Name change options after Marriage
The Applicant or Joint Applicant to the marriage ceremony have three basic options following the marriage
Continue to Use His/Her Current Last Name
Under this course of action, the spouse who wishes to keep his/her current last name needs to take no action. Ontario law does not require a spouse to change his or her last name on marriage.
Assume the Use of the Spouse's Last Name
Upon marriage, either spouse may take the others last name and use it alone, or hyphenate their name. Most government organizations, credit cards firms, etc., will accept a copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Office of the Registrar General as proof of the marriage, and issue revised identification. It is not against the law to simply use another name, provided it is not for fraudulent purposes.
Legally Change His/Her Last Name
It is important that the parties to the marriage understand that in this option the Office of the Registrar General amends their original birth registration, replacing their last name on that record with their new last name, retaining the last name at birth in brackets. The spouse elects this option under the Change of Name Act, completes the appropriate forms and submits them to the Office of the Registrar General. If the person is born in Ontario, the birth registration is noted, and a birth certificate in the new name is issued, as well as a change of name certificate. If this is done within 90 days of the marriage, there is no charge; otherwise, a fee is charged. Forms can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Registrar General.
If at some time upon death, or a divorce takes place, and the spouse wishes to return to the use of his/her former name, they must apply once more for a change of name. For more information about formal name changes visit Ontario.Ca, or contact the Office of the Registrar General toll free at 1-800-461-2156 or in Toronto at 416-325-8305.Their are fees for this process, please contact Service Canada.
Contact Information:
City Hall Clerks Department
426 Brant Street
Burlington, ON
Vital Statistics Inquiries Inquiries - 905 335-7803
Automated Information Line - 905 335-7836
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(except statutory and other holidays)
Office of the Registrar General
P. O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8
Toll Free in Ontario: 1-800-461-2156
Toronto and outside Ontario 416-325-8305