How to Legally Change Your Last Name in Ontario


Changing your name to Ontario can be a stressful experience. Although the process is simple, there are some steps you need to follow to get the job done right. The easiest way to answer this question is with an example. Let`s say Taylor Smith and Cory Lee get married and decide to change their last names. If they choose one of the following surnames, it would be considered an assumed name change: any of these changes would require a legal name change – a more complicated process – and would change Taylor and Cory`s birth certificate and registration. To change your surname in Ontario after you get married, you must first order your marriage certificate. Unlike other provinces, marriage certificates are not free in Ontario and are not sent to you automatically after you get married. You must pay and apply for it. If you chose to legally change your surname because of marriage or conjugal relationship, you can change your last name back to your old surname by completing an option to resume your old surname — Form 2. This service is only available if you have legally changed your last name using the «Choosing to Change Last Name» service that has been discontinued. If a document sent in support of your application is written in whole or in part in a language other than English or French, you must send us a translation into English or French.

If translation is required, your application must include: Updating your passport with your new information can be difficult, so make sure you are aware of all upcoming travel plans before you begin this process. After your marriage, your official will submit your documents and you can get your certified marriage certificate by requesting it about 10 weeks after your marriage is registered. It is free to change your last name on your Ontario health card, driver`s licence and any other government-issued identification. After you apply to ServiceOntario in person, you will receive your updated documents in the mail within 6 to 8 weeks. 2) If you are 16 or 17 years of age and wish to change your name due to marriage, marital relationship, separation, divorce or the death of your spouse, please contact the Office of the Registrar General of Ontario at: At the end of the legal name change process, you will receive a change of name certificate. You will also receive a new Ontario birth certificate with your new name and your name on your birth registration will be changed. If you were born in another province, you will need to apply for a new birth certificate from Vital Statistics. Phone, Internet, and utilities: Log into your online accounts for your phone, internet, and utility businesses, where most allow you to update your personal information. Some companies may ask you to call or provide proof of a name change. If you decide not to adopt a surname due to marriage and you legally want to change your surname, you will need to apply for a legal name change. You can also make a change of corporate name, where you use a different name in social environments, but do not change anything in a legal or documented way.

Some couples choose to do this because it`s easier (no paperwork!) or because they may use different names in different environments (e.g., publishing academic papers under your given legal name, but with your corporate and marital name at parties). Send your completed form, payment and required documents to: Many couples choose to travel on their honeymoon under their first name (with their current passport and booking everything under their last name) because they don`t want to risk not receiving their new passport on time. The procedures for a name change in Ontario differ depending on the type of name change you need. Each type of name change has its own documentary and procedural process – so it`s important to read the regulations carefully. Once your application is processed and your name changed, you will receive a change of name certificate and a new birth certificate if you were born in the province of Ontario. You can use them to edit the following documents issued by Ontario at a ServiceOntario centre. who provides the Service. A legal name change is a more complicated process where your legal name is changed on your birth certificate and birth registration.

If you simply take or combine surnames with your spouse, you don`t have to make a legal name change (although you do have the option to do so). You can change a name to a single name if you or your child`s culture has a tradition of unique names.