pickarose

I'd like information on changing the name on my passport via deed poll. I'm in Toronto. Now, my long-form birth certificate isn't the same as my passport. I'm not sure which would be easier. Trying to change it in Canada, or changing it in the UK.

If anyone has done this before, I need some advise. Thanks.

Siouxie

In Canada there is no such thing as 'by deed poll' - it's a legal name change.

I don't know which Province you are in, but here is what it says for:

Ontario - http://www.ontario.ca/government/fre...ging-your-name

(Edited to say, sorry - you did say you are in Toronto, so the above will apply)

To change a name, a Name Change application must be submitted to either the Ministry of Government Services, Court of justice or Registrar of civil status. A document such as a birth certificate must be submitted. A statement as to why the name is being changed is needed in most areas and the reason has to be serious. In Canada, a name cannot cause confusion, be used for misrepresentation or fraud and in most cases the name change is announced in newspapers. There is a fee involved and it ranges from $10 to $185 depending on the territory or province. British Columbia and Alberta need fingerprints to be submitted before one changes their name.

Shirtback

Canadian? British? Other nationality? passport?

Depending on the answer(s) to the above questions, there may be additional hoop-jumping required after following Siouxsie's excellent advice above

S

pickarose

Thanks for your answers. I thought by mentioning "Deed Poll" people would understand British. From what I've read, it sounds like an ordeal in Canada. I know that it's relatively simply at embassies throughout Asia, so I can only assume that a name change in England, or at one of it's embassies/consulates abroad, would be much easier.

Thanks very much for your replies.

Siouxie

Sorry, thought you wanted a legal name change rather than just a change of name on your passport. If you are just trying to change the name on a British Passport, you won't be able to do it at the British Embassy in Canada.
You can change the name on a new passport provided you have documentary evidence to support it.

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...ance_10.13.pdf

Dashie

I've done both - deed poll and a legal name change in Ontario last year. Both were relatively straightforward.

I originally intended to just do the deed poll, but OHIP and CIC both wanted the Ontario one done. I'm not sure how much of an effect the OHIP being in a different name would have, I was still able to get treatment while things were being changed, but I would think that you would want any visa/immigration stuff to match the name on your passport.

My name doesn't match that on my birth certificate either, hasn't since I got married, never been an issue.

And changing your passport is very easy once you have the paperwork and follow the instructions.

BritInParis

Changing your name in the UK is almost too simple. Apply online for a deed poll and then submit that with a passport renewal application and you'll be given a new British passport in your new name. The UK Deed Poll Service is a private company but it is endorsed by HMPO.

I will defer to others for what is required in Canada but getting your British passport changed is probably your first step if you're a British citizen residing in Canada.