Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
255. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise with regard to a person changing their name on their public services card; if she will advise on the current process of unofficially using a name for two years before the change can be made; if there are any avenues by which a person can expedite the process in certain cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10742/23]
View answerI can confirm that a person needs to attend one of my Department’s SAFE Registration Centres in person to have their name changed on their Public Services Card (PSC) as a new signature is required.
Under the Irish legal system, a person’s name is the name by which they are known, or which they commonly use.
For most people evidence of their name is most commonly provided and accepted in the form of a birth certificate, passport or driving licence, which may be supported by a marriage certificate in the case of a change of name on marriage.
Where a person has been issued with a PSC in their married name and wishes to revert to using their pre-marriage name, they should attend an office of this Department, bringing with them with their PSC.
Their pre-marriage surname will already be known to my Department, because the person will have already completed the SAFE registration process, using their married name.
A new signature will be required for their PSC.
In cases where a person wishes to change their name in circumstances other than this, they must show two years' usage of their new name.
To do this, they must submit at least two of the following documents, dating back at least two years: official communication with a Government Department, educational certificate, bank statement or card, utility bill, student or employee identification card (or similar).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
