Legal Name Change

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There are 4 types of legal name changes available:

  1. Adult Surname (with or without given name)
  2. Adult Given Name (only)
  3. Child Surname (with or without given name)
  4. Child Given Name (only)

To legally change your own name, you must be 16 years of age or older.

Please note, the Application for Change of Name is not required if name change is due to marriage. You can assume your partner’s surname by submitting your Marriage Certificate to places where you are changing your surname.

Download Application for Change of Name of an Adult here.
The legal change of name process has been amended to include a requirement for a criminal record check as part of your application. A criminal record check can be obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The Commissionaires are also able to provide a criminal record check for the purposes of your application.

If you are under 16 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must complete the process.

Download the Application for Change of Name of a Child here.

All name changes must be published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette. Exceptions are as follows:

  • When the applicant would be unduly prejudiced or embarrassed by the publication (Please provide reasons in a sealed envelope for Registrar’s review)
  • The change of surname applied for is of a minor character
  • The applicant has been commonly known under the surname applied for (Please provide copy of IDs showing usage of new name)

Fees

  • Name Change $100
  • New Birth Certificate $35 or $30

How to Pay

Cheques or money orders may be made payable to the Newfoundland Exchequer Account. If you are paying by credit card, we accept only Visa and MasterCard. We require the cardholder’s name, card number, expiry date and signature of the cardholder.

Complete list of fees.

The following documents are required:

  • Birth certificate in the old name (a baptism certificate is acceptable if you were born in Newfoundland and Labrador and do not possess a birth certificate)
  • Proper applications from each name change package as required.

In order to legally change your name in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must ordinarily be a resident of province for at least three months. Otherwise, you must apply in your province of residence.

Applications are available at Vital Statistics.

For more information, call: (709) 729-3308.