Guidepost

Free guide — YT

How to Change Your Name After Marriage or Divorce in Yukon (2026)

In Yukon, 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 Yukon, and a free downloadable checklist.

Assumed surname vs. legal name change

Assumed surname (what most people do): Assuming a spouse's surname after marriage is not seen as a legal change of name. All you need is your marriage certificate to update your ID.

Legal name change (a separate, formal process): A legal name change through Registrar of Vital Statistics, Yukon (Health and Social Services) 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.

Source: yukon.ca/en/legal-and-social-supports/legal-services/change-your-given-name-or-last-name

Order of operations

1

Marry

Officiant registers the marriage with provincial Vital Statistics. This takes a few weeks.

2

Order your marriage certificate

From the province or territory WHERE you married (not the licence -- the registered certificate issued by Vital Statistics).

3

Update your SIN (Service Canada)

Free. Can run at the same time as step 4. Your SIN number does not change.

4

Update provincial driver's licence + health card

Critical: do this BEFORE the passport application. Use your marriage certificate.

5

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.

6

Update 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.

Yukon specifics

Marriage certificate

Step 2

Where to order: Yukon Vital Statistics -- in person, Territorial Agent, phone, or mail (form YG3385)

Cost: $10

No online ordering available.

Legal name change (if you need one)

Agency

Registrar of Vital Statistics, Yukon (Health and Social Services)

Form

Form YG(3401HSS)

Fee

$50 (+$17.50 per additional family member). Fee waived since 2025-06-30 for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit applicants reclaiming a traditional name.

Processing time

Up to 6 weeks

Residency

Yukon resident

Min. age

Check with Vital Statistics

Criminal record check: Check current requirements
Gazette publication: Check current requirements
Official page →

Driver's licence — Yukon Motor Vehicles

Step 4 (before passport)

In person. Bring your current licence and name-change paperwork (or marriage certificate if your birth certificate or passport does not show the new surname). Temporary licence valid 90 days; new card in 4-10 days.

Yukon Motor Vehicles

Health card — Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan

Step 4 (before passport)

Update online, in person, or by phone.

Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan

Reverting to a prior name after divorce

No legal name change is needed to revert after divorce. Provide your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or divorce document to update ID.

Federal steps (same everywhere)

SIN — Service Canada

Free

Updating 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 update

Passport — IRCC

After provincial ID

A 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 page

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.

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 information

Free download

Yukon name-change checklist

Who to notify in order -- with Yukon 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 Yukon?
No — for most situations. In Yukon, you can assume your spouse's surname by simply updating your ID with your marriage certificate. A legal name change through Registrar of Vital Statistics, Yukon (Health and Social Services) 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 Yukon Motor Vehicles licence first, then apply for the passport.
How do I revert to my maiden name after divorce in Yukon?
No legal name change is needed to revert after divorce. Provide your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or divorce document to update ID.
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.

Official sources

Data verified 2026-07. Fees and processing times may change — verify with official sources before acting.

Last updated: July 2026

Related guides

Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer