{"id":168164,"date":"2024-04-30T08:03:19","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T12:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/?p=168164"},"modified":"2025-12-11T05:54:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T10:54:09","slug":"changing-name-after-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage","title":{"rendered":"Changing Your Name in Canada After Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Nearly Wed? How to Change Your Name in Canada After Marriage<\/h2> <p>Starting a new chapter in marriage often brings the exciting yet complex decision of whether to change your name. Welcome, nearlyweds! If you&#8217;re considering whether to adopt your partner&#8217;s surname or keep your own as a part of your identity, you&#8217;re in the right place. In Canada, changing your name after marriage is an option, not a requirement\u2014except in Quebec, where the rules are different. Here&#8217;s <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to Change Your Name in Canada After Marriage!<\/span><\/p> <div class=\"post-images\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Paula-and-Adam-mango-studios.jpg\"class=\"link-image link-image_wide\" rel=\"gallery\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"full-size-image alignnone wp-image-168568 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5OTAgNjYwIiB3aWR0aD0iOTkwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY2MCIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjQlMkYwNCUyRlBhdWxhLWFuZC1BZGFtLW1hbmdvLXN0dWRpb3MuanBnIiBkYXRhLXc9Ijk5MCIgZGF0YS1oPSI2NjAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==\" data-spai=\"1\" alt=\"how to change your name in canada after marriage\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\"  \/><\/a><\/div> <p><span class=\"caption\">Photo Courtesy of <a class=\"listing-mentionable listing-mentionable-disabled listing-mentionable-disabled\" href=\"#\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" data-listing=\"5645\">Mango Studios<\/a><\/span><\/p> <div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">  <div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">  <p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>  <span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>  <nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Nearly_Wed_How_to_Change_Your_Name_in_Canada_After_Marriage\" >Nearly Wed? How to Change Your Name in Canada After Marriage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Things_to_Consider_When_Deciding_Whether_to_Change_Your_Name\" >Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Change Your Name<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Legal_Requirements_for_Changing_your_name_after_Marriage_in_Canada\" >Legal Requirements for Changing your name after Marriage in Canada<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Keep_in_mind_ProvincialTerritorial_Variations\" >Keep in mind Provincial\/Territorial Variations:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#How_much_does_it_cost_and_what_do_I_need\" >How much does it cost and what do I need?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#What_happens_to_your_Original_Last_Name\" >What happens to your Original Last Name?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Social_Security_and_Banking_Considerations\" >Social Security and Banking Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/changing-name-after-marriage\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>   <h2>Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Change Your Name<\/h2> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deciding whether to change your name after you get married is a very personal choice. It might be about sticking to tradition or showing the world you&#8217;re united. Maybe it&#8217;s for making things simpler when you start a family, or maybe it&#8217;s about starting a brand new chapter together. Sometimes, what others expect might influence your decision, but remember, this is your story to write. If you&#8217;re juggling a professional name and a personal one, think of it as having the best of both worlds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is here to help you navigate the process of changing your name if you decide that\u2019s the route you\u2019re going to take.<\/span><\/p> <h2>Legal Requirements for Changing your name after Marriage in Canada<\/h2> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Canada, the legal requirements for changing your name after marriage can vary depending on the province or territory in which you reside. Generally, there are two ways to change your name after marriage: (1) assuming your spouse&#8217;s last name (informally known as name by marriage); or (2) legally changing your name through a formal process. Here is a general overview of the steps involved for both methods, but remember to check with your local provincial or territorial government for specific requirements and procedures.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>1) Assuming Your Spouse&#8217;s Last Name (Name by Marriage):<\/b><\/p> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Marriage Certificate:<\/b> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obtain your official marriage certificate from the province or territory where the marriage took place. This is often not the same document you sign on your wedding day; it&#8217;s a government-issued certificate you must apply for after the ceremony.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Notification:<\/strong> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notify various organisations and government bodies of your name change by providing a copy of your marriage certificate.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This typically includes updating your name with the Social Insurance Number (SIN) registry, driver&#8217;s licence, health card, bank accounts, credit cards, passports, and employers.<\/span><\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><b>Documentation:<\/b> <ul> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most organizations will require you to fill out a form and submit it along with a copy of your marriage certificate to change your name on your records.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong><br \/> 2) Legally Changing Your Name:<\/strong><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to make a name change that is not simply assuming your spouse&#8217;s last name, such as creating a hyphenated name or a new last name altogether, you may need to undergo a legal name change process. Here are the general steps:<\/span><\/p> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Application:<\/b> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for a legal name change through ServiceOntario or equivalent in your province or territory.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete the necessary forms and provide the required documentation, which may include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and identification.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Notification:<\/b> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the legal name change is approved, you will receive a legal name change certificate or amended birth certificate with your new name.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use this document to update your name with all government agencies, financial institutions, and other organisations as mentioned earlier.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <h2>Keep in mind Provincial\/Territorial Variations:<\/h2> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each province\/territory may have its own forms, fees, and specific processes. For instance, in Ontario, you would deal with Service Ontario, while in British Columbia, it would be the Vital Statistics Agency.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Quebec, if you wish to take your spouse&#8217;s surname, you typically continue to use your birth name for legal purposes, but you may use your spouse&#8217;s surname socially.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to check with the government of the province or territory where you live for detailed instructions and requirements. You can often find this information and necessary forms on their official websites or by contacting Service Ontario (or the equivalent in your province or territory).<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, changing your name does not alter the legal name on your birth certificate in most cases, except in Quebec under certain conditions. Your birth certificate will still reflect your name at birth, but your marriage certificate and legal change of name certificate (if applicable) serve as legal proof of your name change.<\/span><\/p> <p><h3 class=\"related-posts-title toc_show\">You May Also Be Interested In<\/h3><ul class=\"display-posts-listing\"><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/wedding-captions-for-instagram\"><img alt=\"ultimate last minute wedding planning checklist, 1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA0MjUgNDI1IiB3aWR0aD0iNDI1IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQyNSIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjYlMkYwMiUyRkVTLUhlYWRlcnMtV2VkZGluZy1DYXB0aW9ucy1mb3ItSW5zdGFncmFtLWNvbXAtNDI1eDQyNS5qcGciIGRhdGEtdz0iNDI1IiBkYXRhLWg9IjQyNSIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+\" data-spai=\"1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" srcset=\" \" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) 642px, (min-width: 576px) 510px, calc(100vw - 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30px)\" \/><\/a> <a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/ultimate-last-minute-wedding-planning-checklist\">The Ultimate Last-Minute Wedding Planning Checklist<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/p> <h2>How much does it cost and what do I need?<\/h2> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost to assume your spouse&#8217;s last name or change your name after marriage in Canada and the documents you need to bring can vary depending on the province or territory. <\/span><\/p> <h3>For Ontario:<\/h3> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cost:<\/b> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assuming your married name: Free (keep in mind, however, there is a cost to obtain your marriage certificate which is currently $15)<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formal name change within 90 days of your marriage: Free<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formal name change after 90 days of your marriage: $25<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <h2><b>What happens to your Original Last Name?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Canada, after marriage, you have a few options regarding your original last name:<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep Your Maiden Name: You can choose to retain your maiden name and not make any changes to your legal documents.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use Both Names: Some individuals choose to use their married name in their personal life while maintaining their maiden name professionally.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyphenate: You can hyphenate your maiden name with your spouse&#8217;s name to create a double-barrelled surname.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change Documents: If you decide to adopt your spouse&#8217;s name or hyphenate, you will need to update your legal documents, such as your driver&#8217;s licence, passport, Social Insurance Number, bank accounts, and other official identification.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revert to Maiden Name: If you&#8217;ve already changed your name but decide later that you want to revert to your maiden name, you can do so, but you&#8217;ll need to update all your legal documents again.<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, the choice is personal and should be made based on what feels right for you and fits your life circumstances. Always ensure that your legal documents reflect the name you use to avoid any issues with identification or when accessing services.<\/span><\/p> <h2>Social Security and Banking Considerations<\/h2> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019ve decided to assume your spouse\u2019s last name or have legally changed your name, remember to consider the following for social security and banking:<\/span><\/p> <h3><strong>Social Security (Social Insurance Number &#8211; SIN):<\/strong><\/h3> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update your SIN at a Service Canada office.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring your marriage certificate and current SIN card or confirmation letter.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No fee is required for the update.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notify your employer to ensure correct records for tax purposes.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <h3><strong>Banking:<\/strong><\/h3> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inform your bank of the name change.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide your marriage certificate and updated government-issued ID.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Request new bank cards and cheques.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update automatic payments and direct deposits to reflect your new name.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check with credit bureaus to ensure your credit file reflects the name change.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <div class=\"post-images\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BarbSimkova0015.jpg\"class=\"link-image link-image_wide\" rel=\"gallery\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"full-size-image alignnone wp-image-110906 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5OTAgNjYwIiB3aWR0aD0iOTkwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY2MCIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjIlMkYwMyUyRkJhcmJTaW1rb3ZhMDAxNS5qcGciIGRhdGEtdz0iOTkwIiBkYXRhLWg9IjY2MCIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+\" data-spai=\"1\" alt=\"how to change your name in canada after marriage\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\"  \/><\/a><\/div> <p><span class=\"caption\">Photo Courtesy of <a class=\"listing-mentionable listing-mentionable-disabled listing-mentionable-disabled\" href=\"#\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" data-listing=\"11640\">Simkova Studios<\/a><\/span><\/p> <h2>Conclusion<\/h2> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of assuming your spouse&#8217;s name or changing your name after marriage in Canada is about simplicity and personal choice, with provincial nuances adding to the variety of options available. When changing your name on your passport, keep in mind that any honeymoon travel plans you\u2019ve booked under your previous name will also need to be amended to match the name on your passport. Be sure to look into this well in advance of your travel to give yourself buffer time for any required changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, changing your name is a deeply personal decision that offers a range of choices as diverse as Canada&#8217;s landscape. Whether you choose to move forward with a new surname or stick to your original, the significance of this journey lies in its testament to your shared life adventure.<\/span><\/p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>  <hr \/> <p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><em>Alisha is the owner and lead event designer at <a class=\"listing-mentionable listing-mentionable-enabled listing-mentionable-enabled\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventsource.ca\/events-by-whim\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" data-listing=\"5664\">Events by Whim<\/a>. She has a project management background in learning and development, and 10+ years of experience planning and designing weddings and corporate events. She\u2019s developed a proven planning process for couples who want to know how to create magic on their wedding day. She thinks in floor plans, endorses moving if you find a spider in your house, and has an oyster obsession.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nearly Wed? How to Change Your Name in Canada After Marriage Starting a new chapter in marriage often brings the exciting yet complex decision of whether to change your name. Welcome, nearlyweds! If you&#8217;re considering whether to adopt your partner&#8217;s surname or keep your own as a part of your identity, you&#8217;re in the right [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":168566,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-168164","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tips-tricks"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\r\n<title>How to Change Your Name in Canada After Marriage<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how to change your name in Canada after marriage. 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