Legal vs. chosen name change
Legal name change
A legal name change is first completed through the government. To apply for a legal name change, you will need to follow the steps outlined in your home province or country. If you are from Ontario, you can visit the Service Ontario website for details on how to apply for a legal name change.
Your legal name is the one used on official university documents and records, such as:
- Confirmation of enrolment
- Degree parchments and certificates
- Graduation letters
- Reports to government
- Transcript
Other areas within the university that can be updated with your legal name change include:
- Alumni card
- Canvas
- Class list
- Email display name
- MyOntarioTech
- Student email
- Student ID card
Chosen name change
A chosen name is the name you choose to use but is not your legal name. Updating your chosen name will not alter the legal name used on official university documents and records. We understand that this can create barriers for trans students. If you would like support navigating things like applying to graduate school or to jobs when your chosen name is different from your legal name, please reach out to the Student Development Specialist - Equity Programs for support.
Areas within the university that can be updated with your chosen name include:
- Alumni card
- Canvas
- Class list
- Email display name
- Student email
- Student ID card
