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Quebec · Identity and documents

Legally change your name in Quebec

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

In Quebec, Directeur de l'état civil handles it. You must have lived in Québec for at least one year and show a serious reason.

Who handles it

Directeur de l'état civil

Handles it in Quebec.

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

Who can apply

  • You can apply to change your own name if you are 14 or older and have been domiciled in Québec for at least one year. Parents or tutors can apply for a minor who meets the same residence rule.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  • A change is only granted for a serious reason under the Civil Code, such as using another name for five years or more, or a name that is hard to pronounce or invites ridicule.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Steps

  1. First send the Application for Preliminary Analysis for a Change of Name. If you are eligible, the Directeur de l'état civil mails you a change of name package with the forms for your situation.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  2. The decision is sent by registered mail. If you disagree, you have 30 days to ask a court to review it.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

What you need

  • If you were born outside Québec and your birth is not in the Québec register, you must first apply to have your birth act inserted in the register.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • Once your file is complete, a notice of your application is posted on the Directeur de l'état civil website for 15 days so people can comment or object.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Good to know

  • Spouses keep their own names when they marry in Québec. Taking a spouse's surname is only approved in exceptional situations.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  • Residential school survivors and their descendants who want to use a traditional Indigenous name again can be exempted from the fees until June 8, 2032.

    Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Questions people ask

Can I take my husband's or wife's last name in Québec?

Usually not. In Québec both spouses keep their own names after marriage, and the Directeur de l'état civil only allows taking a spouse's surname in exceptional cases.

Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

How long do I have to live in Québec before changing my name?

At least one year. The Directeur de l'état civil checks this during the preliminary analysis.

Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

What happens after my Québec name change is approved?

You update your name with government bodies using your change of name certificate and new birth certificate. The Directeur de l'état civil can notify RAMQ and Retraite Québec for you.

Source: etatcivil.gouv.qc.cachecked #

In every province and territory

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

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaVital 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
QuebecThis pageDirecteur 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.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Legally change your name in Quebec", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/name-change/quebec