If you are an adult permanently residing in the Republic of Ireland and wish to enrol a change of name by Deed Poll, here's how to complete the process.
If you are not a citizen of the European Economic Area or the UK, you have to to obtain a Change of Name Licence before enrolling a Deed Poll. This licence is issued by the Immigration Service Delivery.
Complete the Deed Poll form
The first step is to fill out the Deed Poll form. This has to be completed in front of a witness who must be at least 18 years old.
Please fill out the 'Old Name' exactly as it appears on your birth certificate including all middle names.
If you have previously changed your name this must be reflected in your 'Old Name' and the supporting document must be submitted (for example: a previous Deed Poll or a marriage certificate).
Get copies of your documents certified
Certify photocopies of your birth certificate and photographic identification. We do not accept copies of documents that have not been certified. Any supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, must also be certified.
This service is provided by the following:
- An Garda Síochána
- A Practising Solicitor
- A Commissioner for Oaths
Have the witness swear the affidavit
Your witness must swear their affidavit before a practising solicitor and/or a Commissioner for Oaths. This has to be completed in front of a witness who must be at least 18 years old.
Pay the fees
Fees for Deed Poll are subject to stamp duty. The Change of Name by Deed Poll document should be stamped with €60.
You can see the full list of offices that offer stamping services here.
Enrol the Deed Poll
Enrolling a Deed Poll means it will be publicly available to view on the Deed Poll Register. There is no automatic requirement to enrol a Deed Poll as it generally has the same effect as a Deed Poll which has not been enrolled. Some institutions will only accept a Deed Poll that has been enrolled in the Central Office.
To enrol your Deed Poll, you must complete the below form and submit a stamped and addressed return envelope.
Form: Request to Enrol Deed Poll
You can then lodge your documents one of the following ways:
- In-Person appointment: Book an appointment to lodge the documents in the Central Office of the High Court.
- Virtual appointment: Book a virtual appointment before lodging the documents. Email [email protected] for more information.
- Post: The postal address is as follows: Central Office of the High Court, Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 7.
- By DX (for solicitors only) : The DX number is as follows: 276001 Gandon Building.
Please note that should your return address change after you have lodged the documents, then email [email protected] to let us know.