Name change in Ireland

Kurooi

Hi, basically the thing is that I always wished to one day change my surname, I am not yet an Irish citizen even but would likely get the citizenship just to do that.

How possible is it to change a surname within Ireland? It is not offensive or anything it simply is long and no one can ever pronounce or spell it anywhere close to right! I hope to be a businessman and think it will really get in my way, I actually cant introduce myself by either first name or surname because people just end up butchering my name for ten minutes and not remembering it the next day.

Also what steps need to be taken and are there any fees associated with it? would it be a problem to do it as a married couple ?

Ken.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/birth_family_relationships/problems_in_marriages_and_other_relationships/changing_your_name_by_deed_poll.html


Rules

If you are doing the deed poll yourself, you will have to call in person to the Deed Poll Section, Central Office, the Four Courts (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 12.30pm). It is not possible to apply online for this service. You will need your original birth certificate (and marriage certificate if applicable), together with photo identification such as your driving licence or passport.
As every case involving an official name change is different, staff in Deed Poll Section will provide advice and information to you on an individual basis.
Change of name licence

Under Sections 8 and 9 of the Aliens Act 1935, a foreign national aged 18 or over must get a change of name licence from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) before executing a deed poll. You can obtain an application form for a change of name licence by writing to the Change of Name Section in the INIS.
A British citizen does not require a change of name licence but is likely to need a letter to that effect from the INIS. Sometimes an Irish citizen requires such a letter. In order to obtain the letter you will need the following:

• Your birth certificate (long form)
• Your passport
• Any other documentation relating to a previous name change, such as your marriage certificate

There is more information on when a change of name licence is required on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website www.inis.gov.ie.

Rates

If you do the deed poll yourself, you will have to pay Stamp Duty of €35.
There may also be small charge to have the declaration (affidavit) sworn at a Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitors. (There is no fixed rate of charges for legal fees in Ireland, so enquire in advance for information on this charge).

How to apply

There are no pre-printed forms available to apply for a deed poll for a change of name. Instead, Deed Poll Section will provide you with appropriate written precedents on the type of wording you should use on your deed poll. Your application must use this wording together with your own particulars and be written on deed paper (available in stationery shops or from your solicitor).
After you have completed your application you then have your declaration (affidavit) sworn at a Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitors. You must then lodge your application together with the long-form of your birth certificate with Deed Poll Section. You must bring these documents back in person (you cannot post them) to the Four Courts where you will have to pay the Stamp Duty.
Further information is available in FLAC's Change of name by deed poll (pdf) booklet and on the Courts Service website.

Kurooi

Thank You very much ! That sounds like a good procedure.

Equality

It is easy to do, as described above.

If you are a married couple, you can both change your names at the same time.

If you are a married couple, and you prefer to use the surname of your wife, you may do this without a deed poll, simply call yourselves 'Mr and Mrs Wife's Surname'.

If you have children, you may decide to change their surnames also.

GarIT

I've done it before, it was quite easy actually. If you go into the courts in Dublin there is an office where they will tell you what you need and what to do.

Equality

You may also use the Irish language translation of either your surname or your wife's surname.

For example, if your surname translated into English as 'Snow' then you could use 'Sneachta' as your surname, this being the Irish language for Snow.

If you use the Irish language translation, most people won't be able to spell that either.

If you are picking a new surname, it is good to keep some link with the existing surname. A translated version is one option.