Can you change the surname of your minor child?

Verified 11 January 2022 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister), Ministry of Justice

Yes, parents can change the surname of their minor child if the father has recognized the child after birth declaration. This page explains which name can be chosen and how to make the request.

Child born after June 2006

You can change the surname of your minor child if the father recognized him after the birth declaration.

Child born before July 2006

You can change the surname of your minor child if the following 2 conditions are met :

  • It was recognized by the 2 parents in a delayed manner (separately)
  • One of the parents recognized the child after the birth declaration

For the first child

Parents have 2 options:

  • Replace the name given to the child by the name of the parent who recognized the child in 2nd
    Example: If the child has the name of his mother (Leroy), the parents can choose to give him the name of his father who recognized him in 2nd (Faure).
  • Match their 2 names, in the order of their choice, up to a maximum of surname for each one of them.
    Example: If the father's name is Faure Girard and the mother's is Leroy, the child may be named Faure Leroy, Girard Leroy, Leroy Faure or Leroy Girard.

FYI  

the choice of a child's name cannot be exercised only once.

For subsequent children

The choice of name is limited to the name already given for the elder.

For example, if the elder's name is Faure Girard, the following children will bear this name if they have been recognized by the 2 parents.

If the child is under 13 years

Parents need to make a statement during the minority of the child before the registrar of their choice.

The 2 parents must be present.

However, if one of the 2 parents has a serious impediment and cannot be present, he can be represented.

For example, if he is hospitalized or in detention.

The person representing the absent parent must have a power of attorney special and authentic.

This means that the power of attorney must specify the purpose of the mandate and be signed by a sworn agent of the Crown.

For example, a notary, a registrar, a commissioner of justice (former bailiff and judicial auctioneer).

If you wish, you can use the following reporting template:

Model name change declaration for a minor child

Who shall I contact
If the child is 13 years of age or older

Parents need to make a statement during the minority of the child before the registrar of their choice.

The child must give his agreement in writing or orally.

The 2 parents must be present.

However, if one of the 2 parents has a serious impediment and cannot be present, he can be represented.

For example, if he is hospitalized or in detention.

The person representing the absent parent must have a power of attorney special and authentic.

This means that the power of attorney must specify the purpose of the mandate and be signed by a sworn agent of the Crown.

For example, a notary, a registrar, a commissioner of justice (former bailiff and judicial auctioneer).

If you wish, you can use the following templates for the declaration and consent of the child 13 years of age or older:

Model name change declaration for a minor child

Change of name: consent of the minor over 13 years

Who shall I contact

The name change is mentioned in the margin of the birth certificate of the child.

The new name applies to next children of the couple.