To change your legal name in Singapore, you are required to execute a legal document known as the deed poll. The execution of a deed poll by a person signifies the renunciation of their original name and the adoption of the new one. To change one’s legal name is a significant decision, and is often prompted by various personal, cultural, or religious reasons.
In Singapore, a deed poll is typically drafted by a lawyer, and is required to be executed by the person who requires the name change (or in the case of a minor, their parent(s) or legal guardian(s)) in the presence of a lawyer qualified to practise in Singapore.
In this article, we will delve into some common reasons for individuals to opt for a name change and thereafter provide a step-by-step guide on what you should do once your deed poll is executed.
Our firm frequently assist clients on the preparation and execution of deed polls. Our fees start from S$100 for the preparation and witnessing of the execution of a deed poll.
If there are any suggestions and/or legal queries, please feel free to contact the author, Waltson Tan, at: waltson.tan@28falconlaw.com
(a) Alignment with personal identity: Individuals who intend to change their names often seek to align their legal name with their gender identity or personal beliefs. This is particularly relevant for transgender individuals undergoing gender transition.
(b) For reasons of marriage or divorce: In certain traditions, marriage would be symbolised by a change in surname to reflect the union. On the other hand, individuals may wish to revert to their pre-marriage surname following divorce.
(c) For cultural, religious or auspicious reasons: Names may be changed to better reflects their cultural heritage or religious beliefs. Some may do it after consulting a fortune teller, as they believe that changing names could help them with improving their health or wealth.
(d) For professional reasons: Names may be changed, for example, to include an English name, for reasons such as personal rebranding or enhancing of marketability.
The alteration of a name in any manner, whether by addition, removal, or rearrangement, requires the execution of a deed poll. This includes changes to names written in Chinese characters, as long as they appear on official records as the original legal name.
After a deed poll is executed, individuals should provide it to the ICA within 28 days in order for the ICA to update the government records. The ICA will then provide individuals with their new national identification card (i.e. NRIC). Individuals will have to apply for their new passport after the name change is completed. The submission of the deed poll can be done either in person at the ICA Building, or by providing the soft copy via the ICA website.
Subsequently, you may wish to notify the relevant entities with whom you have any account or dealings, such as your employers, banks, insurance providers, telco.
It is important to safekeep the original copy of the deed poll and any correspondence related to the name change for reference and record. These documents may be requested by third parties such as financial institutions, service providers and regulatory authorities as proof of the name change in the future.
For minors who are under 21 years of age, a deed poll is still required to effect the change of name legally. In general, both the parents or legal guardian(s) of the minors (but not the minor) are required to sign the deed poll.
Changing your legal name by deed poll is a significant decision which requires careful consideration. It is our hope that this guide provides our readers a better understanding on navigating the process of changing names effectively under Singapore law by way of a deed poll.
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The author, Waltson Tan, is a corporate lawyer trained in London and Singapore. He is qualified as an advocate and solicitor in Singapore, and has more than eight years of post-qualification experience.
Waltson focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures, investment funds and other general corporate and commercial transactions. He has also represented numerous leading multinational organisations on a broad spectrum of corporate, regulatory, cross-border restructuring and employment matters.
Waltson also advises clients on a monthly and yearly retainer basis, where he provides dedicated services to each client in relation to the issues which clients face, including general corporate and employment related matters.
If you require further information and/or expert guidance on the above or any other area of law, you may wish to contact the author of the article, whose details are as follows:
Waltson Tan Director +65 8079 0028 waltson.tan@28falconlaw.com |
Office address: 101A Upper Cross Street #13-11, People’s Park Centre Singapore 058358 |