Tying the knot can be quite a life-changing decision. In Canada, after you get married, you have the option to change your last name (with the exception of Quebec). You can either choose your partner's last name, hyphenate your last name with your spouse's last name, or keep your own last name. Upon finalizing your choice, you may update your information with the relevant authorities.
Changing your name in Canada post-marriage is a simple process, but there are a few things you have to do to make it happen. Luckily, a name change box, like Namesake, makes these tasks simple.
Here are four easy steps for changing your name in Canada post-marriage:
1) Get Information from Relevant Institutions
The first thing any newlywed needs to do in order to change their name is to get in touch with any relevant institutions and inquire what is needed to update their information. This includes your bank, your employer, your health care provider, and your provincial or territorial government.
These relevant institutions should be informed of the change. They may also have their own process for updating your information. For example, your health care provider may need you to update your address and contact information.
2) Know the Regulations In Your Province
To change one's name after getting married, it's quite important to know the regulations in your province. Each province has varying rules and regulations regarding name changes. The right name change box should provide step-by-step instructions for the individual provinces. Some provinces will require multiple in-person visits to update the forms, while others can be done online or by mail. It varies widely, as does the cost for updating your name in each location.
3) Update Your Identification and Accounts
Once you have chosen a new name, it's quite important to update all accounts, documents, and identification cards with the new name. In some provinces, the legal change must be made within 10-15 days across all accounts once you've decided to start the process. This may include your driver’s license, passport, social insurance number, banking accounts, credit cards, mortgage, and insurance policy.
It's best to get and use a name change box that would easily take care of all documents and offer up a checklist that ensures you don't miss any accounts. Auto-filled documents can also be quite helpful for convenience.
4) Submit Your Chosen Last Name
Once you've decided to changed your name, it's best to submit your new last to the government all at once. This will ensure that your new name will appear where it needs to be as everyone relevant is notified of the change. This process can begin as soon as you've received your marriage licence in the mail, which can be applied for about 3-4 weeks after your wedding. If you're ensure if you can start the process, reach out to your wedding officiant as they'll know once the paperwork has been properly submitted to your province for registration.
After you've finally completed all the steps above, you can now start using your new last name. It's also possible to personally update your last name across your social media channels and email as well. Now, it's time to bask in your new last name!
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are planning on changing your name after marriage in Canada, there are a few tasks you need to complete. However, with Namesake and the instructions above, changing your name after marriage can be achieved easily without a hitch.