Legal Name Change Information on AB, Canada
If you wish to change your name in Alberta, Canada, a full legal name change is not always necessary. You can assume a new name by using it regularly, having others refer to you by the new name and getting new government identification. A full legal name change involves applying to change your name with the Alberta Vital Statistics Office.
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Legal Name
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Your legal name is the name that appears on your birth certificate. Your first, last and any middle names included on the birth certificate are all considered part of your legal name. If you get a legal name change, you will receive a new birth certificate with your new name.
Eligibility
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To legally change your name, you must be a resident of Alberta and older than 18. There are some restrictions on changing your name if you are involved in any sort of bankruptcy proceeding, court action or other situation where changing your name would help you avoid financial responsibility. You can also change your child's name if the child is younger than 18, you are the legal guardian of the child and the other parent gives his consent. The child must also give his consent if he is older than 12.
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Application
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You must apply through a recognized registry agent to legally change your name in Alberta. Registry agencies are independent organizations licensed by the province of Alberta to provide registration and licensing services to the residents of Alberta. Registry offices are located throughout the province, and you can get a name change application by contacting one. You must also get your fingerprints taken at your local police station and include them along with your application. The government fee for a name change application is $120, and the fee to have your fingerprints taken is $25. The registry agent will also charge its own fee for the application service.
Children
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There are limitations on changing the name of your child. You can only change your child's name to his mother's or father's last name before marriage, his mother's or father's last name after marriage or a hyphenated version of his parents' last names. When a child is adopted, he is automatically given his new father's last name, unless the parents decide on something else, and is issued a new birth certificate.
Marriage
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A legal name change is not required to take your spouse's last name after marriage. You can simply assume your spouse's new name by using it regularly and contacting any government or private sector agencies, including banks and credit card companies, with whom you interact and informing them that you have changed your last name.
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References
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