Free guide — QC
Name Change in Quebec (2026)
Marriage does not change your name in Quebec. Under the Civil Code of Quebec, both spouses keep their birth name on all civil and legal documents. Here is what that means in practice, and what a formal name change actually requires.
Quebec: marriage does NOT change your name
Under Article 393 of the Civil Code of Québec, each spouse retains their name in marriage and exercises their civil rights under that name. This means your driver's licence, health card, SIN, passport, and all official documents continue to show your birth name after marriage — automatically, with nothing to update.
Adopting a spouse's surname is permitted “only in an exceptional situation,” authorized by the Directeur de l'état civil.
There is also nothing to revert after divorce. Because your name was never changed by the marriage, your legal name (birth name) is unchanged throughout.
Quebec specifics
Marriage certificate
Step 2Where to order: Directeur de l'etat civil -- DEClic! online portal
Cost: Certificate online: $38.50 standard / $75.00 rush. Copy of act: $46.75 / $75.00 -- through 2027-03-31
In Quebec the marriage certificate does not change your legal name. It is used to notify RAMQ of your civil-status change (relevant for drug-plan coverage).
Order online →Legal name change (DEC -- exceptional situations)
Directeur de l'etat civil (DEC)
Preliminary-analysis form, then full package (from DEC)
$164.00 (surname or given-name change for one person, includes first certificate; child add-on $33.75; extra certificate $13.50 -- in effect through 2027-03-31)
Approximately 90 business days from first publication; effective 30 days after that
Domiciled in Quebec for at least 1 year
14+
Driver's licence — SAAQ
Your SAAQ licence shows your birth name. It only changes after a DEC change-of-name certificate is issued.
SAAQ →Health card — RAMQ
On a formal DEC name change, the DEC automatically forwards to RAMQ and Retraite Quebec. On marriage (no name change), notify RAMQ of your civil-status change for drug-plan coverage purposes.
RAMQ →If you do need a legal name change (exceptional cases)
DEC process
A formal name change in Quebec requires demonstrating a “serious reason” to the Directeur de l'état civil. The process: submit a preliminary-analysis form, then the full application package. There is a mandatory public notice posted for 15 days, then publication. After publication, the change is effective 30 days later.
$164.00 (surname or given-name change for one person, includes first certificate; child add-on $33.75; extra certificate $13.50 -- in effect through 2027-03-31)
Approximately 90 business days from first publication; effective 30 days after that
14+
Domiciled in Quebec for at least 1 year
Criminal record check: not required. Public notice: mandatory (posted 15 days + published; exemptions possible).
etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca — Change of name →SAAQ and RAMQ after a DEC name change
Your SAAQ licence shows your birth name. It only changes after a DEC change-of-name certificate is issued.
On a formal DEC name change, the DEC automatically forwards to RAMQ and Retraite Quebec. On marriage (no name change), notify RAMQ of your civil-status change for drug-plan coverage purposes.
Marriage certificate (civil status change, not a name change)
In Quebec the marriage certificate does not change your legal name. It is used to notify RAMQ of your civil-status change (relevant for drug-plan coverage).
Cost: Certificate online: $38.50 standard / $75.00 rush. Copy of act: $46.75 / $75.00 -- through 2027-03-31
DEClic! online portal →Free download
Quebec name-change checklist
Who to notify after a DEC legal name change in Quebec -- with agency names and what to bring.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
Free. General information only — not legal advice. No account needed.
Common questions
Does marriage change my name in Quebec?▼
Is there anything to revert after divorce in Quebec?▼
Can I take my spouse's name in Quebec at all?▼
Official sources
- https://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/en/change-name.html
- https://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/en/certificate-copy/processing-time.html
- https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/drivers-licences/correcting-information
- https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/replace-correct-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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Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer