Ontario Name Change Process: Costs, Requirements & How to Apply

Changing your name is a significant personal decision that can arise from various life events or personal preferences. In Ontario, the process is structured to ensure that residents can legally adopt a name that aligns with their identity and circumstances. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the steps, requirements, costs, and implications of legally changing your name in Ontario.

Reasons for Changing Your Name

People choose to change their names for various reasons, including:

• Marriage or Divorce – Adopting a spouse's surname or reverting to a maiden name.

• Personal Preference – Wanting a name that better reflects their identity.

• Gender Transition – Aligning one's legal name with their gender identity.

• Cultural or Religious Reasons – Reclaiming a traditional name or adopting a new name after a religious conversion.

• Safety Concerns – Changing a name for protection in cases of domestic abuse or harassment.

Whatever the reason, knowing the legal process ensures a smooth transition.

Eligibility Criteria

To legally change your name in Ontario, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 16 years old – If you are 16 or 17, you need consent from all legal custodians.

• Be a resident of Ontario for at least 12 months – Proof of residency is required.

• Notify your spouse if married – While spousal consent isn’t required, you must inform them.

If you are applying for a child under 16, all custodial parents or guardians must agree, and children 12 or older must provide their consent.

Steps to Change Your Name

1. Obtain the Application Form

The application form for changing an adult or child's name can be obtained from ServiceOntario. You can download it from the Ontario government website or request a paper copy by calling ServiceOntario.

2. Gather Required Documents

When submitting your application, you will need to provide:

• Proof of Birth – Either an original birth certificate or a certified copy of birth registration.

• Proof of Residency – Documents that confirm you have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months.

• Guarantor’s Statement – A guarantor who has known you for at least five years must confirm your identity.

• Police Record Check – A police record check is required as part of the process. Make sure you obtain one from a recognized police force that meets Ontario's requirements.

3. Complete the Application Form

The application form will ask for details such as:

• Your current legal name.

• The new name you wish to adopt.

• The reason for the name change.

• Personal details, including your birthdate and place of birth.

4. Obtain Necessary Consents

Additional approvals may be required depending on your situation:

• Minors (16 or 17 years old) – Need consent from all legal custodians.

• Married Individuals – Must notify their spouse but do not require their consent.

5. Submit the Application

You can submit the completed application and required documents by mail to the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay. The mailing address is available on the Ontario government’s official website. If you prefer, you may also submit the application in person at a designated ServiceOntario location in Toronto.

6. Pay the Application Fee

The cost of legally changing your name in Ontario is:

• $137 for an adult

• $22 for a child’s name change if submitted with a parent’s application

*Prices are always subject to change

You can pay by cheque, money order, or credit card.

Processing Time

The processing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks, provided all documents are complete. If additional clarification is needed, the process may take longer.

Receiving Your Change of Name Certificate

Once approved, you will receive an official Change of Name Certificate, which serves as legal proof of your new name. If you were born in Ontario, you will also receive an updated birth certificate with your new name.

Updating Your Identification and Records

Once your name change is finalized, you will need to update your identification and records:

• Driver’s License – Visit a ServiceOntario center with your Change of Name Certificate.

• Health Card – ServiceOntario can update your health card.

• Passport – Apply for a new passport through Passport Canada.

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) – Update your SIN with Service Canada.

• Bank Accounts and Credit Cards – Provide financial institutions with your Change of Name Certificate.

• Employer Records – Notify your employer for payroll and tax purposes.

• Utilities and Service Providers – Update accounts with your new name.

Special Considerations

Indigenous Name Reclamation

If you are Indigenous and wish to reclaim a traditional name, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. More information on this process is available through ServiceOntario.

Confidentiality Concerns

By default, all name changes are published in The Ontario Gazette, but exceptions apply:

• If you are transgender, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, you can request non-publication.

• If publication could cause harm, you may submit a request for an exemption.

To apply for non-publication, you must complete an additional form when submitting your name change application.

Conclusion

Changing your name in Ontario is a straightforward but detailed process that requires careful planning. By following the outlined steps, ensuring you meet eligibility requirements, and submitting the necessary documents, you can successfully navigate the legal name change process.

For the most up-to-date forms and information, visit the Ontario government's website or contact ServiceOntario directly.