A policyowner cannot unilaterally change the beneficiary when the beneficiary is named as an irrevocable beneficiary. A revocable beneficiary has no vested right while the insured is alive, so the policyowner may generally change that beneficiary without consent, subject to the policy’s change procedure. An irrevocable beneficiary is different. Once the policyowner designates a beneficiary as irrevocable, that beneficiary receives a protected contractual interest in the policy proceeds. The policyowner generally cannot change the beneficiary, surrender the policy, assign the policy, or take actions that impair the irrevocable beneficiary’s interest without that beneficiary’s consent. Naming a spouse does not automatically make the designation irrevocable unless the policy specifically states it. “Permanent beneficiary” is not the standard technical term tested in life insurance law; the precise term is irrevocable beneficiary. The exam rule is direct: revocable can be changed; irrevocable requires beneficiary consent. Reference topics: Beneficiary Designations, Irrevocable Beneficiary, Revocable Beneficiary, Policyowner Rights.