Apply to waive name change fees for Indigenous name reclamation
Start your application
You can submit your application by email, mail, or fax to the Health Services Administration Office.
You can start your application now. Use the sections below if you need more information first.
Overview
If you are reclaiming an Indigenous name or correcting a historical naming record, you may be able to apply to have NWT name change fees waived. This page explains who the fee waiver is for, what fees may be waived, and how to apply.
Confirm you are eligible
Make sure this page applies to you
This fee waiver is intended for Indigenous name reclamation.
You may be eligible if you are an Indigenous person who:
- is a residential school survivor reclaiming a name, or a family member reclaiming a name affected by residential schools
- wants to reclaim an Indigenous single name based on traditional culture
- wants to correct a historical naming error on an NWT birth record
- was born in the Northwest Territories, now lives elsewhere, and is requesting an NWT birth certificate after completing a legal name change in another jurisdiction
Understand what fees can be waived
If approved, the fee waiver may cover:
- the NWT change of name application fee
- the NWT Change of Name certificate fee
- an NWT birth certificate showing the reclaimed or corrected name
In some cases, the waiver may also apply to related NWT birth or marriage certificates or certified copies, depending on your situation.
The GNWT cannot waive or reimburse fees charged by other provinces or territories.
Complete the form
- Download and complete the Application to Waive Fees for a name change and Related Certificates form.
- Complete your change of name application or NWT certificate request.
- Submit the fee waiver application at the same time as your name‑related request.
- Submit your completed forms by email, mail or fax to the Registrar General of Vital Statistics.
You can only apply for the fee waiver once with an NWT change of name application.
What to expect after you apply
Vital Statistics does not send a confirmation after you submit your request. They will contact you only if additional information is needed to assess eligibility.
If your application meets all requirements, your birth and/or marriage registration will be updated and a new birth and/or marriage certificate will be issued.
Approval of a fee waiver does not change eligibility rules for name changes. It applies only to eligible NWT fees.