrictions that may affect ICA’s approval of your new name
• Proper execution with the red seal required for ICA submission
• Guidance on additional steps if your case involves divorce, minors, or court orders

For straightforward name changes, the difference in cost is modest. For complex cases — particularly post-divorce name changes or changes involving children — professional advice can prevent delays and rejections at ICA.

Also Read: Freedom of Choice for Order of Surname and Given Name, and For Husband and Wife to Have Different Surnames, But What About Countries With Patriarchy Systems?

Change Your Name in Singapore With a Trusted Lawyer

A legal name change in Singapore does not have to be complicated. With the right guidance, the entire process, from deed poll execution to ICA submission — can be completed within a day. Whether you are changing your name for personal, religious, or post-divorce reasons, getting it done properly the first time saves you from delays and rejections down the line.

Pui Khim has assisted many clients with deed poll preparation across a range of circumstances, including complex cases involving minors, divorced parents, and Permanent Residents. Her office handles the full process with care, ensuring your deed poll is correctly drafted, executed, and ready for ICA submission.

Ready to proceed? Find out more about our Deed Poll service or contact us to book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions