Legal Name Change
Electronic fingerprinting for individuals instructed by a provincial or territorial authority to obtain an RCMP-certified criminal record check for a legal name-change application. Requirements and delivery instructions vary by jurisdiction.
Application types covered
- Name Change
The federal fee for this purpose
Legal name change is generally subject to the $25 RCMP federal fee in addition to the $60 service fee. Vital statistics application fees are separate and are not collected by Acuity. Note that the certified result is normally returned to the vital statistics agency rather than to you.
The federal fee is set by the RCMP, not by Acuity, and is passed through at cost. GST does not apply to the service fee. We confirm the fee that applies to you against your request letter before your appointment.
See the full fee breakdownWhat to bring
- Two pieces of valid, original government-issued identification
- At least one identification document containing a photograph
- Your fingerprint request letter, instructions or file number
- Name and address of the organization receiving the result
Processing times
Processing times are set by the RCMP, not by Acuity. Where fingerprints do not match a criminal record, processing may take three business days or less. Applications requiring manual processing, or involving a possible match, may take approximately 120 business days. Mailing time is additional. Acuity Fingerprint Solutions does not control processing or delivery times.
Note — These processing times apply only to the RCMP criminal-record-check component. They do not include mailing time or processing by IRCC, the Parole Board of Canada, a foreign government, an employer, a licensing body or another requesting organization.
Official guidance
Requirements are set by the organization that asked for your fingerprints and can change without notice. Where their letter or instructions differ from anything on this page, follow their instructions, and bring the letter to your appointment so we can submit the transaction the way they need it.
These links open official government websites, which Acuity does not operate or control.
Acuity Fingerprint Solutions Inc. is an RCMP-accredited affiliate fingerprinting company. Electronic fingerprint transactions are securely submitted to CCRTIS through an RCMP-accredited Direct Connect agency.
Legal Name Change — frequently asked
The questions we are asked most often about this application type. Where your request letter says something different, follow the letter and bring it with you.
Will the certified result be sent to me?
Normally no — for a legal name change the certified result is usually returned to the vital statistics agency rather than to you. Bring the instructions you were given so we direct the submission the way that agency requires.
Do I need instructions from the province before I book?
Yes, if you have been given any. Requirements and delivery instructions vary by jurisdiction, so bring the letter or instructions from the provincial or territorial authority handling your application — where they differ from anything on this page, theirs govern.
Are the vital statistics fees included?
No. Legal name change is generally subject to the $25 RCMP federal fee in addition to the $60 service fee. Vital statistics application fees are separate and are not collected by Acuity.
What identification do I need to bring?
Two pieces of valid, original government-issued identification, at least one of which shows your photograph. Photocopies, scans and photographs of documents cannot be accepted. Requirements are set by the receiving agency and are confirmed against current training material.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments are completed in approximately 15 to 20 minutes, including identity verification, capture and image review. Allow a little longer if you are bringing a foreign-government form or several applicants.