Legally change a child's name (18 and younger)

This page explains how to legally change the name of a child in British Columbia.

On this page

• Choose the right process
• Apply for a legal name change
• Consent requirements
• Criminal record check
• How to apply
• After the name change is registered
• Contact us

Choose the right process

You can change a child’s name in B.C. by amending their given name or applying for a legal name change.

Option 1: Correct a first or middle name

This is considered a correction to the birth record, not a legal name change.

Choose this option if: 

• The child was born in B.C., and
• You want to change the child’s first or middle name(s), and
• One of the following applies:
  • The child is under 1 year old, or
  • The child used and was known by the requested name before age 12 (with proof)

You will need:

• All birth certificates that show the old name
• Consent from all parents listed on the birth record
• At least 2 certified documents that show the name was used before the child's 12th birthday (only required if the child is 1 year or older)

Option 2: Apply for a legal name change

This process legally approves a new name when an amendment is not available.

Choose this if: 

• You want to change the child’s last name, or 
• You want to change a first or middle name to a name the child didn’t use before turning 12, or
• The child was not born in B.C.

Apply for a legal name change (below)

Apply for a legal name change

Who can apply

You can apply to legally change a child's name if:

• You are a parent listed on the birth record or immigration documentation
• The child is 18 or younger
• You’ve lived in B.C. for at least 3 months before applying, and
• You meet the eligibility criteria under the Name Act and the child is not prohibited from changing their name under the Name Act

If you are under 19 and a parent with custody of your own child:

• ​You may apply to change your name, or your child's name, without consent from your parent(s)

You cannot apply if:

• You are a guardian not listed on the birth registration (unless directly authorized by a Permanent Transfer of Custody Order)

If your child is 12 to 18

Youth aged 12 to 18 must:

• Sign the application
• Provide a brief handwritten letter explaining why they want their name changed (black or blue ink, dated and signed)
• Complete a Criminal Record Check with electronic fingerprints

Consent requirements

To legally change a child's name, you must obtain consent from:

• Any other parent listed on the child’s birth record or immigration documentation
• Any guardian listed in a custody or guardianship court order
• Your spouse, if the child is taking your spouse’s surname

Each consenting parent or guardian must:

• Complete Part 2B of the name change application form
• Include a copy of the front and back of their picture ID
• Include a recent utility bill, banking statement or government correspondence showing their name and address (if their current address is not shown on the ID)

Requesting a waiver of parental consent

If another parent or guardian cannot or will not provide consent, you must request a waiver of consent.

A waiver may be considered if:

• The parent or guardian cannot be located
• The parent or guardian is deceased
• The parent or guardian is mentally unable to consent
• The parent or guardian is unreasonably withholding consent
• Exceptional circumstances make it unreasonable to ask for consent, such as safety concerns

To request a waiver, you must complete a statutory declaration and provide supporting documents. A custody or guardianship order is required for most waiver requests.

Find full instructions and evidence requirements on pages 12 to 15 of the Change of Name Application (VSA 529) (PDF, 964KB)

Criminal record check

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required for anyone 12 years or older changing their name. The check confirms the youth is not prohibited from a legal name change under the Name Act.

Booking the criminal record check

• Read the section “Requesting a Criminal Record Check for Change of Name in B.C.” on page 17 of the application form (VSA 529) (PDF, 964KB)
• Contact your local RCMP, police department, or an accredited CRC agency to ask how to book your criminal record check
• Fees vary by police agency or provider

What to do with the results

• For youth 12 to 17, the results will be mailed to you. You must include the original results document with the name change application
• For anyone 18 or older, the results are sent directly to Vital Statistics. You must include the payment receipt with the name change application
• The date on the criminal record check results or receipt must be within 30 days of the date your name change application is received

How to apply

Follow these steps to submit a legal change of name application for a child.

1. Complete the application form

Fill out the Change of Name Application (VSA 529) (PDF, 964KB) if you are:

• Changing your child's name, or
• Changing your own name and your child’s name in the same application

​Learn how to complete a statutory declaration

2. Gather your documents

Include the following documents with your application:

• The child’s original birth certificate that names the child's parents, or a $27 B.C. birth search fee if the certificate is not available and the child was born in B.C.
• Parental consent forms or waiver documents 
• Copy of the front and back of the other parent/guardian’s picture ID, plus proof of current residential address if the ID address does not match

If the child is 12 to 18, also include:

• The child’s handwritten letter explaining why they want their name changed (black or blue ink, dated and signed) 
• Original criminal record check results (for ages 12 to 17), or receipt for criminal record check (for 18-year-olds, as their results are sent directly to Vital Statistics by the agency)

Include any required additional documents, depending on your situation, such as:

• Court orders for custody or guardianship
• Death certificates
• Protection orders or police letters
• Previous change of name certificates
• Certified copies of immigration or citizenship 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 for the first or only child
• $27 for each additional child
• $27 for each B.C. birth or marriage search if the certificate is missing

4. Submit your application

Ensure all documents, signatures, and fees are included. Incomplete or outdated forms will delay processing.

In person:

• Submit at any designated Service BC location
• Surrey and Vancouver locations do not accept change of name applications
• Service BC representatives cannot confirm whether an application is complete

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

After the name change is registered

Once approved, you will receive a Change of Name Certificate.

You must update the child’s name with:

• Schools and child care providers
• Medical providers
• BC Services Card
• Passport Canada
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Service Canada (Social Insurance Number)
• Financial institutions, benefit providers, community/recreation programs, etc.

Contact us