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British Columbia · Identity and documents

Legal name change in British Columbia: forms and cost

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

Adults 19 and older who have lived in B.C. for at least 3 months apply to the Vital Statistics Agency with form VSA 529_adult, a birth certificate or immigration papers, proof of residence and a fingerprint-based criminal record check done within 30 days. The fee is $137. Submit by mail or at a designated Service BC office. Processing takes about 24 weeks.

Who handles it

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia)

Handles it in British Columbia.

Applicants 12 and older need a criminal record check done within 30 days before applying.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • You can change your own name if you are 19 or older, have lived in B.C. for at least 3 months, and the Name Act does not bar you.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Fill in the Adult Application for Change of Name (form VSA 529_adult), giving both a first name and a surname, in black or blue ink.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

  2. Once approved, a Change of Name Certificate is mailed to you. B.C. birth and marriage records update automatically, but you must update ICBC, your passport, CRA, SIN and banks yourself.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

What you need

  • Everyone 12 and older needs a criminal record check with electronic fingerprints. Include the payment receipt, dated within 30 days of when Vital Statistics receives your application.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

  • Include your original Canadian birth certificate, or certified copies of immigration or citizenship papers, plus a copy of valid B.C. photo ID as proof you live in B.C.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Cost

  • The adult fee is $137. Add $27 for each child on the same application and $27 for each B.C. birth or marriage search.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • Processing takes about 24 weeks after Vital Statistics receives the application.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Where to go

  • Submit in person at a designated Service BC location or by mail to the Vital Statistics Agency in Victoria. The Surrey and Vancouver Service BC offices do not take these applications.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Good to know

  • You do not need a legal name change to take your spouse's surname, combine surnames or go back to your birth surname after marriage or divorce.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How much does a legal name change cost in B.C.?

$137 for an adult. Each child added to the same application is $27 more. The criminal record check is paid separately, and its price depends on the police agency.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

How long does a name change take in B.C.?

About 24 weeks once your application arrives. Email Vital Statistics for a status update only after 24 weeks have passed.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Do I need a criminal record check to change my name in B.C.?

Yes, with electronic fingerprints, for anyone 12 or older. Book it with your local RCMP, police or an accredited agency. The results go straight to Vital Statistics.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Do I need a legal name change to take my spouse's last name in B.C.?

No. You can use your spouse's surname, combine surnames or return to your birth surname without a legal name change.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Can I apply for a B.C. name change online?

No online option is listed. You submit the paper application in person at a designated Service BC office or by mail.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. British Columbia is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaThis pageVital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia)Apply to change your namechecked Applicants 12 and older need a criminal record check done within 30 days before applying.
AlbertaAlberta registry agents (Vital Statistics, Government of Alberta)How to applychecked Apply in person at a registry agent with electronic fingerprints and a criminal record check.
SaskatchewaneHealth Saskatchewan (Vital Statistics)Apply for a legal name changechecked Taking a spouse's surname after marriage does not need a legal name change.
ManitobaVital Statistics Branch (Government of Manitoba)Legal change of namechecked Apply by mail or in person by appointment; adults also need a certified criminal record check.
OntarioServiceOntario (Office of the Registrar General)Apply to change your namechecked
QuebecDirecteur de l'état civilHow to change your namechecked You must have lived in Québec for at least one year and show a serious reason.
New BrunswickVital Statistics (Service New Brunswick)How to change your namechecked Apply by mail using the application booklet on this page; there is no online application.
Nova ScotiaVital Statistics (Service Nova Scotia)Change your legal namechecked
Prince Edward IslandVital Statistics (Government of PEI)None on record
Newfoundland and LabradorVital Statistics Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)How to change your namechecked Paper application with a criminal record check; no online option.
YukonVital Statistics (Government of Yukon)None on recordYou must be a Yukon resident to change your name in the Yukon.
Northwest TerritoriesRegistrar General of Vital Statistics (Department of Health and Social Services)How to change your namechecked
NunavutNunavut Vital Statistics (Department of Health)None on recordContact Nunavut Vital Statistics at 1-800-661-0833 or nuvitalstatistics@gov.nu.ca for the application.

Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Legal name change in British Columbia: forms and cost", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/british-columbia