Changing your name is a big step, we’re here to help.

There are two different forms for changing your name in Ontario. If you are over 18, use the application to change an adult’s name. If you are under 16, you must use the application to change a child’s name.

If you are 16 or 17, you may use either form.

One of the most daunting steps is reading through the application - below is a rough breakdown of the first few sections.

The differences between the adult and child applications are minimal, differences are denoted below.

Part 1, A-C is personal information about you, your parents, and what your name change will be.

Part 1, D-E is information on criminal information or financial offenses. If you answer yes to questions regarding criminal offenses, you must fill out the requirements for a police record check for a change of name form. If you have no criminal offenses or charges, you do not need to complete a police record check.

Part 2 on the adult’s application regards giving notice about your name change to those who are married or in a common-law relationship. If you are not married you do not need to fill out this section.

Part 2 on the child’s application regards getting consent from anyone with custody of the child.

Part 3 on the adult’s application is for those who are 16 or 17, you must acquire written consent from every person in legal custody of you. Do note that the application only contains 1 blank consent form, if you have more than 1 person in custody of you, you must copy this page for every person you need consent from.

Part 3 on the child’s application is for giving notice of the name change to anyone who is lawfully entitled to access information about the child. For example, another parent or guardian.

Part 4 is to prove your residency in Ontario for over 12 months. This section requires a guarantor. This must be someone you know, generally, a doctor, lawyer, or bank manager, who can prove your residency in Ontario. If you are struggling to find a guarantor, you may use someone you are not related to who you have known for 5 years, or, Kindspace Trans ID Clinic can help.

Along with your application, you must gather supporting documentation, what is required varies per person. Required documentation is listed within the application on page 13. The 519 also has a great checklist. We’ve written a rough breakdown here -

For those born in Ontario:

• Original birth certificate, or certified copy* of a long form birth certificate

For those born in Canada, outside of Ontario:

• Photocopy of original birth certificate, or photocopy of certified copy* long form birth certificate.

For those born outside of Canada:

• Photocopy of original birth certificate, or photocopy of certified copy of birth registration from country of birth.

• Photocopy of Canadian citizenship card/citizenship certificate (both front and back). Or photocopy of Canadian record of Immigrant Landing, or photocopy of Permanent resident card (both sides)

• Photocopy of passport used to enter Canada (if still in possession)

If you are missing any of these documents, you must write and sign a written explanation as to why it is missing from your application.

*A certified copy is a copy that has been notarized by notary pubics. You will likely not need to have any certified copies made for this form, unless you do not want to send your original birth certificate.

You must have the application signed with the seal of a commissioner. These are individuals such as lawyers, clerks, or judges. You can make an appointment with a commissioner through Service Ontario. If you’re in Ottawa, this is offered through the Service Ontario at City Hall, Kindspace is also able to offer these services.

You must pay the fee of $137 for your application to be processed. This can be done through credit card, which you fill out on the form.

If you do not have a credit card, you may pay by cheque, or money order*, these must be made payable to the Minister of Finance.

*A money order is a slip of paper you request from your bank. The funds are taken from your account when the money order is made, you may mail this order along with your application.

If you are having trouble paying this amount, SAEFTY can help. We have set up The MeFund for those who need financial assistance in changing their name.

Place your application, supporting documents, and payment (if applicable) into a document mailer. The address to mail your documents is on the ServiceOntario website. or here:

ServiceOntario

Office of the Registrar General

P.O. Box 3000

189 Red River Road

Thunder Bay, ON

P7B 5W0

Within 6-8 weeks you should receive a change of name certificate in the mail. This document will be used to change your legal name on your identification, banking information, travel documentation, etc.

If your application has mistakes or is missing information, you will have it sent back with information as to what is missing or needs to be fixed. It will not cost you any money to resend this application with the fixes.

Please note that SAEFTY is not giving legal advice through this page, this website is meant to be a concise reference and resource.