Congratulations on your new name! If you’re reading this then chances are you have already applied for a legal name change with Vital Statistics and are now wondering what next? You’ll either be issued with a legal name change certificate or an amended birth certificate, listing both your former and new legal names. Either document …
If you want to be known by a name other than your birth or married name then you’ll need a legal name change. We explain the process.
If you’re not adding or removing your spouse’s surname you need to apply for a legal name change. Start by applying with Service Ontario for a legal name change. Once successful send out the name change notifications to get your records updated.
Changing the spelling or order of your names, adding or dropping a name, or getting a totally new name? It all requires a legal name change. Apply to BC vital stats if you currently live in the province.
If you to be known by a different name, change the spelling or order of your names then you’ll need to lodge a legal name change application.
Children may take a new surname as they are adopted, parents divorce or marry. A name change may be required to fix a spelling mistake on a birth certificates. We explain the basics here. Easy Name Change kits are not suitable for children.
Canadian permanent residents can apply for a legal name change. We highlight some considerations and how this may impact your name in your birth country.
Each province and territory has their own policies and requirements for legal name change, which is centralised and managed and by local government.
