How to Change a Name in Singapore

It is possible to change your name in Singapore by completing a deed poll.

Changing one's name in Singapore is a complicated matter. Due to national policies for seamless racial integration and anti-terrorism practices, strict regulations are in place to prevent the stealing of identities or the creation of unauthorized ones. As such, changing one's name in Singapore requires the completion of a deed poll by a lawyer. In addition, a centralized national identification agency maintains records of all Singapore residents and will issue an identity card with the updated name, which will be automatically furnished to all government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Inland Revenue or Land Transport Authority.

Instructions

How to Change a Name in Singapore

1. Hire the services of a lawyer. This is necessary because a letter must be presented to the government authorities explaining your request in formal legal terms and witnessed by a lawyer to be certified as a "True Copy." A deed poll costs about S$70 and is valid for 28 days, during which time it must be submitted to the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Make sure you have all other necessary documents ready, such as passports and your Singapore identity card.

2. Submit your documents to the ICA. The ICA issues the national identification card and will verify your original name as well as decide whether your new name violates any of the government's policies or laws. The ICA will determine whether there are any prior obstacles that prevent you from changing your name, such as misrepresentation or vulgar names, a previous criminal conviction, age (you must be older than 21) or if you are a permanent resident rather than a citizen. The ICA will call you for an interview to confirm the purpose of the name change as well as to verify your original identity.

3. Consider other means to change your name. Deed poll is the most direct way, and it is also one of the documents that will be used by the ICA; however, it is also possible to complete a name change by presenting a Baptism Certificate in the case that you have acquired a Christian name. Also, Marriage Certificates are admissible for individuals who have taken on their spouse's name(s).

References

• Deedpoll.sg: Singapore Deed Poll (Name Change in NRIC)
• Law.com.sg: Singapore Deed Poll (Changing Names, Name Change or Change of Name in NRIC)
• Familylaw.com.sg: Deed Poll (Change of name)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Change or Alteration of Name for Adult in Passport