How to change your name

Introduction

There is no formality set out in law in Ireland for the change of a person’s name or the assumption of another name. You may change the name you commonly use by simply adopting a new name. However, you will probably experience some difficulty proving the change to both public and private bodies without a document referring to the change.

A deed poll is a signed declaration that binds you to a particular course of action from the date of signing. It is most often used to declare an intention to change your name. A deed poll for a change of name contains declarations (in other words, 'a sworn statement' or affidavit) that you:

• Are abandoning the use of your old name
• Will use your new name at all times, and
• Require everyone to use your new name

Changing your name after marriage

There is no legal obligation on anyone in Ireland to change their name when they get married. You may change your name after marriage for tradition or cultural reasons. You may, for example, want to show you have joined a new family and therefore take the new name - but this is just a social or cultural choice with no legal basis. If you change your name when you marry, you do not need to execute a deed poll. Most organisations will accept your marriage certificate as evidence of your name change.

How you earn your name is by 'use and repute'. This means for most purposes, if someone wants to be known by their married name (or any other name), then they just use this name and ask people to call them by it.

Changing your name after separation or divorce

You may want to revert back to your maiden name after separation or divorce. It is likely there will be several organisations you need to contact to update your personal details, for example, your bank, your employer, the Motor Tax Office, your healthcare provider. Every organisation will have different requirements so check what is needed to complete the process. You usually will have to provide a valid form of identification and certified evidence of your previous name. You may need to provide a certified copy of your separation agreement or divorce decree.

Public Services Card (PSC)

To change your name on your Public Services Card back to your pre-marriage or pre-civil partnership name, you must submit:

• Divorce, dissolution or legal separation agreement documents, or
• Correspondence from a solicitor showing that a separation, divorce or dissolution has been initiated

Passport

To change your name on your passport back to your pre-marriage or pre-civil partnership, you need to apply for a new passport. You cannot apply online.

You will need to submit:

• Your previous passport
• Your birth certificate
• A judicial separation court order, separation agreement, or divorce decree. This must be certified by a solicitor or by the court.
• Your original marriage or civil partnership certificate

Otherwise, you will have to provide proof of usage. To do this, you will need to submit two official documents that show you've been using your maiden name for two years.

Changing the surname of a child

The surname of a child can be changed in the Register of Births, but only in certain circumstances.

However, the surname of a child can also be changed by deed poll or common usage. Children aged between 14 and 17 years can execute (carry out) the deed poll themselves but they need the consent of both parents. Where a child is under the age of 14 years, one of the child's parents must execute the deed poll with the consent of the other parent. (See 'How to change your name by deed poll' below.)

The process of changing your name by deed poll

The advantage of changing your name by deed poll is that you then have documentary evidence that you have changed your name. This, along with your birth certificate, is acceptable for most administrative procedures and provides an easy and inexpensive solution to most of the difficulties that can arise when you change your name.