If you choose to change your name after you get married, you can legally change it (which changes the name on your
birth certificate) or you can just assume your spouse’s name, or if you still want to keep yours, you could hyphenate it with your spouse’s.
In order to change your name on important ID such as driver’s license, health card, passport, social insurance number and bank card, you’ll need a marriage certificate.
It’s common for brides to only assume their spouse’s name instead of legally changing it as it’s free, easier to reverse and there’s a shorter application process. It also means that the name on your birth certificate will stay the same so that if you ever decide to change your last name back, it’s already on your birth certificate and therefore won’t cost you money to change again.
You can apply to assume your spouse’s name by visiting your nearest ServiceOntario Centre where you will receive a transaction record. You can still use your current ID until your new ones arrive in the mail (usually about four to six weeks later).
When you go to a centre to change your name, be sure to bring your marriage certificate, your current Ontario photo ID (health card and/or driver’s license) and a “change of information” form.
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