A GUIDE TO: CHANGING YOUR LAST NAME

​Now that you're married (hooray!) It's time to think about whether or not you'll be changing your name. If you've decided to do so, the process can be a bit complicated.  Luckily, the steps are detailed below so you can focus on other stuff (like thank you cards....)

BEFORE YOU BEGIN, SOMETHING TO CONSIDER...

We know it’s super exciting and you want to take on your new name right away but you do have to change over ALL of your identification cards - including your passport! SO, if you are going on a honeymoon right away you may want to hold off until you’re home so you don’t have any stressful mismatching ID cards!!

FIRST STEP:

GET AN OFFICIAL MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

The marriage commissioner who performed the marriage ceremony must forward a completed and signed marriage license to the Vital Statistics Registry for registration. The marriage must be registered before you may apply for a marriage certificate.

Some commissioners will present you with a marriage certificate at your ceremony, this document is sufficient.

• You can apply online for a marriage certificate.
• Who can apply for a marriage certificate? Info found here.
• ​Be sure to order a few extra copies, each copy with cost $35.00

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What information do I need to provide when ordering a marriage certificate online?

MARRIAGE DETAILS:

• First Given Name 
• Second Given Name(s) 
• Last Name at Birth 
• Gender
• Date of Marriage 
• Place of Marriage 
• Marriage Registration Number 
• Date of Birth 
• Place of Birth

SPOUSE'S DETAILS:

• First Given Name 
• Second Given Name(s) 
• Last Name at Birth 
• Gender
• Date of Birth 
• Place of Birth

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• First Given Name 
• Second Given Names(s) 
• Current Last Name 
• Mailing Address 
• City/Town/Village
• Province/State 
• Country 
• Postal/Zip Code 
• Telephone Numbers
• Email 
• Reason Why Certificate is Requested 
• Applicant’s Relationship to Person Named on Certification

SECOND STEP:

UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER

By law, when the name of a person to whom a SIN has been assigned changes due to marriage or other circumstances, the person must apply to update their SIN record under the new name within 60 days.
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Once your SIN record has been updated, you will receive a confirmation of SIN letter with the new name. Your previous confirmation of SIN or SIN card is no longer valid and should be destroyed in a secure manner.

You need to provide a primary document to amend your SIN record (e.g. a name change).
A primary document is an official document that proves your identity and status in Canada. (e.g. birth certificate) They will need to see an original of your primary document. If the name on this document is different from the name you currently use, you will also need to provide a supporting document. (e.g. marriage certificate)

​**There is no fee**

THIRD STEP:

UPDATE YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE

Take your marriage certificate and existing drivers license down to SGI and get a new license.
​*Note* They will take a new picture of you, so be prepared!

AFTER YOU CHANGE YOUR LAST NAME

If you decide to change your surname, it is your responsibility to change your name with all relevant government departments and agencies. The following will need to be updated:

• Canadian Passport 
• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Provincial or territorial health card
• Provincial or territorial driver's licence

Other important places to notify of your name change:

• Bank
• Employer(s)/Payroll
• Phone/Internet Providers
• Electric & other utility accounts
• Landlord or Mortgage Company
• Insurance Companies (Auto, Home, Life)
• Doctor's offices
• Voter Registration
• Investment Account Providers
• Pay Pal
• Social Media Accounts