Can I change my name in Ireland?
Yes — Irish law doesn't prescribe how you change your name, and there's no central name-change register. You can simply start using a new name by "use and repute." For written proof, you sign a Deed Poll (free template from courts.ie): you sign in your old and new name before a witness aged 18+, who swears an Affidavit before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. Enrolling the Deed Poll in the Central Office of the High Court costs €60 stamp duty and adds it to a public register — but enrolment is optional. After marriage you don't need a Deed Poll at all — a marriage certificate is accepted. Non-EEA nationals (not British) aged 18+ must first get a Change of Name Licence (€13). In short: yes, from the day you sign — enrolment is a choice.
📋 The rules
- No central register — start using the name by repute
- A Deed Poll gives written proof (free template)
- Witnessed + an Affidavit sworn before a solicitor
- Enrolling in the High Court: €60 (optional)
- After marriage, a marriage cert is enough
🔓 Exceptions
- Non-EEA nationals (not British) need a Change of Name Licence (€13)
- The Passport Service won't accept a Deed Poll — needs 2 years' proof of use
- A child's name change needs both parents' consent (€80 stamp duty)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There are no fines — this is a civil process. Costs are: €60 High Court stamp duty to enrol an adult Deed Poll, €13 for a Change of Name Licence (non-EEA nationals), an extra €20 for a child's Supplemental Affidavit (so €80 total), plus a small variable fee to swear the affidavit before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths. To put a non-marriage name on an Irish passport, the Passport Service won't accept a Deed Poll — you must show two official documents proving two years' use of the new name. Beware a myth: "you must enrol a Deed Poll in court for your new name to be legal" is false — a name change is legal from the day you sign; enrolment is entirely optional, and mainly useful because some bodies (like banks) prefer an enrolled deed. To change your name: sign a Deed Poll, and enrol it only if you need the formal record.
📎 Official sources
- Citizens Information — changing your name →
- Courts Service — Deed Poll for adults →
- ISD — Change of Name Licence →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I change my name in Ireland?
Irish law doesn't set a single procedure — you can simply start using a new name by use and repute. For documentary proof, you sign a Deed Poll before a witness and swear an affidavit. There's no central register, and enrolling the Deed Poll in the High Court is optional, though some organisations prefer it.
Do I have to enrol a Deed Poll?
No. Enrolling a Deed Poll in the Central Office of the High Court costs €60 in stamp duty and adds it to a public register, but it's entirely optional. Your name change is legally effective from the day you sign the Deed Poll. Enrolment is mainly useful because some institutions, such as banks, prefer an enrolled deed.
Do I need a Deed Poll after getting married?
No. If you're changing your surname because of marriage, you don't need a Deed Poll. Your marriage certificate is accepted as proof of the name change by passport, banking and other services. A Deed Poll is for changing your name in other circumstances, where there's no marriage certificate to rely on.
Will the Passport Office accept a Deed Poll?
Not on its own. The Passport Service doesn't accept a Deed Poll as proof for a non-marriage name change. Instead, you must show two official documents proving you've used the new name for at least two years. This is stricter than the general position, so plan ahead if you need a passport in the new name.
Can I change my child's name?
Yes, but a child's name change by Deed Poll needs the consent of both parents or guardians, and costs €80 in stamp duty in total — €60 plus €20 for the additional Supplemental Affidavit. If parents disagree, the matter may have to be decided by a court, which considers the child's best interests.
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