Want to change your baby's first name? Here's a guide on how to change your name in Singapore.
Your surname is your first connection with your family, which can be the reason for a turnaround in fortunes. In keeping with Singapore's traditions, a child's surname represents the link with their biological father and his family, and forms a part of their identity.
But what if you didn't want that for your child? Then, can you change the child's surname? That's the question a certain Reddit user by the handle 'okaykaren' recently posted on the Singapore community website.
While this was an interesting question, it also surfaces the unnoticed deep-rooted patriarchy that's actually written into the Singaporean law system.
Can We Choose A Newborn Surname In Singapore?
Although the question was innocent, it left netizens divided.
Some quoted the rules. As one user wrote,
"Law will follow father’s surname unless illegitimate. If you would like your child to have your surname would be best for the father to change to your surname so that the baby will be registered with your surname.
If not they have to carry deed poll around till they get their IC. Subsequently, if the father wants to change back his surname he can do so."
While others were more forthcoming with wanting to challenge such 'patriarchal' rules. As one user wrote,
"Sorry, but can't this statute be challenged in court? Unless and otherwise a government can prove that there is legitimate administrative purpose for having a father's surname, it cannot force people to adopt such a convention."
Want To Change the Child's Surname? What Does The Law Say
Singapore's Registration of Births and Deaths Act, Chapter 267, Section 10 states that,
"Any surname of a child to be entered in respect of the registration of the birth of the child shall be that of the father of the child; but where the child is illegitimate and the father is not an informant of the birth, the surname, if any, shall be that of the mother of the child."
So, by default, the birth certificate carries the father's surname.
However, if you do want to change the surname of the child, you need to know about the deed poll procedure.
How To Change Name In Singapore?
There are numerous law firms that help clients create Deed Polls. You may choose from DeedPoll.sg, LAW.com.sg, and Loh Eben Ong. They have helped thousands of Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and Foreigners change their names with great satisfaction and at very affordable rates since the debut of their wildly successful pioneering Deed Poll Online (1998).
Getting things done
According to the DeedPoll website, the signing procedure can take anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. Cash, PayNow, NETS, and credit cards are all accepted forms of payment. After that, you will be given an information sheet with instructions on what to do next.
Operating Hours
Services for Deed Polls are only available by appointment. Before scheduling an appointment, it is advisable that you apply for Deed Poll Online. You can give them a call or use the online appointment booking system to schedule an appointment. You should expect to wait a little bit longer as your Deed Poll is being prepared if you choose to do a walk-in deed poll, which is dependent on availability.
Submitting Deed Poll Online
You may submit Deed Poll through SG Lawyers App or online at LAW.com.sg for your convenience. Walk-ins by the previous appointment may be accepted, subject to availability.
Make an appointment
Call us at 6338 1810 to schedule a deed poll appointment, or use our online appointment booking system.
Deed Poll Name Change Singapore
What is a Deed Poll?
To change your name or surname in Singapore, you need a deed poll. This is a legal document drafted by a lawyer that formally declares that you will renounce your current surname and take the new surname instead from the date of execution of the deed poll.
It's a simple procedure and takes place in a matter of days. It usually costs around $100 in Singapore.
However, in the case of changing the surname of a child (a minor less than 21 years of age), the process adds a few more steps.
A child under the age of 21 years cannot legally request a deed poll. Instead, the parents can do the same in order for the deed poll to affect their surname change at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).
Here's how the deed poll procedure works:
- ICA requires both parents to consent to the surname change of the child. This is mandatory unless one parent is uncontactable or deceased.
- Both parents need to sign the deed poll declaration form in the presence of a lawyer and then submit the document to the relevant authorities.
Changing Child's Surname In Case Of Divorce
- In the case of divorced parents, you still require the consent of the other biological parent to effect the name change.
- If the other parent refuses to consent to the surname change, you will have to demonstrate strong reasons why the name change is important.
- Even in the case of sole custody, care and control of the child, you will still need the other parent's consent to change the surname. However, the ICA may consider changing the name without consent in rare cases.
Court follows a child-centric approach to surname change
The Singapore family law will place the welfare of the child as their foremost consideration when taking into account the surname change of the child.
They will only permit the change if it suits the child's best interests. The court will consider:
- Why do the parents seek a surname change?
- How long did the child live with the current surname?
- What will be the impact of the surname change on the child?
- If the child is mature enough, then it will consider the child's own wishes
How Much To Change Name In Singapore?
For Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents, a Deed Poll costs $50 (net).
Fees for foreigners are $100 (net). Costs are subject to change without prior notice.
Each true copy that was verified by attorneys usually cost $10. (net). If you require Notary Public to notarise a copy of your Deed Poll, visit SingaporeNotaryPublic.com or LAW.com.sg to view the Notary Public fees.
FAQs About Change of Name in Birth Certificate
1. Can someone under the age of 21 sign a deed poll?
No. The Deed Poll must be signed by at least one parent if the child is under 21. With effect from 1 June 2007, the other parent must also be consulted before changing a child's name, unless the other parent has passed away or cannot be reached. It is advised that both parents sign the Deed Poll to prevent any issues, such as disagreements between the parents or ICA's refusal to recognise the Deed Poll for certain reasons.
2. Why is parental approval required before changing a child's name?
The child's name is a significant representation of his identity and his connection to his parents, according to ICA's policy. Therefore, it is necessary to get both parents' approval before changing a child's name.
The only exception is in cases when the other parent has passed away or is incompetent, and an ICA statement of this fact is necessary.
To solve the problem of parental consent, it is advised that both parents sign the Deed Poll.
3. Can one parent may sign the Deed Poll on behalf of his child?
If a parent wants to alter the name of their kid, they can sign a Deed Poll, but they must also have the other parent's approval, unless the other parent has already passed away or is no longer reachable.
The required Declaration must be completed at ICA by the parent who signed the Deed Poll and attends ICA. If only one parent is signing the Deed Poll, we require that parent to sign a statement stating that either the other parent has given approval or that parent cannot be reached or is deceased.
Please be aware that ICA may take issue with or protest the proposed change of surname when a child's surname is changed using a Deed Poll signed by one parent (when there are two parents listed on the child's birth certificate).
Despite the fact that there is a Deed Poll for surname changes, it is not guaranteed that ICA will actually make the change.
4. I want to change my son's last name because I'm a single mother. Is it allowed?
Normally, if a kid is under the age of one year, you do not require a Deed Poll to alter the name on their birth certificate.
However, problems could occur if you want to give the child a different surname but are the only natural parent (mother) listed on the child's birth certificate and the child's surname is yours (eg. your boyfriend).
ICA may not permit the single mother to change the child's surname to that of another person (whether with a Deed Poll or not) until that other person performs a DNA test to prove that he is the child's natural father, according to experience (subject to mistake and caution).
5. Requirements for Deed Poll
You need to bring your original Singapore Pink Identity Card (NRIC), Passport, NS Green IC, or Singapore Blue Identity Card if you are an adult (for Singapore PR).
In order to prove their link to the Minor (a child under 21), the Parent signing the Deed Poll must produce both the Minor's original birth certificate and identification (such as a driver's licence or passport). If the original birth certificate cannot be supplied, the company reserves the right to postpone processing the Deed Poll in favour of another appointment.
The parent must bring the original birth certificate together with a certified English translation if the certificate is not in the English language.
If the birth certificate is not in the English language, the parent must bring both the original and a certified English translation.
When Does The ICA Reject Names?
The ICA can and may reject certain names if they are:
- Offensive
- Vulgar
- Belong to famous politicians
- Contain honorary titles like “Sir” or “Datuk”
So, if you had plans to change the surname of your baby to "Sirpoopsalot," sorry to soil your diaper. If you want a more detailed explanation of how to change your child's name in Singapore, do not hesitate to consult a lawyer.
Updates from Matt Doctor
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