When Can You Change Your Gender on Government Documents?

For a long time, changing your gender on government documents across Canada required proof of transitional surgery. More recently, this rule has been dropped to allow those in transition to choose for themselves when is the most appropriate time to officially change their gender.

The specific rules and requirements differ from province to province, but many have similar procedures. In Ontario, the procedures are somewhat different depending on your age when you apply. Those 15 years of age and under must apply as a child, while 16-17 year olds can choose to apply as a child or as an adult. Those over 18 years of age must apply as an adult.Applying for a Change of Sex Designation as an Adult Before you can begin the process, it is important to know that you can only request this change from the province or territory in which you were born, therefore to apply in Ontario your birth must be registered there. You will need to download and submit several forms and supporting documents in order to apply. These documents include:

• An Application for Change of Sex Designation on Birth Registration of an Adult form, available here;
• A Statutory Declaration for a Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of an Adult form, available here;
• The relevant Payment Form;
• A letter signed by an authorized, practicing physician or psychologist supporting your request (requirements for this letter can be found here);
• All certified copies of your birth registration or birth certificates previously issued; and
• An application form for a birth certificate + the applicable fees.

Applying for a Change of Sex Designation as a ChildChildren applying for a change of sex designation will also have to apply within the province of their birth. They will also be required to provide a variety of documents including:

• An Application for Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of a Child and a Statutory Declaration for a Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration of a Child will need to be completed by an adult with legal custody of the child in question;
• Relevant Payment Forms;
• A written consent form providing the consent of the child and a consent form demonstrating the consent of all adults with legal custody of the child;
• Proof that notice has been provided to all persons with legal access to the child;
• A support letter (see above);
• All certified copies of your birth registration or birth certificates previously issued; and
• An application form for a birth certificate + the applicable fees.

All documents must be mailed to:Office of the Registrar GeneralP.O. Box 3000189 Red River Rd, 3rd FloorThunder Bay, ON P7B 5W0Processing and delivery will take 6-8 weeks to complete.