Name change in Quebec : reasons, steps, and procedures

Published on January 23, 2026

A name change can have significant legal effects on identity, filiation, and official documents. This process therefore requires rigor and preparation. Depending on the situation, the procedure may be administrative or judicial. Our firm can assist you in assessing the appropriate remedy and securing your name change application.

Personne signant un document officiel, illustrant une démarche de changement de nom au Québec.

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Changing a first name or a family name is not a simple administrative formality. In Quebec, a name change is strictly governed by law. It is granted only if a serious reason is demonstrated, in accordance with the Civil Code of Quebec.

Depending on the situation, the application may be submitted to the court or to the Registrar of Civil Status. Thus, choosing the appropriate procedure is essential. An error may result in significant delays or a refusal of the name change.

The general principle : a serious reason is required

Whether it concerns a first name or a family name, no name change is authorized without official intervention. This falls either under the authority of the Registrar of Civil Status or the court.

In all cases, the person must explain the reasons motivating the request. They must also demonstrate that these reasons justify an official modification of their identity.

The judicial route : when the court has jurisdiction

Certain situations fall exclusively within the court’s jurisdiction. This is notably the case when the name change concerns a minor child and results from :

  • Abandonment by one or both parents;
  • Deprivation of parental authority;
  • A change in filiation, for example following an adoption.
In addition, when a request for a child’s name change is contested, the matter may need to be brought before the courts. Indeed, this step may be required before any submission to the Registrar of Civil Status.

In this context, the assistance of a legal professional is strongly recommended. It allows the appropriate remedy to be determined and sufficient evidence to be prepared.

The administrative route : the Registrar of Civil Status

In situations not falling under the court’s jurisdiction, the Registrar of Civil Status may authorize a name change. However, a serious reason must be clearly demonstrated.

Examples of recognized reasons

Among the reasons most frequently invoked are, in particular :

  • Consistent use, for at least five years, of a first name or family name different from that listed on the birth certificate;
  • A name of foreign origin that is difficult to pronounce or spell;
  • Serious prejudice or psychological suffering related to the name borne;
  • A name that lends itself to ridicule or is associated with infamy;
  • The addition, for a minor child, of one parent’s family name or part of it when it is a compound name.
These reasons must, however, be supported by credible evidence.

The steps of the administrative process

1. Preliminary analysis

The process begins with a preliminary analysis aimed at verifying :

  • The eligibility of the person concerned;
  • The jurisdiction of the Registrar of Civil Status (or, conversely, that of the court);
  • The existence of the birth certificate in the civil status register.
When the request concerns a minor child, additional verifications are carried out. Indeed, these serve to inform the persons concerned.

At the end of this stage, a personalized application package is sent to the applicant.

2. Opening of the file and publication

Once the application package is completed and the file deemed compliant, a public notice is published for 15 days. In addition, fees are required at this stage. In the absence of objections or observations, the in-depth analysis of the reasons may then begin.

3. Review and decision

The Registrar of Civil Status assesses whether the serious reason is sufficiently demonstrated. Indeed, additional documents or explanations may be required. If the evidence is deemed insufficient, a notice of refusal may be issued. This allows the applicant to complete their file.

The final decision—authorization or refusal—is communicated in writing. This decision may be reviewed only by the court.

Why consult a lawyer?

Each situation is unique, and the legal consequences of a name or first name change can be significant. An inadequate assessment of the appropriate remedy or insufficient evidence may lead to a refusal or considerable delays.

A lawyer can assist you at every stage, ensure that your application is well founded, and defend your rights, whether before the Registrar of Civil Status or the court.

Finally, if you are considering a name change or if your application raises particular issues, it is prudent to consult. Our firm can analyze your situation, verify the strength of your file, and guide you through the process. To obtain tailored support and protect your rights, contact our team today.

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