Marriage - Getting Remarried in Ontario after a Divorce

If you were divorced in Canada, you must bring the original or court-certified copy of the final decree, final judgment or certificate of divorce to your local municipal office when you are purchasing the marriage licence. Contact your local Ontario Municipal Office for further information.

If you were divorced outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Government Services before you can purchase a marriage licence. For authorization, send the following documents to:

The Office of the Registrar General
Marriage Office
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Rd.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8

1. A completed Marriage Licence Application (PDF - 27K) Text Version.
2. A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both parties of this marriage.
3. An original or court-certified copy (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce or annulment was granted) of the divorce decree or annulment.  If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a translated copy together with an affidavit sworn by a certified translator.
4. A legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants to the marriage, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. The Office of the Registrar General will fax a sample legal opinion letter to your lawyer if you call (807)-343-7492 or toll-free at 1-800-461-2156.

A suggested format for a lawyer's opinion letter is currently available from the Office of the Registrar General and will be provided directly to your Ontario Lawyer.

• Marriage Licence Application forms and Statement of Sole Responsibility forms, are also available from most municipal offices.
• List of Ontario Municipal Offices
• Find a lawyer in Ontario