Marriage and the Change of Name Act

The parties to the marriage ceremony have three basic options following marriage:

Option #1 - Continue to use their current last name

Under this course of action, the spouse who wishes to continue to use his/her current last name needs to take no action.

Option #2 - "Assume" the use of the Spouse’s Last Name

Spouses may "take" the other spouse’s last name and use it as a result of their marriage. Most government organizations, credit card firms, etc., will accept a copy of the formal marriage certificate by the Office of the Registrar General as proof of marriage and will issue revised identification for the spouse under their new last name.

Option #3 - Legally change their last name

In this instance, the spouse elects the option under the Change of Name Act, completes the appropriate forms, and submits them to the Office of the Registrar General. These application forms are available at any Marriage Licence Office.

If this is done within 90 days of the marriage, there is no charge. Otherwise, a $25 fee is charged.

The Office of the Registrar General amends the individual’s birth record, replacing his/her last name on that record with his/her married name, and retaining the former name in brackets. The Office of the Registrar General then issues a change of name certificate. If the individual was born in Ontario, a new birth certificate will be retained by the Province.

If at some time a divorce takes place and the spouse wishes to return to the use of his/her former names, they must apply once more for a change of name. If they apply within 90 days of the date of divorce, the fee is $25. Otherwise it is the full fee of $137.

For any other information about the Name Change Act, please contact the Office of the Registrar General at 1-800-461-2156.