Free guide: ON
How to Change Your Name After Marriage or Divorce in Ontario (2026)
Facts checked July 2026 · See what changed · How we check
In Ontario, 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 Ontario, and a free downloadable checklist.
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Before we begin
Generating: name change
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Assumed surname vs. legal name change
Assumed surname (what most people do): You may assume your spouse's last name (or their single name) at no cost. This does NOT change your birth registration. You must assume the FULL surname as it appears on the marriage certificate: a partial hyphenation requires a legal name change.
Legal name change (a separate, formal process): A legal name change through ServiceOntario (Registrar General) 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.
Order of operations
Marry
Officiant registers the marriage with provincial Vital Statistics. This takes a few weeks.
Order your marriage certificate
From the province or territory WHERE you married (not the licence, the registered certificate issued by Vital Statistics).
Update your SIN (Service Canada)
Free. Can run at the same time as step 4. Your SIN number does not change.
Update provincial driver's licence + health card
Critical: do this BEFORE the passport application. Use your marriage certificate.
Apply 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.
Update CRA, banks, employer
None of these update automatically. CRA: phone (single name) or mail/fax (both names). Banks: online or branch.
Ontario specifics
Marriage certificate
Step 2Where to order: ServiceOntario online portal
Cost: $15 (certificate) / $22 (certified copy); premium $45 / $52
Regular delivery: 15 business days. Premium/rush: 5 business days by courier. Emergency in-person service is +$30 per document with proof of urgency.
Order online →Legal name change (if you need one)
ServiceOntario (Registrar General)
Application to Change an Adult's Name (form 11155E)
$137 ($22 for a child added to a parent's application). Waived for eligible First Nations, Inuit and Metis applicants reclaiming a name.
6 to 8 weeks standard; currently up to 24 weeks
Lived in Ontario at least 12 months
16+
How to apply: Start the application online or on paper. Both routes require you to print the application and mail it with all completed forms and documents. Start online →
Police record check: A police record check may be required if you have certain criminal offences (form 002-5349).
Non-publication: A Request for Non-Publication in The Ontario Gazette form can be submitted with the application. Ontario lists requests from transgender, First Nations, Inuit or Metis individuals, or where the Attorney General certifies that the change prevents significant harm.
Driver's licence: ServiceOntario
Step 4 (before passport)In person at ServiceOntario. Bring your birth/citizenship certificate or marriage certificate (for assumed name). No charge for a name-change licence.
Fee: $0
ServiceOntario →Health card: ServiceOntario (OHIP)
Step 4 (before passport)In person at ServiceOntario. Bring a Change of Information form and your marriage certificate. Updated card takes several weeks: update provincial ID before applying for a new passport.
ServiceOntario (OHIP) →Reverting to a prior name after divorce
If you assumed a name (no legal change): revert anytime using your birth certificate. If you legally changed your name on marriage: file "Election to Resume Former Surname: Form 2" at ServiceOntario.
Federal steps (same everywhere)
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 pageCRA (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.
Recommended: update your SIN first, then call CRA to confirm (SIN may auto-notify CRA). Takes 4-6 weeks.
CRA does not share your name change with other departments. Update banks, employer, and other accounts separately.
CRA: update personal informationFree download
Ontario name-change checklist
Who to notify in order, with Ontario agency names, what to bring, and the passport dependency.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Free. General information only, not legal advice. No account needed.
Common questions
Do I need a legal name change after marriage in Ontario?▼
Why do I have to update my licence before my passport?▼
How do I revert to my maiden name after divorce in Ontario?▼
Does my SIN number change when I change my name?▼
Official sources
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-your-last-name
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-name
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-information-drivers-licence
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/replace-cancel-or-change-information-your-health-card
- 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
Data verified 2026-07. Fees and processing times may change: verify with official sources before acting.
Last updated: July 2026
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Name-change guides for other provinces
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer