How to Get a Legal Name Change in Ireland

You can change your name in Ireland without hiring a solicitor.

Legally changing your name in Ireland is a relatively simple process, and, depending on where you live, the most difficult part may be the required visits to Dublin. The same name change instructions apply whether you are changing your surname due to marriage or whether you are changing your given name because you don't like it--or for any other reason.

Instructions

1. Visit the Judgments Section, Central Office, the Four Courts in Dublin. Ask for documentation and examples on name changes.

2. Create a deed poll on deed paper, parchment paper or judicature paper. Use the examples from the Judgments Section as reference to make sure you are providing all the necessary information in the proper format. Create and sign this document in front of a witness.

3. Visit a practicing solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths with your witness and create a signed affidavit attesting to the fact that your witness observed you as you completed and signed your deed poll.

4. Return to the Four Courts in Dublin and visit the Central Office. Provide the staff with your deed poll, your affidavit and your original birth certificate.

5. Pay the applicable stamp fee. As of June 2010, this was around 30 Euros.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have submitted your deed poll, you must stop using your old name and immediately begin using your new name in all circumstances.

References

• Citizens Information: Changing Your Name by Deed Poll
• The Courts Service of Ireland: Change of Name by Deed Poll Information Leaflet
• flac: Change of Name by Deed Poll

Resources

• The Courts Service of Ireland: Home