Legally change your name (adults 19 and older)

This page explains how adults (19+) can legally change their name in British Columbia.

On this page

• Eligibility
• Criminal record check
• How to apply
• After your name change
• Contact information

Eligibility 

You may apply to legally change your own name if you:

• Are 19 or older
• Have been living in B.C. for at least 3 months
• Are not prohibited from changing your name under the Name Act (for example, certain criminal convictions)
• Can complete a criminal record check with electronic fingerprints within 30 days before we receive your application

Change your gender designation

Changing your name and changing your gender designation are two different processes.

If you're doing both, start with the name change. Once you get your change of name certificate, you can apply to change your gender designation using a different form. You can also ask for a new birth certificate as part of that process.

Learn more: Change your gender designation on a birth certificate

Criminal record check

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) with electronic fingerprints is required for all applicants aged 12 or older.

For adults (18+):

• Criminal record check results are sent directly to Vital Statistics, not to you
• Include a copy of the criminal record check payment receipt with your application
• The date on the receipt must be within 30 days of when we receive your application

To book a criminal record check

• Contact your local RCMP, police department, or an accredited CRC agency to ask how to book your criminal record check
• Bring the 'Requesting a Criminal Record Check for Change of Name in B.C.' information sheet with you from page 17 of the application form (VSA 529) (PDF, 963KB)

Fees vary by police agency or provider.

How to apply

Follow these steps to submit your legal change of name application.

1. Complete the application form

Download and fill out the Adult Application for Change of Name (VSA 529_adult) (PDF, 963KB):

• Include both a first name and a surname for your new name 
• Use the current version of the form 
• Initial any changes. Do not use white-out
• Print clearly in black or blue ink

2. Gather your required documents

Include the following with your application:

Proof of birth or status:

• Original Canadian birth certificate, or
• Certified copies of valid immigration or citizenship documents if born outside Canada

Proof of B.C. residency: 

• Copy of valid, non-expired photo ID (such as a valid BC Driver's License, BCID or BC Services Card)
• If your current residential address is not listed on your ID, include a copy of a recent utility bill or government or banking correspondence

Criminal record check receipt with electronic fingerprints:

• The date of the receipt must be within 30 days of when we receive your application

Any additional documents requested by Vital Statistics, such as:

• Original previous change of name certificates
• Original B.C. marriage certificate(s)
• Certified copies of immigration documents
• Certified translations for documents not in English

Certified means the copy of the document has been stamped "Certified true copy" and signed by an authorized Commissioner for Taking Affidavits, a practising lawyer, articled law student or notary public.

3. Include payment

• $137 adult name change fee
• Add $27 for each dependent child included in the same application (use Application for Change of Name (VSA 529) (PDF, 963KB) if you're also changing a child's name)
• Add $27 for each B.C. birth or marriage search (if you do not have the certificate)

Payment details are shown on page 4 of the application form.

4. Submit your application

You can submit in person or by mail:

In person 

• At any designated Service BC location
• Surrey and Vancouver Service BC locations do not accept name change applications
• Service BC representatives cannot confirm whether your application is complete

By mail 
Vital Statistics Agency
Attn: Confidential Services
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9P3

After your name change

Once approved, you will receive a Change of Name Certificate by mail:

• B.C. birth and current B.C. marriage records are updated automatically
• Canadian birth and B.C. marriage certificates are not returned
• You must order replacement certificates separately

You are responsible for updating your name with:

• ICBC (driver's licence, BC Services Card and BCID)
• Passport Canada
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Service Canada (SIN)
• Banks and financial institutions
• Auto, home and other kinds of insurance
• School, employment, benefits and medical records

Contact information