Are you tired of going through life with a name that doesn’t quite suit you? Maybe it’s too difficult to spell or pronounce, or perhaps you’ve recently gotten married and want to take on your partner’s last name. Whatever the reason may be, changing your name in Ontario is a relatively straightforward process – but one that can still feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to change your name in Ontario. So whether you’re changing your first, middle, or last name (or all three!), read on for tips and tricks that will make the process as smooth as possible!
How to Change Your Name in Ontario?
If you’re looking to change your name in Ontario, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing your name with the province of Ontario. We’ll cover everything from getting a legal name change to updating your government I.D. and documents.
Changing your name can be a big decision, but it’s becoming more and more popular. In fact, over the past five years, there has been a 20% increase in the number of people changing their names in Ontario. There are many reasons why someone might want to change their name, including:
- Marriage or divorce
- Transgender rights
- Religious conversion
- Cultural reclamation
- Simply wanting a fresh start
Whatever your reason for changing your name, we’re here to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible. So let’s get started!
Eligibility Requirements for Legal Name Change in Ontario
In order to change your name in Ontario, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- You must be at least 18 years of age, or if you are under 18 years of age, you must have the consent of your parent or guardian
- You must not be changing your name for a fraudulent purpose
- You must not have any outstanding charges or convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.
How to File an Application for Name Change with the Ontario Government?
In order to change your name with the Ontario government, you will need to file an application. You and your legal guardian must sign the application if you are under 18 years of age. You can download the application from the Serviceontario webpage.
The application must include the following:
- Your current legal name
- Your proposed new legal name
- The reason for the name change request
- Your date of birth
- Your place of birth (city and province/territory)
- Your current address and telephone number
- Two pieces of identification that show your current legal name, date of birth and signature (e.g. driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate)
Once the application is complete, you must submit it to the Office of the Registrar General at:
Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 3000,
189 Red River Road Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 5W0
If you want to apply in person, then visit,
Service Ontario
47 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 417, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON
M2N 5N1
What Documents Do You Need to Submit?
You must submit several documents to the Office of the Registrar General to change your name in Ontario. These include a completed application form, original birth certificate or other proof of identity, and supporting documentation if you are changing your name for any reason other than marriage or divorce.
If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, you will need to submit a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are changing your name for any other reason, you will need to provide supporting documentation explaining the reasons for the change. This could include a court order, adoption papers, or a deed poll.
You will also need to pay a fee when submitting your application. The current fee is $137 for an adult name change and $22 for a child under 18 years old.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
After you submit your application, the Court will review it to make sure that it is complete and meets all of the requirements. If everything looks good, the Court will issue a certificate of change of name. This document is what you need to change your name on your government I.D., like your driver’s licence and passport. You will also need to use it to change your name on other important documents, like your bank account and mortgage.
How to Register Your New Name with Service Ontario?
In order to register your new name with Service Ontario, you will need to provide them with proof of your name change. This can be in the form of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Once you have provided them with this documentation, they will update their records and issue you a new Ontario Photo Card and Health Card in your new name.
If you have changed your name but have not yet updated your driver’s licence, you can do so by visiting a DriveTest centre. You will need to bring along your original name change documentation and your current driver’s licence. They will update your licence information and issue you a new licence in your new name.
If you would like to update your vehicle registration name, you must fill out an application for a new Certificate of Vehicle Registration. You will need to provide them with your original name change documentation, and the updated application must be signed by both you and your spouse (if applicable).
Other Important Considerations When Changing Your Name
- If you have a common name, you may want to consider changing your name to something more unique to avoid confusion
- You may also want to consider changing your name if it is difficult to pronounce or spell
- If you are married, or in a common-law relationship, you may want to change your last name to match your partner’s
- You may also want to hyphenate your last name if you want to keep both your maiden name and your spouse’s surname
- If you have children, you may want to consider changing your last name so that all of your family members have the same surname.
Conclusion
Changing your name in Ontario is a straightforward process requiring no additional steps or red tape. With the right paperwork, you’ll be able to complete this task quickly and easily. We hope our guide has been helpful in providing all the information you need to know about changing your name in Ontario. Now that you’re armed with all of the correct information take the plunge and start fresh with a new name today!
FAQ – How to Change Your Name in Ontario?
How much does it cost to change your full name in Ontario?
The cost of changing your full name in Ontario depends on the method you choose to use. If you change your name by deed poll, there is no fee. However, if you change your name by statutory declaration, you will need to pay a $137 filing fee to the Court. You may also need to pay additional fees for certified copies of your new name.
How long does it take to change your name in Canada?
Changing your name in Canada usually takes about two to three weeks. The steps involved in changing your name are as follows:
- Choose the new name you want to use. You can choose any name you want as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes
- Get a copy of your birth certificate or other legal document that shows your current name. If you were born in Ontario, you could order a copy of your birth certificate from the Office of the Registrar General
- Complete the Change of Name form available on the website of the Government of Ontario. Include all required information and documents, such as your current and new names and the reason for changing your name. You must also include the $137 fee payable by credit card, money order or certified cheque
- Mail the completed form and required documents to ServiceOntario
- Once your application is processed, ServiceOntario will mail you a Certificate of Name Change, which you must use to update all your personal records, such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), driver’s licence, health card, passport etc.
Do I need a police record check for name change in Ontario?
Police record checks are not required for name changes in Ontario. The only time a police record check would be required is if you are changing your name as part of a criminal background check for employment or licensing purposes.
How do I change my name on OHIP?
The process for changing your name on OHIP is relatively simple. You will need to complete a Name Change Request form, which you can obtain from any ServiceOntario centre. Once you have completed the form, you will need to submit it, along with proof of your identity, to a ServiceOntario centre. The staff at the centre will then update your information on OHIP and issue you a new card with your new name.
How do I change my name on my Ontario photo card?
You’ll need to update your Ontario photo card if you’ve recently changed your name. Here’s how:
- Gather the required documents. You’ll need proof of identity (e.g. a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your new name (e.g. a marriage certificate or court order)
- Fill out the application form. You can get this form from any ServiceOntario centre or online
- Submit the form and required documents in person at a ServiceOntario centre or by mail
