Changing your last name after marriage in Canada
Canada’s rules depend on your province. Here is how each option works — taking your spouse’s name, hyphenating, or creating something new — and what to update afterwards.
By the NamesCombiner team · Published · Updated · 6 min read
This is general information, not legal advice. Name rules are set by each province and territory and can change — check your provincial Vital Statistics office before you act.
Your options
| Option | Example | Usual route (outside Quebec) |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your own name | Tremblay | Nothing to do |
| Use your spouse’s surname | Gagnon | Marriage certificate |
| Hyphenated / combined | Tremblay-Gagnon | Marriage certificate or provincial election form, depending on province |
| New meshed surname | Tregnon | Formal change-of-name application |
Quebec is different
Under the Civil Code of Québec, each spouse keeps their birth name in law after marriage. You can’t simply adopt your spouse’s name on official documents. A change of name requires an application to the Directeur de l’état civil, which must be justified by a serious reason. Children in Quebec can receive a surname of up to two parts, such as a hyphenated combination of both parents’ names.
Other provinces and territories
- Taking your spouse’s surname: in most provinces you can start using it and update your ID with your marriage certificate.
- Hyphenated or combined surnames: some provinces let you elect a combined surname with a short form. Ontario’s Change of Name Act, for example, includes an election to take your spouse’s surname or a hyphenated/combined version.
- A brand-new meshed name: usually needs a formal change-of-name application through provincial Vital Statistics, with fees and, often, background checks.
What to update afterwards
- Your Social Insurance Number record with Service Canada.
- Your passport (through the Passport Program).
- Your provincial health card and driver’s licence.
- Banks, employer and payroll, CRA, insurance and professional bodies.
Keep several certified copies of your marriage certificate or change-of-name certificate — most organizations ask for one.
Children’s surnames
Parents can generally choose a child’s surname at birth registration: either parent’s surname or a hyphenated or combined version. Provinces set limits on format and length, so check your birth registration form.
Find the right combination
Our last name combiner shows hyphenated, double and meshed versions side by side. For a broader comparison with the US and UK, read our double-barrelled surnames guide.
Compare surname options for your names.
Open the last name combiner