How to Apply for a Name Change in BC

Whether you want to change your name after marriage, divorce, or for personal reasons, British Columbia provides a formal legal process to do so. A legal name change in BC is governed by the Name Act and processed by the BC Vital Statistics Agency. This guide explains everything you need to know about changing your name in BC, including the application process for adults and children, required documents, fees, and what steps to take after your name change is approved.

Reasons for Changing Your Name

People change their names for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Marriage or entering a common-law relationship
• Divorce or separation
• Personal preference or cultural reasons
• Gender transition
• Simplifying a name that is frequently misspelled or mispronounced
• Adopting a new name after immigration to Canada

Regardless of your reason, the legal process is the same. Note that in BC, you do not automatically take your spouse's name upon marriage. If you want to change your last name after getting married, you must apply through the formal name change process or use your marriage certificate to update your records with individual agencies (the approach varies by agency). For details on marriage in BC, see our guide on getting married in Canada as a newcomer.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a legal name change in BC, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 19 years old (for an adult name change) or have a guardian apply on your behalf (for children under 19).
• You must have been a resident of BC for at least 3 months immediately before applying.
• If you were born in BC, your birth must be registered with BC Vital Statistics.
• If you were born outside BC but within Canada, you must provide a copy of your birth certificate from the province of birth.
• If you were born outside Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and provide proof of your immigration status.
• You must not be applying for a name change for fraudulent or improper purposes.

How to Apply: Adults

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

Download the Application for Change of Name (Adult) form from the BC Vital Statistics name change page. The form requires:

• Your current legal name and your requested new name
• Date and place of birth
• Current address in BC
• Reason for the name change
• Details of any previous name changes
• Consent to a criminal record check (name changes are subject to review for public safety reasons)

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

You will need to provide the following documents with your application:

• A copy of your birth certificate (BC, other Canadian province, or foreign with certified translation)
• Two pieces of government-issued identification
• Proof of BC residency (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last 3 months)
• If born outside Canada: proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
• If you have a criminal record: details of any convictions

Step 3: Submit the Application and Pay the Fee

You can submit your application:

• Online: Through the BC government's online services portal.
• By mail: Send the completed form and supporting documents (photocopies, not originals) to the address specified on the form.
• In person: Visit a Service BC Centre.

The fee for an adult name change is approximately $137. Payment can be made by credit card (online), cheque, or money order (by mail). Fees are subject to change, so verify the current amount on the BC Vital Statistics website.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times for name change applications vary, but you should expect approximately 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, BC Vital Statistics will review your application, conduct the criminal record check, and verify your documents. If there are any issues, they will contact you.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate of Name Change

If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Name Change. This is your official legal document proving that your name has been changed. You can also request an updated birth certificate (if you were born in BC) reflecting your new name, for an additional fee.

How to Apply: Children (Under 19)

Changing a child's name in BC requires the consent of all guardians. The process is similar to the adult process but with additional requirements:

• All guardians listed on the child's birth registration must consent to the name change by signing the application form.
• If one guardian does not consent, you may need a court order to proceed.
• If the child is 12 years or older, the child must also consent to the name change.
• A child's name change application form is different from the adult form; download the correct version from the BC Vital Statistics website.

The fee for a child's name change is the same as for an adult. Processing times are similar.

After Your Name Change Is Approved

Once you have your Certificate of Name Change, you will need to update your name with numerous organizations and agencies. This can be a time-consuming process, so it helps to make a list and work through it systematically. Key updates include:

• BC Services Card and MSP: Visit an ICBC driver licensing office or update through Health Insurance BC. For details, see our guide on how to get a BC Services Card and MSP.
• BC Driver's License: Visit an ICBC driver licensing office with your Certificate of Name Change.
• Canadian Passport: Apply to Service Canada for a new passport in your new name.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN): Update your SIN record at a Service Canada Centre.
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Update your name for tax purposes through your CRA My Account or by calling the CRA.
• Banks and financial institutions: Visit your bank with the Certificate of Name Change to update your accounts.
• Employer: Notify your employer so they can update payroll and benefit records.
• Landlord: If you rent, notify your landlord so the tenancy agreement reflects your new name.
• Immigration documents: If you are a permanent resident, apply to IRCC for an updated permanent resident card. If you are on a work permit or study permit, contact IRCC about updating your records.
• Professional licenses and certifications: Contact the relevant regulatory bodies.
• School or university: Update your records with your educational institution.

Special Considerations for Newcomers

If you are a newcomer to Canada and want to change your name in BC, there are some additional considerations:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to apply for a legal name change. Work permit and study permit holders are generally not eligible.
• If your birth certificate is in a language other than English or French, you must provide a certified translation along with the original document.
• If your name was changed in your country of origin, provide official documentation of that change along with your application.
• Some newcomers choose to legally adopt an English name to simplify daily life in Canada. This is a valid reason for a name change application.

For newcomers navigating multiple settlement processes simultaneously, our guides on the BC PNP, rental housing in BC, and tenant rights for newcomers provide comprehensive information on other aspects of settling in the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to anything I want?

Within reason, yes. However, BC Vital Statistics may refuse a name change if the requested name is offensive, misleading (such as impersonating a public figure), or intended for fraudulent purposes.

How long does the entire process take?

From application to receiving your Certificate of Name Change, expect approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Updating all your documents afterward can take several additional weeks.

Can I change just my first name, or just my last name?

Yes, you can change your first name, middle name, last name, or any combination. You can also add or remove middle names.

Is a name change after marriage automatic?

No. In BC, your name does not automatically change when you get married. You can use your marriage certificate to update some documents (like your driver's license), but for a full legal name change, you need to apply through BC Vital Statistics. For more information, see our getting married in Canada guide.

If you are also considering starting a business under your new name, our guide on starting a business as a newcomer in Canada covers the process of registering a business name and obtaining the necessary licenses. Ensuring your personal legal name matches your business documents is important for compliance and banking purposes.

Changing your name in BC is a well-defined legal process that, while requiring some paperwork and patience, is accessible to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements. Whether you are changing your name for personal, cultural, or practical reasons, following the steps in this guide will help you navigate the process from application to completion.