Name Changes in Ontario

Get a formal name change: A formal name change is a more serious than assuming one (see my last blog post) and involved process and provides you with a new birth certificate (if you were born in Ontario).

• If you get a formal name change within 90 days of your marriage, there is no cost; if applying for a formal name change after 90 days of marriage, you’ll be charged $25.

• You will need a number of other documents to legally change your name. Assuming you were born in Canada, you’ll need to send:

• all original birth certificates or certified copies of birth registrations

• photocopies of all change of name certificates (if you’ve changed your name before)

• all court-certified copies of court orders (if applicable)

• If you were born outside of Canada, or are a landed immigrant/permanent resident you’ll need to enclose:

• a photocopy of your Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides) or Immigrant Landing/Permanent Resident Card (both sides)

• a photocopy of your original birth certificate or photocopy of certified copy of birth registration from your country of birth

• photocopies of all change of name certificates (if you’ve changed your name before

• all court-certified copies of court orders (if applicable)

• Download the Application to Change an Adult’s Name or call ServiceOntario to get the forms delivered to you. They can be reached at 416-325-8305 and 1-800-461-2156.

• Submit the documents by mail to Office of the Registrar General, P.O. Box 3000, 189 Red River Rd, 3rd Floor, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5W0.

• You can submit the documents in person at Service Ontario, 47 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 417, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M2N 5N1.