How do I change my legal name in Ontario?

To change your legal name in Ontario, you must:

be at least 16 years old, and
have lived in Ontario for at least the past 12 months before you apply.

You can use the adult application form if you're at least 16 years old.

A parent can also apply for their child using Form 007-11156e: Application to Change a Child’s Name if the child is 17 years old or younger.

This question explains how to change your name as an adult.

If you're reclaiming your traditional Indigenous name read, How do I reclaim my traditional Indigenous name?

If you want to have your partner's last name because you got married, you can:

apply for a name change by following the steps in this question, or
use a separate process that lets you use your partner's last name in some documents without changing your legal name.

If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you should get legal advice. This is because the process to change your name is different and more complicated.

Processing time

It usually takes ServiceOntario about 6 to 8 weeks to change your legal name. It can sometimes take longer. You can check the processing time online. If your application is accepted, ServiceOntario sends you a change of name certificate in the mail.

If you were born in Ontario, you also get a new birth certificate with your new legal name.

If you were born somewhere else in Canada, ServiceOntario informs the province or territory you were born in, of your new legal name. You can contact that province or territory to apply for your new birth certificate, if you wish.

Gender marker on birth certificate

If you were born in Ontario, you can apply to change the gender marker on your birth certificate when you apply to change your legal name. You do this by submitting both applications in the same envelope.

You can also update the gender marker on your birth certificate and other identity documents without changing your legal name.

Update your other documents

After you get your change of name certificate, you must update certain government documents. And it's best to inform other organizations too.

Get help

Contact ServiceOntario if you have questions about applying to change your name.

There are also organizations that help people change their legal name and gender marker on identity documents.