Changing names while residing abroad
Individuals living abroad have different name change considerations than those living in their country of birth.
Name Change Checklist
Driver’s Licence Name Change
Ensure government issued photo ID, like your driver’s licence, is prioritized when changing names. You will often be asked to show this as proof of your name change. It’s essential to get this changed before applying for a new passport.
Name Changes for Permanent Residents and New Citizens
Already a citizen? About to become a citizen? If you’re looking to change names and it impacts your citizenship, we explain what to do.
Health Card Name Change
Provincial health cards should be changed into your new name as soon as possible. It should be done before applying for a new passport. Follow our tips for a smooth name change.
How to Change Names in Alberta
No matter what your reason for changing names we explain the process to follow if you live in Alberta. You need a document as proof of name change, then we’ll help get the name on your accounts changed.
Ontario Health Card Name Change
It’s free to replace your Ontario health card. Changes must be done in person. We explain what specific documents you need to take in with you.
BC Driver’s Licence Name Change
BC licenses must be updated in person. Your proof of name change varies depending on your reason for changing names. Download all your name change paperwork here.
BC Medical Services Plan Name Change
Change names on your BC Care Card as soon as possible. It can be done online in just 15 minutes. You will need to update your MSP before you can change names in other places. Get all your name change paperwork and instructions in just a few minutes.
How to Change Names in Ontario
The name change process depends on your reason for making the change. If you’re taking or removing your spouse’s surname then you don’t need a legal name change. All other changes, no matter how small or large, follow the same legal name change process. Once you have proof, we help get your records changed over.
How to Change Names in BC
If adding or removing your spouse’s name you only need your marriage certificate to start. If changing names for any other reason you’ll need to file a legal name change. No records are linked or automatically updated so use our notifications to get all your accounts updated.
