How to Change Your Name After Marriage or Divorce in New Brunswick (2026)
This page is the free New Brunswick guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked July 2026 · See what changed · How we check
In New Brunswick, most people do not need a formal legal name change after marriage. You can assume your spouse's surname simply by updating your ID with your marriage certificate. This guide covers the order of operations, the rules specific to New Brunswick, and a free downloadable checklist.
Four questions about your name change
Answer these and the checklist below drops the steps that do not apply to you. Every answer stays in your browser.
Why is your name changing?
Have you already ordered your marriage certificate?
Do you hold a driver's licence in this province?
Do you have a health card in this province?
How your answers are used
1
Assumed surname vs. legal name change
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionSource: www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/vital-statistics/change-of-name.htmlAssumed surname (what most people do): If you simply wish to use your new marital surname, bring your official marriage certificate and government photo ID to any Service New Brunswick service centre.
Legal name change (a separate, formal process): A legal name change through Vital Statistics Branch, Service New Brunswick is required only if you want to change the name on your birth certificate itself, or to adopt a name not covered by the assumed-surname rule.
2
Order of operations
Officiant registers the marriage with provincial Vital Statistics. This takes a few weeks.Open this section ↓Marry
Officiant registers the marriage with provincial Vital Statistics. This takes a few weeks.
2Order your marriage certificate
From the province or territory WHERE you married (not the licence, the registered certificate issued by Vital Statistics).
3Update your SIN (Service Canada)
Free. Can run at the same time as step 4. Your SIN number does not change.
4Update provincial driver's licence + health card
Critical: do this BEFORE the passport application. Use your marriage certificate.
5Apply for a new passport (IRCC)
Only after provincial ID already shows the new name. Full fee: no amendment option. Fee as of 2026-03-31: $163.50 (10-yr) / $122.50 (5-yr); indexes annually.
6Update CRA, banks, employer
None of these update automatically. CRA: phone (single name) or mail/fax (both names). Banks: online or branch.
Critical: Step 4 (provincial ID) MUST come before step 5 (passport). IRCC requires the submitted provincial ID to already show your new name.3
New Brunswick specifics
Open this section ↓Marriage certificate
Step 2Where to order: Vital Statistics, Service New Brunswick
Cost: Online: $40 / in person or mail: $45
Order online →Legal name change (if you need one)
AgencyVital Statistics Branch, Service New Brunswick
FormAdult booklet CSS-FOL-35-2264E
FeeGiven name: $115 / Surname: $130 / Child surname (with parent): $65 / Amended birth certificate: $45
Processing timeNot stated: check with the agency
ResidencyNB resident for at least 3 months
Min. age16+
Official page →Criminal record check: RequiredGazette publication: Not requiredDriver's licence: Service New Brunswick (SNB)
Step 4 (before passport)In person. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce papers, or change-of-name certificate. Ask Service New Brunswick which other marriage documents it accepts.
Service New Brunswick (SNB) →Health card: NB Medicare
Step 4 (before passport)Submit the Medicare Change form with your marriage certificate (to adopt a name) or birth certificate (to revert). Card is free.
NB Medicare →Reverting to a prior name after divorce
NB Medicare accepts a birth certificate to return to your birth last name (no legal change required). Bring your birth certificate or divorce papers to Service NB.
4
Federal steps (same everywhere)
Open this section ↓SIN: Service Canada
FreeUpdating your legal name on your SIN record is required by law. Your SIN number does not change. Bring your marriage certificate (or legal change-of-name certificate/court order) showing both old and new name, plus primary and secondary ID.
Online (~5 business days), by mail (~20 business days), or in person at a Service Canada centre.
A name change with Service Canada is NOT automatically shared with CRA or your bank. Update each separately.
canada.ca: SIN updatePassport: IRCC
After provincial IDA name change requires a NEW passport at the full fee: there is no amendment or reduced rate. Submit your marriage certificate or divorce order / resumption-of-surname certificate / court order.
Your submitted provincial ID must already show the new last name before IRCC will accept the application. Update your driver's licence and health card FIRST.
Fee as of 2026-03-31: $163.50 (10-yr adult) / $122.50 (5-yr adult). Passport fees index annually under the Service Fees Act. Verify the current fee on the IRCC website before applying.
IRCC live fee pageA name change on a passport is a full new adult application with extra documents; there is no simplified path. The passport guide: name changes →
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
CRA cannot update a name fully online. Changing a single name (first OR last) can be done by phone. Changing both names requires mail or fax with a vital-statistics name-change certificate or court order.
Call the CRA to change your name, which takes effect immediately, or send or fax a letter to your tax centre, which takes 4 to 6 weeks after they receive it. There is no online option, and the CRA does not pass a name change to other departments.
CRA does not share your name change with other departments. Update banks, employer, and other accounts separately.
CRA: update personal information5
New Brunswick name-change checklist
Open this section ↓Free download
Who to notify in order, with New Brunswick agency names, what to bring, and the passport dependency.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 1 of the Home File.
Free. General information only, not legal advice. No account needed.
6
Common questions
Do I need a legal name change after marriage in New Brunswick?Open this section ↓Do I need a legal name change after marriage in New Brunswick?▼
No, for most situations. In New Brunswick, you can assume your spouse's surname by simply updating your ID with your marriage certificate. A legal name change through Vital Statistics Branch, Service New Brunswick is only needed if you want to change the name on your birth certificate itself.Why do I have to update my licence before my passport?▼
IRCC (the passport authority) requires the provincial ID you submit with the passport application to already show your new name. If your driver's licence still shows your old name, the application will be rejected. Update your Service New Brunswick (SNB) licence first, then apply for the passport.How do I revert to my maiden name after divorce in New Brunswick?▼
NB Medicare accepts a birth certificate to return to your birth last name (no legal change required). Bring your birth certificate or divorce papers to Service NB.Does my SIN number change when I change my name?▼
No. Your SIN number stays the same. You update the name on the SIN record (with Service Canada, free), but the 9-digit number does not change.7
Official sources
Open this section ↓- https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/vital-statistics/change-of-name.html
- https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/vital-statistics/change-of-name.html
- https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/vital-statistics/marriage-certificate.html
- https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/driving-transportation/driving-licensing/driver-licences/id-docs.html
- https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/en/Medicare/Medicare-updates-and-changes-form.pdf
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/update.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/change-name.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/update-information-cra/personal.html
Fees and processing times may change: verify with official sources before acting.
Facts checked July 2026
↑ Close this section8
Related guides
Open this section ↓Change of Address
Who to notify when you move: free per-province checklist.
Replace Lost Documents
Lost birth certificate, SIN, licence, health card, or passport.
Separation Agreement
Property, support, and parenting when a relationship ends.
Moving to a New Province
Driver's licence exchange, health card enrollment, re-registration.
Marriage Licence
The paperwork before the wedding: fee, validity, and who must appear.
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.
Name-change guides for other provinces
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer