Effective September 1, 2024, the requirements and application forms for a legal change of name have changed. Please read the information and instructions carefully before applying.
Changing your name is an important decision that can have far-reaching effects on your personal and business relationships. If you were born in Canada, a legal change of name also changes the name on your birth record. It’s important to understand the steps required in a legal name change, the cost, and the effect it will have on your life.
As a residential school survivor or their family member, or an individual impacted by the Sixties Scoop, you may be eligible to receive a legal change of name through the Vital Statistics Agency, including a waiver of legislated fees.
Find information about who can apply for a legal change of name, what steps are required, and what documentation you need to submit with your application.
The average legal change of name application takes approximately 16 weeks to process. We cannot process applications that are missing documentation or payment, or are using an outdated form.
The Certificate of Change of Name is the document you will show whenever you are asked for proof of your legal change of name. For instance, you will need to produce this when changing your name on your driver’s licence.
Adults (19+) applying without children can apply online and pay with credit card. Access to a printer is required to use this option.
All other applicant can apply by completing Application For Change of Name
After marriage, you can choose to continue using your own surname (last name), or you can start using your spouse's surname. Assuming your spouse's surname does not constitute or require a legal change of name under the Name Act.
If after assuming a spouse’s surname after marriage you decide to go back to using your own surname, you can do this at any time without a legal change of name.
The policies and procedures for completing a legal change of name in British Columbia follow legislation set out in the Name Act.
To complete transactions in person, find a Service BC location near you.
Mailing Address:
Vital Statistics Agency
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9P3
Phone:
Victoria: 250 952-2681
Toll-Free within B.C.: 1 888 876-1633