Legal changes of name

Covid-19 Important Note - Before beginning your change of name application, please contact your local RCMP/Police department or accredited fingerprinting agency to ask if fingerprinting/criminal record check services are available at this time.

Changing your name is an important decision that can have far-reaching effects on your personal and business relationships. If you were born in Canada, a legal change of name also changes the name on your birth record. It’s important to understand the steps required in a legal name change, the cost, and the effect it will have on your life.

Legal Change of Name Application

This section contains information about who can apply for a legal change of name, what steps are required, and what documentation you need to submit with your application.

Certificate of Change of Name

The Certificate of Change of Name is the document you will show whenever you are asked for proof of your legal change of name. For instance, you will need to produce this when changing your name on your driver’s licence.