Adult Name Change Application (16 years or Older)

Changing your name is a significant life event. Whether you are reclaiming a previous name, affirming your identity, or simply making a change for personal reasons, the process in Ontario is a formal legal procedure that requires attention to detail.

While the paperwork can seem daunting, breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. A critical part of this process involves validating your application to ensure it is legally binding. This is where a Notary Public plays a vital role.

Below is your guide to the Ontario name change application and how NotaryServe helps you cross the finish line.

Are You Eligible?

Before you download the forms, ensure you meet the basic criteria set by the Ontario government. To apply for an adult name change, you must:

Be 16 years of age or older.
Have lived in Ontario for at least the past 12 months.
Not have any outstanding court orders preventing the name change.

The Application Forms

You will need to complete the Application to Change an Adult’s Name" (Form 11155). This is a comprehensive document that asks for your birth history, marital status, and the specific reasons for your name change.

Tip:

If the application is made by a 16 or 17-year-old, use the Application to Change an Adult’s Name (Form 11155).

If the application is made by a parent on behalf of a person 17 years or younger, use the Application to Change a Child’s Name (Form 11156)

Applications for children under 15 years must be completed by their parents or legal custodian, using the Application to Change a Child’s Name (Form 11156)

Additional Documents That May Be Required

Proof of Separation, Divorce, or Annulment (if applicable).
Birth Certificate.
Change of Name for Special Circumstances (e.g., adoption, trans survivors of violence, refugees, individuals with missing documentation).
Police Record Checks (if you have a criminal record or a pending charge).
Immigration documents or citizenship certificate/card

Name Changes Not Requiring Form 11155

Some name changes can be done through ServiceOntario directly, without the full legal name change application:

Resuming a previous surname after divorce.
Assuming a spouse’s surname after marriage (this is not a legal change but a name “assumption”).

The Two Key Roles: Guarantor vs. Notary Public

This is the most common area of confusion for applicants. The application requires two different types of verification. It is important not to mix them up, as they serve different legal purposes.

1. The Guarantor (Confirming Residency)

Role: To confirm that you have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months.
Who it is: One of the eligible professionals (e.g., teacher, doctor, judge) who has known you personally for at least 12 months.
Action: They sign a specific section of your form to vouch for your residency.

2. The Notary Public (Commissioning Your Statutory Declaration)

Role: To confirm that the statements you are making in the application are true and to verify your identity.
Who it is: A legal professional authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Action: You must sign your Statutory Declaration in their presence. (This is where NotaryServe can assist you!)

Completing Application to Change an Adult’s Name (Form 11155)

Part 1: Information Required

This section collects your core data, including:

Your full name, mailing address, and phone number.
The years and months you have lived in Ontario (Must be at least 12 months immediately prior).
Your date and place of birth.
Your proposed new name: Single names are permitted if they follow your traditional culture, though supporting evidence must be submitted.
Your marital status (including spouse’s name if applicable) or declaration of conjugal relationship.
The names of your parents.
The reason for your name change.
History of name changes: You must confirm if you have changed your name before. If yes, provide details (dates, previous names, location). If you have changed your name multiple times, attach extra pages.
Legal History: Information about any criminal record, pending court proceedings, financial enforcement proceedings, liens, or bankruptcy.

Part 2: Evidence of Notice

If you are married or have signed a joint declaration of conjugal relationship, you must complete Part 2, which provides notice to your spouse or partner.

Part 3: Evidence of Parental or Custodian Consent

If you are 16 or 17 years old and unmarried, you must obtain consent from your parents, guardian, or custodian by completing the Consent Form.
If you are 16 or 17 years old and married, consent is not required, but you must provide proof of marriage.

Part 4: Proof of Ontario Residence (Guarantor's Statement)

The Guarantor must have known you to be ordinarily resident in Ontario for at least the past 12 months and must be one of the following:

Provincial judges, Justices of the Peace, or Chiefs of Indian bands located in Ontario.
Persons authorized to solemnize marriages.
Legally qualified medical practitioners.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario (lawyer or paralegal).
Heads of municipal councils or Clerks of municipalities in Ontario.
Principals of elementary or secondary schools.
Managers or signing officers of Ontario branches of banks, loan corporations, trust corporations, or credit unions.

If you cannot identify anyone from this list, any person (other than a relative) may sign the Guarantor’s Statement, provided they have known you for at least 5 years and know you have been resident in Ontario for at least the past 12 months.

Final Part – Statutory Declaration

This is the final hurdle. By completing the statutory declaration, you confirm that:

You have followed all rules and provided necessary documents/consents.
You have lived in Ontario for at least the past year.
You are not making this application for an improper purpose.
The information in your application is true and complete.

Crucial: The statutory declaration must be signed in front of a commissioner for taking affidavits, such as a Notary Public. They will sign, stamp, and seal the document to confirm you made the declaration in their presence.

Submitting Your Application

By Mail: Send the completed package to the Office of the Registrar General. Processing time is typically 6–12 weeks.
In Person: Some ServiceOntario locations accept applications. Check availability before visiting.

Be sure to enclose payment ($137.00 standard fee). Additional fees apply for new birth certificates

Need a Notary?

If you are ready to sign your Statutory Declaration, NotaryServe makes the process quick and compliant. Book your appointment today to finalize your application with confidence.

📍 Website: www.notaryserve.ca
📞 Phone: 613-558-5363
📧 Email: contact@notaryserve.ca
🗓️ Book Online: www.notaryserve.ca/contact

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific situation, you must consult with a qualified Ontario legal professional.