Electing to Change your Name to a Spouse's or Partner’s Name or Resume Your Former Surname

Election to Change Surname

Individuals may choose to legally change their last name (surname) by completing the Election to Change Surname form:

• as a result of marriage or a common-law relationship

or

• change it back, if you are still currently married, separated, or a conjugal relationship (common law)

Note: Couples living together in a conjugal relationship (common law) will also need to file a form called a Joint Declaration of Conjugal Relationship.

Election to Resume Former Surname

Individuals may choose to legally resume their previous last name (surname) by completing the Election to Resume Former Surname form

• If you have previously completed and Election to Change Surname form

and

• the relationship has ended by divorce, dissolution of a conjugal relationship (common law) or death of a spouse

Note: This must be done within 90 days after the event. Otherwise you will need to apply for a Formal Adult Name Change.

Fees

• If you elect to change your name within 90 days following marriage there is no cost
• If you elect to change your name after 90 days following marriage the fee is $25.00.
• If you complete an Election to resume former surname application within 90 days of the date of divorce, the fee is $25.00
• The cost for a formal name change is $137.00

Service Delivery Times

Where applications are complete and accurate the service delivery time is 6-8 weeks. Applications that require further verification will result in a delay in the stated service time.

How do I change my name?

If you have read the above information regarding changing your name to a spouse or partner’s name or resuming a former surname, and have determined that you require a form, please contact us at 1-800-461-2156 or in Toronto at 416-325-8305 and be prepared to respond to the following questions:

1. Are you changing your name due to marriage? (Y/N)
2. If so, were you married in Ontario? (Y/N)
3. Are you currently married (Y/N)
4. Are you currently separated? (Y/N)
5. Are you divorced? (Y/N)
6. Have you ever completed a Joint Declaration of Conjugal Relationship (Common Law) form with our office? (Y/N)
7. Are you changing your name back to the name you had before marriage? (Y/N)
8. Are you changing your name back to the name you had before the conjugal relationship (Common Law)? (Y/N)
9. Are you born in Ontario? (Y/N)
10. Is your married surname on your Ontario Birth Certificate? (Y/N)

Note: If you elect to legally change your name and were born in Ontario, your last name (surname) as it appears on your birth certificate will change. Your birth certificate will show your new name and your previous last name. If you wish to revert back to your previous name at any time, you will need to contact the Office of the Registrar General to complete another name change.

Further Information

For more information about formal name changes, please see the frequently asked questions or contact the Office of the Registrar General toll free at 1-800-461-2156 or in Toronto at 416-325-8305.