Hello All,
I am an Indian PR and have decided to change my First Name. It's been a year since I landed. Can any of my fellow forum-members be kind enough to give their advise as to how do I go about doing the same.
1. Where do I go to Register a Name Change?
2. Procedures to be followed?
3. Will a name change affect my credit rating?

etc etc etc.

The above questions come to mind first and there may be more.

So, would appreciate a clear answer from any of you.

Regards.

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When the going gets tough, the tough gets going!!!

Here is what I found out for you from their website.

Change of Name in Ontario
Relevant Statue: http://www.elaws.
gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90c07_e.htm#P319_34522
Governmental help site:
http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/change_name.htm

Who is eligible to change their name?
• A person at least sixteen years of age who has been ordinarily resident in
Ontario for at least one year immediately before making the application
may apply to the Registrar General to change his or her forename or
surname or both.
Are there additional conditions that must be met to change a name?
Most jurisdictions have specific qualifications. In general, the name should not
cause confusion and must not be used for fraudulent, misrepresentational or
other improper purposes. In most jurisdictions changes of name are published,
but the publication requirement may be waived in certain cases.
• The chosen name must have both a forename and a surname. An
application shall be accompanied by a police records check that is
prepared and certified by an employee of an Ontario police force. The
change of name must be advertised in the Ontario Gazette, unless the
change of name is to be kept confidential to prevent significant harm to the
person to whose name the application relates.
How does someone change their name?
In the province where they reside, the applicant must make an application for a
change of name pursuant to The Name Act.
• Applications can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Registrar
General via telephone, 1-800-461-2156 or 416-325-8305.
What information is required for the application?
• An application shall include;
o All birth certificates and previous change of name certificates of
each person whose name is to be changed.
o A statement by a guarantor who knows the applicant and can
confirm that the applicant has lived in Ontario for at least one year
prior to the application date.
o A marriage certificate, a divorce certificate, an annulment certificate
or a death certificate of spouse, or joint declaration of conjugal
relationship, if you elect to change your name.
o Proof of notice to your spouse if you are married and are formally
changing your name.
o Proof of custody and written consent from all those who have
custody if you are changing your child's name.
o Proof of notice to every person who is lawfully entitled to have
access to the child.
o Written consent of the child, if the child is 12 to 18 years old.
o The required fee.
o Other documents may be required, depending on the
circumstances.
Are there restrictions on choices for a change of name?
In general, the name must be written entirely in characters of the Roman
alphabet, the surname can contain no more than two names hyphenated or
combined, and the changed name must consist of at least one given name and a
surname.
• If the Registrar General believes on reasonable grounds that an applicant
seeks the change of name for an improper purpose, the Registrar General
shall refuse the application.
What are the fees for changing a name?
• Initial application cost is $137.00. Five year record searches are $25.00
How to get a new birth certificate once the change of name is completed?
• Once you receive notification that the change of name is complete you
can apply to the province of birth for a birth certificate in the new name. It
is advisable to include a photocopy of the change of name along with the
Application for Service Form.
What is the fee for a certificate?
• One certificate is included in the application fee. Additional copies are
between $15.00 - $22.00 each, depending on size.
What size/types of certificates are available?
• Either a certificate (17.7 x 21 cm) or a certified copy (21.6 x 35.6 cm) are
available.
Is there a fee for rush delivery?
• $15.00 for same day service. This service is available only at the counter.

This from the website. Please call on them and verify before you proceed. And for those who are in a different Province, here is the full link to their site.
http://www.crcvc.ca/docs/How%20do%20I%20change%20my%20name.pdf

Hope this helps you a little.

Freddie.

Edit: Some of the links do not open. So use the main link.

Should I first change my name in the passport and then change my further documents like PR card, SIN