British Columbia - Apply for Legal Change of Name

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Procedure

• To apply, you must complete the change of name application package: http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/forms/vsa529.pdf
• If you are changing your own name or the name of your child under 19 years of age, and are not able to print a change of name form, a copy may be obtained in person at a Vital Statistics or Service BC office. You may also request an application form, from the Vital Statistics Agency, phone 250 952-2681, or e-mail [email protected].

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Required Documents

• proof of foundation identity
• original birth certificates for each person born in Canada, certified by a lawyer or Notary Public, or Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
• if born outside Canada, certified copies of immigration papers, permanent resident card or citizenship card
• a marriage certificate may be required plus proof of custody if a parent is applying to change a child's name without the other parent's consent.
• a fingerprint package is also required for all adults (18 years and over) who are changing their name.

Office Locations & Contacts

Vital Statistics Agency:

• Telephone:

General Enquiries on 250 952-2681 (Victoria)
Call toll-free 1 888 876-1633 in British Columbia to order certificates by telephone.
From outside of BC, call the toll line at 250 952-2557.

• Mailing Address:

Vital Statistics Agency
PO BOX 9657 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9P3

• Vital Statistics Agency Office:

VICTORIA - 818 Fort Street
VANCOUVER - 605 Robson Street, Room 250
KELOWNA - 305-478 Bernard Avenue

• Service British Columbia Locations:

http://www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/

• Website:

http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/name/index.html

Eligibility

• Applicants must be at least 19 years old and have resided in British Columbia for at least three months immediately before the date of application for change of name.
• If less than 19 years old and a parent, must have custody of their child.

Fees

• Applications must be accompanied with the required fee in the form of a certified cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment may also be made by credit card. The fee includes one large change of name certificate showing all authorized name changes.
• For adult (18 years and over) name changes, an additional $25 must be submitted for payment of the Criminal Record Check. This payment will be forwarded by the Vital Statistics Agency for the Criminal Record Check when your Change of Name has been registered.
• Once you have decided to submit a change of name application, a fingerprint package can be obtained in person at a Vital Statistics or Service BC office. You may also request a fingerprint package from the Vital Statistics Agency, phone 250 952-2681, or e-mail [email protected].
• For Fee Schedule:

http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/admin/fees.html

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

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Sample Documents

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Processing Time

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Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, 
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M" Video ID is "Y0US7oR_t3M". 
	

Instructions

• All applications must include completion of Parts 1 (a) and (b) by the applicant. This may be a person changing his/her own name or a parent applying to change his/her child's name.
• Advertising of your intent to legally change your name is no longer required.
• Once you have decided to submit a change of name application, a fingerprint package can be obtained in person at a Vital Statistics or Service BC office. You may also request a fingerprint package from the Vital Statistics Agency, phone 250 952-2681, or e-mail [email protected].
• The parent(s) must complete a consent form for a child's change of name. The child's consent is required if the child is 12 years of age or older. If the child's name is changing to that of the spouse, the spouse's consent is also required. An application for waiver of parental consent can be made. Please see this site for more information: http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/name/waiver.html
• For information on changing your name after marriage, reverting to a maiden surname or previous married name, please see the link: http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/name/revert.html

Required Information

• Intent of Change
• Foundation Identity Name
• Proposed Change to Foundation Identity
• Date and Place of Birth
• Marital Status and Details
• Places of Residence for last 3 months
• Address for Correspondence or Certificate
• Applicant Contact Information

Need for the Document

Changing your name is an important decision that may have consequences or effects on your personal life and business matters.

Information which might help

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Other uses of the Document/Certificate

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e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/name/howto.html
http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/admin/offices.html

Others

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