Visit uottawa.ca/current-students/transcripts-academic-documents/changing-your-name for information on primary names and preferred names at the University of Ottawa.
Your primary name is the one that appears on your official government documentation. The University of Ottawa will use this name when issuing certain types of documents, such as tax documents or diplomas and certificates.
If you have legally changed your given name, you can request a primary name change with the University of Ottawa. You will need to fill out the form below. You will also need to provide a scan of your passport. If you cannot provide a scan of your passport, you will need to provide two pieces of government-issued identification with the correct name. The list of acceptable pieces of identification are included in the form.
Request for primary name change (English).pdf
Demande de changement de nom (Francais).pdf
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can email your request to InfoService at [email protected]. To ensure your new name appears on your diploma, please make sure your request is approved before March 31 for the spring convocation and September 15 for the fall convocation.
If your preferred name is different from your legal or primary name, you can indicate a preferred name with the University of Ottawa. This name will be used in certain situations, such as your uOttawa card or class lists.
To change your preferred name, simply go to uoZone under Applications. Select Personal Information. You can add a preferred name under the Names tab. You do not need to provide any justification for this request. To ensure your preferred name appears on your instructors’ class lists, please make sure your name has been updated before the start of the academic term.
If you have changed your primary or preferred name and would like this change to be reflected on your uOttawa card and your U-Pass, you will need to go to the uOttawa Card Service and U-Pass office at 90 University Private Room 145. Please note that replacement fees will apply.