Introduction

What is a Deed Poll

Generally, a Deed Poll is a legal document that enables you to change your name and is binding only on a single person or several persons acting jointly to express an active intention.

A Deed Poll for change of name usually consists of 3 parts :-

• Stop using the old name immediately
• Start using the new name immediately
• Request others to address you by new name

Common Reasons for a Deed Poll

In Singapore, the popular reasons for people changing their names are :-

• Feng Shui reason
• Insertion of married, baptism or religious name
• Adding a Christian name to one’s Identity Card
• Artistes wanting a unique name
• Transsexuals wanting a name to reflect their sexuality
• Adding of alias to existing name
• Add, delete or change of Chinese / Tamil Characters
• Deletion of Hanyu Pinyin name

Restriction on Change of Name

Although we may prepare the Deed Poll based on your suggestion, we do not guarantee nor warrant that it will be acceptable to the relevant authority

Misleading or Offensive Names

Although there is no restriction or guidelines on the suitability of name, we will not accede to request for change of name that is vulgar, offensive, against the laws of Singapore or might result in misleading others that a title or honour has been conferred upon you eg. Datuk or Datin, Duke or Duchess or Royal Highness, etc

Chinese Characters

Under the National Registration Act/Regulations, a Chinese name reflect in the Identity Card must comprise only of Chinese characters found in the Chinese dictionary which is recognised by the ICA. Therefore, using Chinese characters that are not found in an any Chinese dictionary will not be accepted.

Infant

Parents of an infant who is less than one (1) year old, may amend the child's name in the Birth Certificate (BC) within 1 year from the date of birth. A Deed Poll is not required
Amendment of name on the Birth Certificate is not allowed after 1 year of birth.

Minors

For minors (those below 21 years of old), a Deed Poll must be executed by both parents or legal guardian. The child’s name is an important part of his identity and reflects his relationship with his parents.