Legal Change of Name

In Alberta, do all name changes require the formal completion of a legal change of name?

No.  In some cases, there are other options.  It is advisable to contact a registry agent or the Vital Statistics office with your particular situation before you begin. For example:

Married Last Name

There are no legal requirements to change a name after marriage for a couple being married in Alberta. When a married woman wishes to use her married last name, which is her husband's last name, she may assume just his last name or her last name combined with his, the order of the two names is optional. This is not a legal change of name.

Correcting (Amending) Information on an Original Registration

In some cases, a change or correction to a person's name does not require a legal change of name and may be changed through an amendment process. See amendment sample.

In Alberta, are there any name restrictions when completing a legal change of name?

Yes.  The legal change of name application form provides some information on common restrictions and limitations that are frequently encountered.  It is advisable to contact a registry agent or the Vital Statistics office with your particular situation before you begin.

Who can apply for a legal change of name?

A legal change of name can only be processed in Alberta for residents of Alberta. The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

How can I obtain an application?

All legal change of name forms may be obtained from a registry agent.

How much does it cost to legally change a name?

In addition to the Alberta government fee of $120.00 per application, and the RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screen Services fee of $25.00 for all applications over the age of 18 who are changing their name, registry agents are authorized to charge a service fee. Contact a registry agent office for payment details. 

What kind of information is required to process an application?

Depending on the circumstances, presentation of identification, court orders, consents, dispensations, statutory declarations, proof of marital status or custody orders may be required.

An individual may:

  • Complete the forms themselves
  • Seek legal counsel to assist them with the form requirements
  • Contact a registry agent for assistance with the forms

How do I submit an application?

An application for a legal change of name must be requested through a registry agent. Applications mailed directly to Vital Statistics will be returned unprocessed.

Once Vital Statistics approves and processes the legal change of name, a Change of Name Certificate is mailed to the customer. 

Additional Change of Name Certificates may be purchased through a registry agent.

News for Albertans from Vital Statistics - Legal Change of Name (effective January 1, 2004) (pdf)