How do I change the name on my birth certificate in Ontario?

To legally change the name on your birth certificate in Ontario, you’ll need to fill out an Application to Change an Adult’s Name, also known as Form 11155E. 

You’ll also need to have a police records check conducted as part of your legal name change application. You can download the Requirements for a Police Record Check for a Change of Name form to ensure the police force conducting your check meets all the requirements.

To legally change your name, you must:

• Give your partner/spouse notice of your name change if you’re married or have signed a Joint Declaration of Conjugal Relationship
• Obtain permission from a parent or guardian if you’re 16 or 17
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Have lived in Ontario for the last 12 months
• Pay a fee of $137

Confirming that the Information You Provide is True

Part four of this application requires proof of residency, which must be signed by a Guarantor; this person can be a Notary Public who is licensed with the Law Society of Ontario. In part six, you will need the signature of a Commissioner for taking Affidavits. These steps are put into place to ensure that the information you provide is true and complete. 

In Ontario, Commissioners and Notary Publics can virtually witness the signing of these types of documents. Learn more about having a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths virtually witness and sign your documents from the comfort of your home. 

Submitting Your Application to Change Your Name

To apply for your name change, submit your completed form, required documents, and payment either in person or by mail. 

Submit Your Application by Mailing it to Service Ontario:

Office of the Registrar General

P.O. Box 3000

189 Red River Road

Thunder Bay, ON

P7B 5W0

Submit Your Application in Person:

Service Ontario

47 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 417, 4th Floor

Toronto, ON

M2N 5N1

Changing Your Name on Your Birth Certificate & Other Documents

The process of changing your name can take anywhere from six to eight weeks, as the relevant Ministry will need time to issue your new documents.

If your name change is approved, you’ll receive a Change of Name Certificate, which shows both your previous name and your new name. You can use this certificate to change your name on your birth certificate and other personal documents, like your passport.

If you were born in Ontario, you’ll automatically get a new birth certificate in your new name. 

If you were born in another Canadian province or territory (except Quebec), a notice of your name change will be sent to the vital statistics office in the respective province or territory where you were born. In this case, you’ll need to apply to your respective vital statistics office to receive a new birth certificate.

Online Notary Public and Commissioner of Oath Services

If you’d like to get your application virtually witnessed and signed from the comfort of your home, feel free to book an appointment with us today!