Changing Your Last Name

Changing Your Name

Assuming Your Spouses Surname

When you get married, you don’t have to legally change your last name (surname). You can assume your spouses surname. If you would like to change your name you can:

• Change your last name to your spouse’s last name
• Use your spouse’s last name alone or hyphenated with your last name
• You can use your spouse’s legal last name without legally changing your name, as long as it not for fraudulent purposes.

Legally Change Your Name to Your Spouses Surname

• Change your last name within 90 days of your marriage for free
• If you choose to have a hyphenated last name you can also select the order that they appear
• If you decide to change your surname, it is your responsibility to change your name with all relevant government departments and agencies

Note that this does not change your last name on your birth certificate.

To Change Your Last Name, You Will Need:

• Your marriage certificate. You are now able to request your marriage certificate online. Please visit  - https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online
• A marriage certificate is a record of a marriage. It lists the date and place of the marriage, and names of the people who were married.
• A record of solemnization of marriage is not the same as a marriage certificate.

Before you can get a marriage certificate, a marriage needs to be registered. The official who performed the marriage will do this by sending a complete and signed marriage licence to Service Ontario. You can order a marriage certificate about six (6) to eight (8) weeks after this happens.

If you are unsure if you need a file sized certificate or certified certificate, please check with the Ministry, government agency, or person requesting the document before you order.