Changing a Name (Adult)

Frequently Asked Questions

I just got married, do I need to apply for a legal change of name?

You do not need to apply for a legal change of name. Use your marriage certificate to change your name. You can use your spouse's last name, or a hyphenation or combination of your last names on marriage.

I have a common-law spouse and would like to take on my spouse's last name. Do I need to apply for a legal name change?

If you have been living together for a period of two years OR have a child together and are living in a relationship of some permanence, you may use your common-law spouse's last name by signing a statutory declaration saying you are living together and you want to use your spouse’s name.

I just got divorced, and I want to go back to using my last name before my marriage. Do I need to apply for a legal name change?

No. Use your divorce certificate as proof that you are divorced and want to go back to the name you had before your marriage.

My common law relationship is over and I want to go back to using my old name. What do I need to do?

Fill out the breakdown of spousal relationship statutory declaration if your common law relationship has ended, you want to use the last name that you had before your common law relationship.

I have separated from my spouse, and want to go back to using my old name before marriage. What do I need to do?

Fill out the breakdown of spousal relationship statutory declaration if you are separated, and you want to use the last name that you had before your marriage.

Who can apply for a single name?

You can use a single traditional name as your legal name, as long as it is based on your traditional culture.

How do I apply for a single name?

To apply for a single name, you will need to complete the Application for Change of Name.

I have lost my Legal Change of Name Certificate, what do I do?

Complete the application form called Duplicate Change of Name Certificate. When filling this form, include both your previous and new names, plus the approximate date of the name change.

Submit this form with the appropriate fee to Vital Statistics.

Who can order a legal change of name certificate?

The following persons can order a change of name certificate:

  • The person whose name has been legally changed.
  • Someone who has a written consent from the person whose name has been legally changed.
  • A guardian with proof or a copy of guardianship papers.
  • An executor of the person's estate upon proof of death and executorship.