How to Change Your Name by Deed Poll in Ireland: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your name legally doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you are changing your own name as an adult or updating the name of your child, executing a Deed Poll is the most straightforward way to make it official. Enrolling your Deed Poll adds it to a public register, making it much easier to update passports, bank accounts, and school records.

As a practicing Commissioner for Oaths, I help take the stress out of this process. I offer a Complete "In-Office" Deed Poll Service where we handle all the required legal swearing, document certification, and paperwork together in one easy appointment.

🛑 Step 1: Check Eligibility & Find Your Age Bracket

To enrol a Deed Poll in Ireland, the person changing their name must live permanently in the Republic of Ireland. (If you are not an EEA/UK citizen, you must first obtain a Change of Name Licence from Immigration Service Delivery).

The process varies slightly depending on age. Find your bracket below:

For Adults (18 and Over) You simply need to fill out the Adult Deed Poll form in front of an independent witness.

For Minors (Aged 14 to 17)

The minor fills out the minor-specific Deed Poll form.
Both parents must sign their consent on the form. (Note: If consent from either parent is not available, a court order may be required).
The parent providing their photo ID must also swear an extra document called a Supplemental Affidavit.

For Children (Aged 13 and Under)

One parent fills out the Deed Poll form on behalf of the child.
The second parent must sign their consent on the form. (Court orders may apply if one parent is unavailable).
The parent providing their photo ID must swear the Supplemental Affidavit.

📋 Step 2: Prepare for Your Appointment

Do not worry about downloading or printing the official High Court forms. For your convenience, I will provide the correct official forms, pre-printed on premium, durable Deed Paper, at my office.

You only need to bring the following to your appointment:

Your Original Documents: Bring the original birth certificate of the person changing their name, your current photo ID (for parents, bring your ID), and any supporting documents (like a previous Deed Poll or marriage certificate).
An Independent Witness: Bring a trusted friend, colleague, or family member who is at least 18 years old. (Note: As your Commissioner for Oaths, I cannot legally act as your witness, so you must bring a third party with you).

✍️ Step 3: The "All-In-One" Office Appointment

When you and your witness arrive at my office, we will complete all the mandatory legal steps together in one sitting:

We Fill Out the Deed Poll: We will fill out the correct Deed Poll form using the old name exactly as it appears on the birth certificate. You (and your parents/child) will sign it in front of your chosen witness.
The Witness Swears the Affidavit: The High Court requires your witness to formally swear they saw the document being signed. I will administer the oath to your witness and complete the Affidavit of Attesting Witness.
Parents Swear the Supplemental Affidavit (Minors Only): If the application is for a minor, I will administer the oath to the parent so they can formally swear their consent.
I Certify Your Documents: The High Court strictly refuses uncertified photocopies. I will make copies of the original birth certificate and photo IDs right here in the office and officially stamp them as Certified Copies.

When you walk out of my office, your Deed Poll bundle will be legally sound and completely ready for the final government steps.

💶 Step 4: Pay the Government Stamp Duty

Once your paperwork is signed and certified, the government requires a tax (stamp duty) to be paid on the legal documents at an official stamping office.

Adults: €60 total (for the Deed Poll document).
Minors: €80 total (€60 for the Deed Poll + €20 for the Supplemental Affidavit).

Where to stamp your documents locally: For your convenience, you can have your documents stamped at the local court office:

Swords & Balbriggan District Court Office Address: 2nd Floor Balbriggan Public Library, Saint George’s Square, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin K32 TW27 Phone Number: 01 888 6625 / 6623 / 6621 Email Address: swords@courts.ie

🏛️ Step 5: Enrol Your Deed Poll

The final step is lodging your completed, stamped documents with the Central Office of the High Court to have the new name added to the public Deed Poll Register. Gather your complete bundle and a stamped, self-addressed envelope so your official enrolled Deed can be mailed back to you.

How to lodge your documents:

Adults: You can book an appointment to lodge them in person at the Central Office of the High Court, or you can mail them by post to: Central Office of the High Court, Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 7.
Minors (Important!): Applications for minors cannot be sent by post unless they are accompanied by a solicitor's cover letter. If you are doing this yourself, you must book an appointment to lodge the minor's documents in person.

(Important: If your return address changes after you lodge your documents, you must email DeedPollQuery@courts.ie with your updated details immediately).

Ready to Make It Official?

Skip the hassle of printing forms and hoping you did it right. Let's get your paperwork completed, sworn, and certified in one quick visit.

Click Here to Book Your Deed Poll Appointment Today

📥 Download the Official Forms

To make things easy, we have provided direct links to the official forms required by the Central Office of the High Court. If you are booking an "In-Office" appointment with us, you do not need to print these—we will provide them on high-quality Deed Paper.

However, if you wish to review them or complete the process on your own, you can download them below:

Forms for Adults (18 and Over)

Adult Deed Poll Form: The primary document you will use to officially declare your new name.

Affidavit of Attesting Witness: The legal document your witness must swear in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or Solicitor.

Request to Enrol a Deed Poll Form: The lodgement request form is used to officially add your Deed Poll to the public register.

Adult Deed Poll Checklist: A helpful checklist provided by the Courts Service to ensure you have all necessary documents and stamps before lodging.

Forms for Minors (Under 18)

Deed Poll Form for Minors (Aged 14 to 17): The primary document for teenagers aged 14 to 17, which requires the signature of the minor and parental consent.

Deed Poll Form for Children (Aged 13 and Under): The primary document for younger children, to be completed and signed by the parents/guardians.

Supplemental Affidavit: The sworn statement that the parent(s) must complete in front of a Commissioner for Oaths to formally swear their consent to the child's name change.