How to apply for a legal change of name
Register a legal change of name:
1. Find out if you are eligible to apply for a legal change of name
2. Ensure your new name is valid. Your new name must:
- Be a word that does not contain numbers or have any special characters in it
- Only use characters from the Roman alphabet
- Not be confusing or offensive
- Be composed of at least one given name and one surname
3. Obtain a crminial record check
An original certified criminal record check must be submitted for each person 18 years of age or older requesting a change of name. A certified criminal record check is a fingerprint-based check obtained from your local police department, RCMP detachment, or from an agency accredited by the RCMP to capture and submit fingerprints. Criminal record checks from other organizations will not be accepted. Original certified criminal record checks must be received in our office within 14 days of the date indicated on the results.
Important information for requesting the correct certified criminal record check.
4. Obtain consent:
- If you want to legally change your name and the name of your spouse, you need the written consent of your spouse
- If you cannot obtain the written consent that is required, a court order dispensing with consent may be submitted instead
- You need written consent from any other person who shares legal custody of any child whose name is being changed
- If you have a child between the ages of 14 and 18 and you want to legally change that child's name, you need the written permission of that child
5. Contact Us:
- To confirm if you are eligible to apply for a legal change of name
- To request a Legal Change of Name Application form
- For information on related fees
Please note, by law, legal changes of name are published in the Saskatchewan Gazette—a weekly government publication available by subscription or online. Name changes will not be published if a person is under the age of 15. Name changes due to special circumstances may be eligible for an exemption for publication upon request and approval by the Vital Statistics Registrar.
