Ontario Marriage Name Change

Your marriage name change options

People married in Ontario have a number of name change options. Either spouse may take their partner’s surname in place of their own, or in addition to their own (in either order, separated by either with a hyphen or space). Of course, you don’t have to change names after marriage, but if you’re visiting this site you probably want to know more about it!

Marriage name change – assumed name

There's no official 'registration' of your married name as this is known as an assumed name. This means you are still entitled to be known by either your birth or married name, regardless of how much time has passed and what your personal situation may be. All you need to get started is your wedding certificate. If you don’t yet have your Ontario wedding certificate, learn how to apply here. If you were married outside of Ontario you may present any government issued marriage certificate in English, French or a foreign language with a translation.

Ontario legal name change after marriage

People married in Ontario have the option of making their new married name legally binding. By doing so, you legally denounce your prior name and can no longer use it. Complete form 'Election to change surname - Form1' and file with Service Ontario. If you were born in Ontario your birth certificate will be amended and then you can no longer be known by your prior name. You must get all your records changed into your married name as soon as possible.

Legal married name change is free if you apply to Service Ontario within 90 days of your wedding, and $25 after 90 days. This process is not legally necessary and offers no clear advantage versus assuming your spouse's surname.

What happens next?

Once you have your marriage certificate, amended birth certificate or legal name change certificate it's your responsibility to arrange all identification, accounts and memberships are changed into your new married name.

Click the button below and select which organizations you need to notify and we’ll provide you with ready to send paperwork and step by step filing procedures for all your chosen organizations. Get ready to send forms, letters and emails. No wasted time figuring out what to send where. Just add your proof of name change, sign and send.

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Ready to get started?

No matter if you already have your marriage certificate or are yet to apply, we can help. Choose to download the marriage certificate application form for Ontario and select all the other companies you need to update. We provide all the paperwork necessary. Just add your certificate when it arrives and send. 

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