Legal Change of Gender

Note: As of January 10, 2022, adults and people 12 and older will no longer require a physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation of change of gender designation. See the BC Gov News Release.

Born in BC

If you were born in BC, update your BC birth certificate. You can change your gender in BC to M, F, or X.

Complete the Application for Change of Gender Designation for adults and minors aged 12 and older or minors aged under 12 years. This application requires you to send the following:

  • the application form. Send the application form to Vital Statistics in Kelowna. This is a different office than the one that processes name change applications.
  • any previously issued birth certificates in your possession;
  • the required fees.

Note on required fees

We know the fees for these applications can be a significant barrier. Community advocates have asked the Government of British Columbia to review and remove these fees. 

If your net income is close to or below $20,000 or you have other extenuating circumstances that affect your ability to pay, you can ask the Vital Statistics Agency to waive the fee for your British Columbia name change ($137) and/or gender change ($27) application.

To do this:

  • Add a letter with the application asking for a fee waiver that includes proof of income.
  • The application should be submitted directly to Vital Statistics or through Service BC.
  • Be prepared for Vital Statistics to contact you for further information, as they may request your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) or other documents.

Please, also note…

  • Requests for a fee waiver without proof of income are not usually granted.
  • Applying for a waiver could delay your application.

Minors aged under 12 years

For minors aged under 12 years, also include proof of parentage and/or legal guardianship (e.g. a birth certificate listing the parents and any order of guardianship);

Minors aged under 12 years need consent of all parents to change their gender.

Also include Physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation of change of gender designation (minors aged under 12 years).

What to expect: You will get a confirmation letter from the Vital Statistics Agency letting you know your gender change application has been processed.

Please note that if you are also changing your name, be sure not to order a new birth certificate, or replace your Provincial ID until you have also received your Change of Name Certificate to ensure that your new birth certificate will reflect both the correct name and gender.

Born in Canada, but not in BC

If you were born in Canada but not in BC, you must update your gender marker in the province where you were born. Here is contact info for Vital Statistics Agencies in other Canadian Provinces.

Born outside of Canada

If you were born outside of Canada, you may be able to update your birth document in your birth country. You may update your BC and Canadian documents even if you cannot change your Birth Certificate.

Do not do contact your origin country’s government about your documents if you may need to apply for refugee status. Contact a lawyer for advice.

Bring ID when you go to offices related to this process:

Next steps:

Move on to the steps for changing Federal documents, if desired.  Remember, name and gender markers can be changed at the same time. You should consider this approach if you want to streamline the process and minimize potential fees. 

Helpful Addresses:

Vital Statistics Agency: Gender Change Office

478 Bernard Avenue, #305
Kelowna, B.C.
V1Y 6N7

Telephone: 250 712-7562

NOTE: This is a different office from the one that does name change applications. Do not send both applications here.

Vital Statistics Agency: Name Change Office

Attn: Confidential Services
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9P3

Telephone: 250 952-2681 (Victoria & Outside B.C.)
Toll free: 1 888 876-1633 (within B.C.)

Health Insurance B.C.

PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Gov
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9E3

Toll Free: 1 800 663-7100 (MSP)