Know your rights.

As someone who lives in Canada, you have the right to define your own gender as well as to change your name and/or gender marker on any legal document. The process, however, can be confusing to navigate. 

Here, we hope to provide you with a step-by-step guide for trans and non-binary people changing their name and/or gender marker in Ontario. This guide outlines the process based on age and where you were born, to hopefully make things a little bit easier for you to navigate.  

Know that you do not need to update all these documents at once (or any at all) to legitimize your trans identity. There’s no time frame in which to do so, other than your own. If you do want to update both your name and gender marker, however, you can save cost and time if you update both at the same time. 

Also, congrats on exploring this step on your path towards authentic self-expression, whatever that looks like for you. You’re doing great! 

Last update: June 26, 2024

Index 

1 Birth Certificate – Children/Youth

2 Birth Certificate – Adults

3 Birth Certificate – People born outside Ontario

4 Health Card

5 Driver’s License or Ontario Photo Card

6 Citizenship Certificate/Card 

7 SIN

8 Indian Status Card

9 Canadian Passport

10 Permanent Resident Card 

11 FAQs

12 Resources 

1. Birth Certificate: Children and Youth

Name changes

Use these steps if you or your child is: 

• 15 years old or younger

• Note: If 16 or 17, you may also fill out the adult application (with consent from every person who has legal custody of you) 

• Has lived in Ontario for the past 12 months

• Has consented to the name change if 12 years or older (If under 12, a parent may rename their child without the child’s expressed agreement- we still recommend you discuss this with your child and get their input on the chosen name). 

• Not married

• Free of court orders or separation agreements that prohibit name change 

A parent/guardian must complete the child application form including:

1. Get written consent from all people who have custody of child (or a copy of a court order saying you do not need consent) 

2. Give notice to others who have legal access to the child by filling the Notice section of the application and sending it by registered or certified mail for their signature

3. Guarantor must sign the application to prove the length of time the child has lived in Ontario

4. Sign the application in front of a commissioner for taking affidavits

5. If the child has been found guilty of a criminal offence and was given an adult sentence and/or there are any outstanding law enforcement orders against the child (see page 4 of application), complete a Police Record Check for a Change of Name

6. Submit the completed application and original birth certificates or certified copies of birth registration (if applicable, also include police record check, previous changes of name certificates and/or photocopies of all court orders relating to custody, access or naming of the child) to Service Ontario and pay the $137 fee 

7. In 6-8 weeks, you should receive a new birth certificate and change of name certificate

8. If you do not wish for your name change to be published in the Ontario Gazette, submit a request form for non-publication or to receive a physical application, connect with Service Ontario at 1-800-461-2156

Gender marker changes

• If 15 or under, the parent will apply for the child

• If 16 or 17, you may apply as an adult or child

1. A parent/guardian must complete the following original (not photocopied or faxed) forms: 

1. Application for Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of a Child 

2. Statutory Declaration for a Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of a Child 

3. Consent forms providing child’s written consent and consent of all persons with legal custody of the child (other than applicant) 

4. Proof of notice to all persons with legal access to the child 

2. Along with forms, you must provide: 

1. A letter signed by a practicing physician, psychologist or psychological associate authorized to practice in Canada to support the requested change (see application cover sheet for more info and possible alternatives). 

2. All original or court-certified copies of court orders or separation agreements with info about custody status, access to the child, or provisions regarding child’s sex designation 

3. All previously issued birth certificates, birth certificates with parental information and certified copies of the child’s birth registration 

4. An application form for a birth certificate along with fees ($25 for birth certificate or birth certificate with parental information; $35 for a certified copy of birth registration) 

3. Ensure the application, statutory declaration, form to order previously issued birth documents, and application form for birth certificate are signed by a guarantor

4. Mail all forms and necessary documents to: Office of the Registrar General, 189 Red River Road, P.O. Box 3000, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5W0 

5. If all requirements are met, you should receive by mail an updated birth certificate that will display the registered gender marker

2. Birth Certificate: Adults

Name changes

Use these steps if you:

• are 16 years or older

Complete the adult application form including:

1. If 16 or 17, get consent from every person who has legal custody of you

2. If married or you have signed the Joint Declaration of Conjugal Relationship document, you must give your partner/spouse notice that you’re changing your name

3. A guarantor must sign the application to prove the length of time the individual has lived in Ontario

4. Sign the application in front of a commissioner for taking affidavits

5. If you have law enforcement orders against you, have been convicted of a criminal offence, have been found guilty of an offence without discharge or are aware of pending charges against you, complete a Police Record Check for a Change of Name

6. Submit the completed application, record check and original birth certificates or certified copies of birth registration (if applicable, also include previous changes of name certificates) to Service Ontario and pay the $137 fee 

7. In 6-8 weeks, you should receive a new birth certificate and change of name certificate

8. If you do not wish for your name change to be published in the Ontario Gazette, submit a request form for non-publication or to receive a physical application, connect with Service Ontario at 1-800-461-2156

9. Once you’ve received your new birth certificate be sure to also change your name on your SIN (social insurance number) record as you are legally required to do so. Instructions for this are including below.

Gender marker changes

• If 18 or above, use this process

• If 16 or 17, you may apply as an adult or child

1. Complete the following original (not photocopied or faxed) forms: 

1. Application for Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of an Adult

2. Statutory Declaration for a Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of an Adult

2. Along with forms, you must provide: 

1. A letter signed by a practicing physician, psychologist or psychological associate authorized to practice in Canada to support the requested change (see application cover sheet for more info and possible alternatives). 

2. All original or court-certified copies of court orders or separation agreements with info about custody status, access to the child, or provisions regarding child’s sex designation 

3. All previously issued birth certificates, birth certificates with parental information and certified copies of the child’s birth registration 

4. An application form for a birth certificate along with fees

3. Ensure the application, statutory declaration, form to order previously issued birth documents, and application form for birth certificate are signed by a guarantor

4. Mail all forms and necessary documents to: Office of the Registrar General, 189 Red River Road, P.O. Box 3000, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5W0 

5. If all requirements are met, you should receive by mail an updated birth certificate that will display the registered gender marker

3. Birth Certificate: People born outside Ontario/Canada

Name changes

If you were born in another province or territory in Canada 

In addition to the steps outlined above: 

1. Apply to the vital statistics office in the province or territory where you were born to obtain a new birth certificate. Notice of your name change will be sent to the vital statistics office of your birth province or territory, except Quebec

2. In Quebec, submit your name change certificate to the Quebec vital statistics office to notify them of the change and to obtain the new birth certificate

If you were born outside Canada

In addition to the steps outlined above, you’ll need to send the following with your application: 

1. A photocopy of original birth certificate or birth registration from your country of birth (or signed written explanation as to why you are unable to provide it and what you have done to try to obtain it) 

2. A photocopy of one of the following documents: Canadian Citizenship Card or Certificate (both sides), Permanent Resident Card (both sides) or Canadian Record of Immigrant Landing 

3. Photocopy of the passport you used to enter Canada if it is still valid

If translation of the application is required (into English or French), include: 

1. A complete photocopy of the original application 

2. A complete photocopy of the translation of the application 

3. An original written declaration from either: a professional translator who indicates their status as a translator OR a person who is not a professional translator whose declaration is sworn in front of a commissioner for taking affidavits.

1. The declaration needs to state that the translator understands English or French and the language of the original application AND the translator is of the opinion that the translation is complete and correct. 

Gender marker changes

Your birth must be registered in Ontario to change your gender marker on an Ontario birth registration. If you were born outside of Ontario, you will need to consult your birth province’s or country’s guidelines for changing your gender marker on your birth registration and/or birth certificate. If born in another province, The Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity Gender Markers Guide and NotaryPro’s Guide to Changing Sex Designators in Canada may be helpful places to start. 

Changing Names & Gender Markers on Other Ontario Documents 

4. Health Card

Name changes

1. Visit Service Ontario and submit Change of Information Form filled with your new name 

2. Bring your Canadian Change of Name Certificate or birth certificate/immigration documents with new name and current copy of health card.

3. In 4-6 weeks, the new card will be processed and mailed.

Gender marker changes

Ontario Health Cards no longer display gender markers (since June 2016). If needed, you may receive a replacement card by visiting a ServiceOntario location and demonstrating two identification documents. 

5. Driver’s License or Ontario Photo Card

Name changes

1. Visit Service Ontario and submit Change of Information Form filled with your new name 

2. Bring your Canadian Change of Name Certificate or birth certificate/immigration documents with new name and current copy of driver’s license or Ontario Photo Card.

3. In 4-6 weeks, the new card will be processed and mailed.

Gender marker changes

Visit a Service Ontario location 

1. Bring 1 original and valid document indicating the updated gender marker designation (a birth certificate, birth certificate with parental information, or certified copy of birth registration). 

2. If you do not have one of the above: bring a letter from a licensed doctor or licensed psychologist and a letter written by you. This may also be a recognized specialist if you have had gender affirming surgery. 

To change your gender marker to X, visit Service Ontario. You do not need to bring any supporting documents. 

Note: you cannot hold both a driver’s license and Ontario photo card at the same time. 

Changing Names & Gender Markers on Federal Documents

6. Citizenship Certificate 

Note: This process helps you acquire a new citizenship certificate. It isn’t the process to acquire your original citizenship grant. 

Name changes

1. Complete an application for a Citizenship Certificate (you may apply online or by paper). 

1. Collect needed documents and provide English or French translation if required: 

1. Two citizenship photographs (with name printed on back, as well as name of photographer/studio, their address, and date photos were taken)

2. Two pieces of personal ID (ex. passport, certificate of Indian Status card, health insurance ID, travel document) 

3. Proof of payment

4. Proof of legal name change certificate 

5. If applicable also include: 

1. all original citizenship certificates, retention documents, or registration of birth abroad certificate

2. If born in Canada without citizenship certificate include birth certificate/other nationalities acquired by you and your Canadian parent before Feb 1977

3. If born outside of Canada include original Birth Certificate, proof of all nationalities, proof of Canadian citizenship of parent and any supporting documents supporting relationship between parent and applicant

4. Any immigration documents demonstrating citizenship, landing, and British status 

6. If applying for a child: 1 custodial parent’s signature is required (with document proving relationship) 

2. Ensure your application is signed and dated. 

2. If done by paper, mail documents to: Case Processing Centre, Sydney- Proofs P.O. Box 10000, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 7C1 

3. Processing time can be up to 5 months, and 3-4 extra months if applying from outside of Canada. Track the status of your application online

Gender marker changes

1. Follow the same steps as above (for name change on citizenship certificate)

2. If not changing name, no need to submit a legal name change certificate

3. Also include a completed copy of the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form

7. Social Insurance Number

Name changes

By law, you must update the name on your SIN record if you have changed the name on your birth certificate. 

1. Complete the SIN application form online to update a legal change of name, or apply by mail or in person at a Service Canada location

2. If the application is for a child/youth, a parent or guardian will need to provide the documentation indicated in the form

3. Name will be updated in 2-4 weeks if done by mail or online. Name will be updated immediately if done in person

Gender marker changes

While your SIN number does not display gender markers, there is a gender marker associated with the SIN record system. To change the gender marker on your SIN record: 

1. Your gender must first be reflected on your Birth Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship

2. Visit a Service Canada in person and fill out a standard SIN amendment form and provide the following documentation: 

1. Certificate of Change of Name 

2. Court order document (if child/youth with guardian) 

3. Request to Amend the Record of Landing issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document (if not born in Canada). 

8. Indigenous Status Card

Name  changes

1. Complete the Secure Certificate of Indian Status Application for already registered persons (with ‘Replacement/Changes to Personal Information’ as the reason for applying) as an adult or consenting parent. 

2. Gather all relevant documents (original copies will be returned).

1. Two passport-style photographs

1. One must be signed by a guarantor with “This is the true likeness of (your name)” on the back of the photograph.

2. Photos must also include the dates they were taken and the name and address of the studio or person who took the photo on the back of each one. 

2. Identity document

1. Original proof of birth document (i.e. a birth certificate listing name of parents) 

2. This document must be in English or French

3. Name corroborating document (if original name does not match name on application) 

1. This could be a: legal name change certificate, marriage certificate, common-law certificate, court order, or resumption of surname certificate 

4. Supporting identity documents 

1. Option 1: document with full name, date of birth, photo and signature (i.e. passport, driver’s license, ID card, health card, citizenship certificate, PR card) 

2. Option 2: more than one document which together demonstrate full name, date of birth, photo and signature (i.e. health card, US passport, NEXUS card, government employee ID card, PR card without signature, firearms license) 

3. Guarantor must sign and date any photocopies of documents that support the applicant’s identity. 

4. Guarantor must fill the Guarantor declaration form and do so in blue or black ink and block letters. 

3. Bring application to your nearest regional office (it is recommended you call ahead to make an appointment: 1-800-567-9604) OR at a First Nation Office (if the service is available) OR mail application to National Registration Processing Unit, 10 Wellington Street, Gatineau, Quebec K1A OH4. 

Gender marker changes

1. Follow the same steps as above (for name change on Indigenous Status Card).

2. In addition, submit with identity documents a Long Form Birth Certificate (birth certificate with parental information OR certified copy of birth registration) to show changed gender.

9. Canadian Passport

Please note: 

• Only Canadian citizens are able to receive Canadian passports 

• The name on a passport must reflect that on a Birth Certificate (ie. you must change that first) 

• If you are 16 or older, you may apply yourself. If you are under 16, your parents must apply on your behalf. 

Name changes

1. Complete an application for a new passport: for an adult (age 16 or older) OR for a child 

1. Complete application form.

2. Collect all documents needed.

1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship (original copy of updated birth or citizenship certificate)

2. If applicable, proof of immigration status documents

3. Any valid Canadian passport or travel document previously issued to you

4. A document to support your identity (ID) 

5. 2 identical passport photos taken at a passport photo studio 

1. On back of one of the photos, the photographer must write: their name, address, and date the photos were taken 

2. Guarantor must sign the back of this photo.

6. If applying for a child: include all documents that refer to the custody, mobility or access to the child and proof of parentage 

3. Obtain a passport photo.

2. Submit the application with fee (fee depends on type of passport) at a Service Canada or Passport Centre OR mail to Government of Canada, Passport Program, Gatineau Quebec K1A OG3, Canada 

3. Passport will be mailed to you (typically between 10-20 business days), unless you pay for pick-up service. 

Gender marker changes

1. Follow the same steps as above (for name change on passport). 

2. If your supporting IDs (i.e. birth certificate or citizenship certificate) already display the gender marker you’d like displayed on your passport, you don’t need added documentation.

1. If supporting IDs display a different gender marker, fill out the request form: adult or child.

10. Permanent Resident (PR) Card 

Note: Use this process to change name and/or gender marker on an already issued PR Card. A different process is needed to get your first PR Card.

Name changes

1. Complete the PR card application form and provide translation into English or French if your documents are in another language. 

1. Application will require: personal information, immigration history, and list of every time you have been outside of Canada in the last 5 years (or since you became a permanent resident) 

2. Required documents include: current PR card, a photocopy of a primary identity document, two photos that meet application form specifications, and your name change certificate 

1. If under 18, also include one of the following: birth certificate, proof of guardianship, school record document 

3. Fee: $50 (pay online using a credit or debit card. Print your payment receipt and include it in the application.) 

2. Complete biometrics if required 

1. Find out if biometrics are required 

1. Biometrics are only required if all of these conditions apply to you:

1. you were younger than 14 years when your application for permanent residence was received 

2. you applied for permanent residence on or after December 31, 2018 

3. you are now 14 years or older 

2. If you determine biometrics are required: 

1. Fee: $85 (pay online using a credit or debit card. Print your payment receipt and include it in the application.) 

2. You will receive a letter instructing you how to collect your biometrics after you submit your application. 

3. Mail the completed paperwork to Case Processing Centre - PR Card P.O. Box 10020, Sydney, NS B1P 7C1 

Gender marker changes

1. Follow the same steps as above (for name change on PR card) 

2. Also include a completed copy of the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form. 

11. Frequently asked questions