Changing Your Name in Canada. Eileen Velthuis

must include with the application all original birth certificates.

      People who were not born in British Columbia will have to contact their former jurisdiction where they were born. That jurisdiction may have different instructions for applying for a new birth certificate with the new name. If born outside of Canada, certified copies of immigration papers or a permanent resident card is required.

      A marriage certificate may be necessary, as well as proof of custody if a parent is applying to change a child’s name without the other parent’s consent.

      You will need to provide the registry agent with a proof of your foundation identity, with your identification meeting the following criteria:

      • Original British Columbia birth certificates or notarized copies.

      • Any Canadian immigration identity documentation such as Canadian citizenship certificate or Permanent Resident Card, or certified copies.

      Applicants must include the following:

      • Original marriage certificates (original certificates and not the civil or religious marriage certificates, if married in Canada).

      • A photocopy of marriage certificates if married outside of Canada.

      • Written consents (if you are changing the name of a child, partner, or spouse; these are included for you to fill out as part of the Application form)

      If you have previously had a legal name change, you must disclose this information by also including any original Change of Name certificates in former names.

      4.2 Fingerprint requirements

      The RCMP requires a person who is completing a legal name change to provide fingerprints as part of his or her application process. This applies to all persons who are 18 years of age or older. The fingerprints are cross-referenced with criminal records by the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Service (CCRTIS) in Ottawa. Note that the fingerprints are not kept on file with the RCMP, CCRTIS, or Vital Statistics after the application process is complete.

      Once you decide to apply to legally change your name, obtain a fingerprint package, either in person at Vital Statistics or Service BC, by phoning 250-952-2681, or by emailing [email protected].

      4.3 Publication of name change

      After a certificate of change of name is issued, the chief executive officer must publish the person’s new and former names, date of birth, municipality of residence, and effective date, unless the person is a minor whose name is being changed to that of the adult applicant or if the chief executive officer decides publication is not in the public interest. This information used to be printed in the BC Gazette but now is fully searchable online at www.qplegaleze.ca.

      4.4 Statutory declaration

      As part of the change of name application form, you will find a statutory declaration, in which you will need to swear or affirm that what you said in your application is true. You will need to take it to a lawyer, notary public, or commissioner for taking affidavits in British Columbia to have it properly sworn or affirmed.

      You can find a commissioner, lawyer, or notary either through the local courthouse or in the Yellow Pages. There is a fee for this service, which can vary, so shop around to find the most reasonable price.

      5. Cost and Payment Methods

      The government fee is currently $137 per application (or one legal name change and one large certificate); for additional individuals younger than 19 years old on the adult’s application add $27 each. Also add $25 per person for criminal record checks levied on behalf of the RCMP, and bear in mind that local police departments may charge a fingerprinting fee which can vary.

      You can pay the registry by certified cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance, or by credit card.

      The swearing or affirming of the affidavit by a commissioner or notary will have a fee, which can vary so shop around; Vital Statistics currently charges $17 for document witnessing.

      6. Contact

      If you have questions, you can contact the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency.

      Website: www.vs.gov.bc.ca

      Telephone: [phone] or 250-952-2681

      Toll free: 1-888-876-1633

      Mail:

      British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency

      PO Box 9657 STN PROV GOVT

      Victoria, BC V8W 9P3