How to Change Your Legal Name in Canada
There are many reasons why people choose to change their names. Some people get married and decide to take the last name of their spouse. Other people simply dislike the name they were given. Still others may change their name to return to the name's original spelling. Whatever the reason, changing your name in Canada is relatively easy, however the process depends on which Canadian province you reside in.
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Instructions
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Check the Vital Statistics Division of the Department of Health & Social Services if you are a resident of the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. Both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have not compiled their name change requirements and these requirements are subject to change. The Northwest Territories can be reached by calling 1-800-661-0830. Nunavut can be reached by calling 1-867-645-8002.
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Be of legal age. This varies depending on which Canadian province you are changing your name in. In British Columbia and New Brunswick, the age is 19. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec, the age is 18. In Ontario, the age is 16.
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Meet the residency requirements. In addition to the age requirements, you are required to have been a residence of your province for a specific amount of time. In British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the time period is three consecutive months. In Ontario and Quebec, the time period is one year. There is no specific residence period for Alberta or New Brunswick.
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Pick a name that will not cause confusion or be used for fraudulent or other improper purposes. This step involves a good exercise of common sense, however, contact your local registry agent if you have any questions concerning this requirement.
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Fill out a change of name application and pay the required fee. Applications are found at your local Vital Statistics office. Fees vary by province. In British Columbia, the fee is 137.00; in Alberta, the fee is 120.00; in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Quebec, the fee is 125.00; in Manitoba, the fee is 100.00; in Ontario, the fee is 137.00.
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