--- title: "Legal name change in British Columbia: forms and cost" url: "https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/british-columbia" description: "Legally change your name in British Columbia: handled by Vital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia). The adult fee is $137. From official sources." site: "Canada Service Map" author: "Mahmoud Halat" publisher: "Space & Story" lastReviewed: "2026-10-13" licence: "Built entirely from public data: open data and official government pages. Each record keeps the licence of its source, listed at https://canadaservicemap.ca/data." --- # Legal name change in British Columbia: forms and cost British Columbia · Identity and documents Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked 13 October 2026. Not a government website. The official page always has the final word. ## 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)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/bodies/the-government-of-british-columbia). Handles it in British Columbia. Applicants 12 and older need a criminal record check done within 30 days before applying. ## Official links - [Apply to change your name](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 12 October 2026 - [Legal name changes](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name), checked 12 October 2026 ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. - 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## How long it takes - Processing takes about 24 weeks after Vital Statistics receives the application. Source: [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## In every province and territory The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. British Columbia is marked. | Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know | |---|---|---|---| | British Columbia (this page) | Vital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia) | [Apply to change your name](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 12 October 2026 | Applicants 12 and older need a criminal record check done within 30 days before applying. | | [Alberta](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/alberta) | Alberta registry agents (Vital Statistics, Government of Alberta) | [How to apply](https://www.alberta.ca/legal-name-change), checked 12 October 2026 | Apply in person at a registry agent with electronic fingerprints and a criminal record check. | | [Saskatchewan](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/saskatchewan) | eHealth Saskatchewan (Vital Statistics) | [Apply for a legal name change](https://www.ehealthsask.ca/residents/birth-marriage-death-certificates/change-your-name), checked 12 October 2026 | Taking a spouse's surname after marriage does not need a legal name change. | | [Manitoba](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/manitoba) | Vital Statistics Branch (Government of Manitoba) | [Legal change of name](https://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/change_of_name.html), checked 12 October 2026 | Apply by mail or in person by appointment; adults also need a certified criminal record check. | | [Ontario](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/ontario) | ServiceOntario (Office of the Registrar General) | [Apply to change your name](https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-name), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Quebec](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/quebec) | Directeur de l'état civil | [How to change your name](https://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/EN/change-name.html), checked 12 October 2026 | You must have lived in Québec for at least one year and show a serious reason. | | [New Brunswick](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/new-brunswick) | Vital Statistics (Service New Brunswick) | [How to change your name](https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/vital-statistics/change-of-name.html), checked 12 October 2026 | Apply by mail using the application booklet on this page; there is no online application. | | [Nova Scotia](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/nova-scotia) | Vital Statistics (Service Nova Scotia) | [Change your legal name](https://www.novascotia.ca/change-your-name-or-name-your-spouse-or-child), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Prince Edward Island](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/prince-edward-island) | Vital Statistics (Government of PEI) | None on record | | | [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/newfoundland-and-labrador) | Vital Statistics Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) | [How to change your name](https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/birth/legal-name-change/), checked 12 October 2026 | Paper application with a criminal record check; no online option. | | [Yukon](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/yukon) | Vital Statistics (Government of Yukon) | None on record | You must be a Yukon resident to change your name in the Yukon. | | [Northwest Territories](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/northwest-territories) | Registrar General of Vital Statistics (Department of Health and Social Services) | [How to change your name](https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/changing-name-adult), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Nunavut](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/nunavut) | Nunavut Vital Statistics (Department of Health) | None on record | Contact Nunavut Vital Statistics at 1-800-661-0833 or nuvitalstatistics@gov.nu.ca for the application. | ## 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/legal-changes-of-name/legal-change-of-name-application), checked 13 October 2026. ## Where to go in person - Provincial service centres: [Vancouver, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/vancouver) (1), [Surrey, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/surrey) (1), [Burnaby, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/burnaby) (1), [Kelowna, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/kelowna) (1), [Nanaimo, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/nanaimo) (1), [Kamloops, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/kamloops) (1), [Chilliwack, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/chilliwack) (1), [Victoria, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/victoria) (1), [Maple Ridge, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/maple-ridge) (1), [Prince George, BC](https://canadaservicemap.ca/places/british-columbia/prince-george) (1) ## More - [Legally change your name in every province and territory](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change) - [Public services in British Columbia](https://canadaservicemap.ca/provinces/british-columbia) - [Get or renew a passport](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/passport) - [Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/sin) - [Get proof of Canadian citizenship](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/citizenship-certificate) - [Apply for Indian status or a status card](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/status-card) - [Order a birth certificate](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/birth-certificate) - [Order a death certificate](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/death-certificate) ## 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