Formal Name Change – Child (Under 18)

There are different procedures and forms for changing a child’s name depending on the child’s age, place of birth, name you choose for the child and who has custody or legal access to the child.  Proof of custody is required in some circumstances. 

If the child is under the age of 12, was born in Ontario and the child’s name is being changed to a name the child could have been given when they were born (e.g. the mother’s last name), different forms are required and there is a different fee. See Election to Change a Child's Name.

If the child is at least 12 years old, was not born in Ontario or the child’s last name is being changed to a name that the child wasn’t entitled to at birth, you will need to complete a formal change of name for a child.

A formal change of name involves legally changing a person's first and/or middle name(s) and/or last name.

To formally change a child's name, the child must be under the age of 18 and have lived in Ontario for at least one year before submitting a change of name application.

When you change a child's name, you will be issued a change of name certificate indicating his/her new legal name(s). A new birth certificate will be issued if the child was born in Ontario. Otherwise, you will need to apply to the other province or territory in Canada or other country where your child was born for a new birth certificate.

Fees

• The fee for a formal name change for a child submitted on its own is $137
• For each child 17 years of age or younger, when a parent changes the child's name at the same time the parent changes his or her own name, the fee is $22. These applications must be submitted together.

Service Delivery Times

Where applications are complete and accurate the service delivery time is 6-8 weeks. Applications that require further verification will result in a delay in the stated service time.

How do I change my name?

If you feel you meet the above requirements, please click here for the 
Application to Change a Child's Name.

Custody and Access

If you have sole custody, others may still be entitled to legal access to the child. If a court order is silent on the issue of access, you will be required to provide notice of the proposed name change to persons who might otherwise be entitled to legal access to the child (e.g. a parent who is named on the child's birth registration but does not have custody of the child).

Further Information

For more information about formal name changes, please see the frequently asked questions or contact the Office of the Registrar General toll free at 1-800-461-2156 or in Toronto at 416-325-8305.