How to Change Names in BC

If adding or removing your spouse’s surname you only need your marriage certificate. For all other name changes, you’ll generally be required to file for a legal name change with BC Vital Statistics. Once your name is changed there’s no linking of records or automatic updating of your name anywhere. You need to reach out directly to the 25 or so organizations where you have an account, record or membership to request your details are updated, or use our ready to send notifications to get all your paperwork instantly processed.

Marriage Name Change

British Columbia extends brides few choices for a married name change. We explain all your options on our dedicated BC Marriage Name Change page.

Marriage is the most common reason for changing names. All you need to get started is your BC marriage certificate or any marriage certificate issued by Vital Statistics or foreign equivalent. Start by changing names with BC Medical Services Plan. Once confirmed you can change your BC driver’s licence or BC Services Card. Updated provincial identification is needed before you can change the names on your passport.

Just because your government records are updated does not mean any other accounts or records change. You need to directly notify the other 15 to 30 organizations yourself and you may be required to send in a form, letter, email or log into their website. You may need to provide a photocopy, certified copy or your original marriage certificate. Each of our notifications lists what proof is required and where to send it.

Save yourself hours of waiting on hold to figure out who needs what and where to send everything! Click the button below to browse our database and choose all the places you need to notify. We prepare all your paperwork so you can just sign and send.

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Reverting to prior name

If you’re already divorced you can go back to your former name by presenting your divorce decree, providing it lists both your married and former names. No other documents are required, and there’s no ‘registration’ of your chosen name. Much like a name change from marriage, where you showed your marriage certificate, now just show your divorce order to get your records, accounts and memberships changed back. If your divorce decree doesn’t list your former name then also provide your official marriage certificate.

If you are not divorced you can still revert to your former name by showing your marriage certificate together with your Canadian birth or citizenship certificate, which should be in your former name. Some organizations may require proof that you are already using your former name, so you could provide a statutory declaration or payslip.

No matter which proofs you use, start by updating BC MSP, then visit in person to change names on your driver’s licence and banks. The process for all other organizations varies considerably – you may need to send an email, or letter or use a special company form. Easy Name Change provides ready to send paperwork and filing instructions from across 750 Canadian organizations. Click below to browse our database, choose organizations and get ready to send name change forms, letters and emails. Just sign & send!

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Legal Name Change

While you can go by any name you want in the community, to have a different name reflected on your passport, licence, bank and other accounts you need to show either a legal name change certificate or an amended birth certificate.

If you’re a BC resident of at least three months apply at BC vital statistics. We explain the full BC Legal name change process here. Once you get your name change certificate, you must change your name on your ID and all records as soon as practical.

Save yourself days of research with our personalized company notifications! If you haven’t changed names yet, we can even provide you with the BC Legal Name Change application form.

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