Changing your name after marriage, divorce, or personal choice? Learn which documents need notarization and how to update your records properly.
Reasons for Name Changes
People change their names for many reasons:
- Marriage — Taking a spouse's surname
- Divorce — Reverting to a maiden name
- Personal preference — Choosing a new name
- Cultural/religious reasons — Adopting a traditional name
- Gender transition — Updating to match gender identity
- Correction — Fixing errors in records
Whatever your reason, you'll likely need notary services along the way.
Name Change Affidavit: What It Is and How to Get It Notarized
Some name change processes and institutions ask for an affidavit for name change — a sworn written statement confirming the facts of the change (your former name, your new name, and the reason), sworn before an authorized official. A notarized affidavit for name change is one where a notary public administers the oath, takes your sworn statement as you sign, and seals the document. Others — including some government applications — ask for a statutory declaration instead; which one you need depends entirely on who is asking for it, so confirm the exact requirement with the receiving institution before you prepare anything.
If an affidavit is what you need:
- Have the affidavit drafted (a lawyer can help where the matter is court-related).
- Do not sign it — you sign in front of the notary.
- Book an appointment, bring valid government photo ID, and swear or affirm the statement.
Minute Notary commissions name change affidavits and statutory declarations online by secure video under Ontario law (O. Reg. 431/20) — see Affidavits or Statutory Declarations, or book online.
Marriage Name Change
The most common name change happens after marriage.
What You Need
After your wedding, you'll have your marriage certificate as legal proof of your name change. To update various records, you may need:
| Document | Notary Service |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of marriage certificate | Certified true copies |
| Statutory declaration of name use | Notarization |
| Authorization for spouse to update records | Notarized signature |
Where to Update Your Name
- ServiceOntario — Driver's license, health card
- Service Canada — SIN, passport
- CRA — Tax records
- Banks — Accounts, credit cards
- Employer — Payroll, benefits
- Utilities — Bills in your name
- Professional licenses — College registrations
Divorce Name Change
Returning to your maiden name after divorce is straightforward in Ontario.
What You Need
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of divorce | Proves divorce is final |
| Marriage certificate | Shows previous name |
| Birth certificate | Shows original name |
| Statutory declaration | If there are gaps in documentation |
The Process
- Obtain certified copies of relevant documents
- Apply to change your name with various agencies
- If documents are inconsistent, a statutory declaration can bridge gaps
Legal Name Change (ServiceOntario)
For name changes not related to marriage or divorce, you'll need a formal legal name change through ServiceOntario.
Requirements
- Ontario resident for 1+ year
- 16 years or older (at 16 or 17, with the consent of everyone who has legal custody or decision-making responsibility for you)
- Police record check, only if you have certain criminal offences
- Application fee ($137)
Notary Services Needed
| Service | When Needed |
|---|---|
| Statutory declaration | Explaining reason for change |
| Notarized consent | If changing a minor's name |
| Certified copies | Only if a recipient asks for one — check its list |
| Affidavit | For complex situations |
Common Name Discrepancy Issues
Sometimes your name appears differently on various documents:
- "John Smith" vs "John A. Smith"
- "Mary-Jane" vs "Mary Jane" vs "Maryjane"
- Different spellings across languages
- Nicknames on some documents
How Notary Services Help
A Statutory Declaration of Identity confirms that different name variations refer to the same person:
"I solemnly declare that John Smith, John Arthur Smith, and J.A. Smith all refer to me, the same person."
This is commonly needed for:
- Immigration applications
- Property transactions
- Banking and financial matters
- Educational credential verification
Name Change After Gender Transition
Ontario allows name changes to reflect gender identity without requiring medical documentation.
Process
- Complete name change application with ServiceOntario
- Submit supporting documents
- Receive new legal name documentation
Notary Services
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certified copies | Only if a recipient asks for one |
| Statutory declaration | If required by institutions |
| Notarized letters | For updating foreign records |
Name Changes for Children
Changing a child's name requires consent from all legal parents/guardians.
Requirements
- Both parents must consent (or court order if one doesn't)
- Child's birth certificate
- Parents' identification
- Application to ServiceOntario
Notary Services
| Service | When Needed |
|---|---|
| Notarized consent | From non-applying parent |
| Affidavit | If other parent is unavailable |
| Certified copies | Of custody agreements if applicable |
Updating Documents After Name Change
Once you have your official name change documentation, you'll need to update various records:
Priority Updates (Do These First)
- SIN — Free at Service Canada
- Driver's License — At ServiceOntario
- Health Card — At ServiceOntario
- Passport — Through Service Canada
Secondary Updates
- Banks — All accounts, cards
- CRA — Tax records
- Employer — HR records
- Utilities — Account names
- Insurance — All policies
- Professional bodies — Licenses, registrations
International Considerations
If you have documents or records in other countries, you may need:
- Apostilled name change documents
- Translated documents
- Additional authentication
Costs Overview
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Statutory declaration (notary) | $24.95 per stamp |
| Certified copies (notary) | $24.95 per stamp |
| Legal name change (ServiceOntario) | $137 |
| Passport update | ~$160 |
Note: the first signer is included; if more than one person signs the same document, each additional signer is charged an additional-signer fee of $24.95.
Tips for a Smooth Name Change
1. Gather All Current Documents
Before starting, collect:
- Birth certificate
- Current ID (passport, driver's license)
- Marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Any documents with name discrepancies
2. Get Certified Copies Only Where Needed
Check each recipient's list before ordering certified copies — some recipients want to see the original document, while others (some banks, employers, professional bodies and foreign registries) accept a notarially certified copy.
3. Keep Records
Track which agencies you've updated and keep copies of all correspondence.
4. Update Digital Accounts
Don't forget:
- Email accounts
- Social media
- Subscription services
- Online shopping accounts
5. Notify Important Contacts
- Employers (current and past for references)
- Schools/universities
- Medical providers
- Lawyers/accountants
Need Name Change Documents Notarized?
At Minute Notary, we can help with all the notary services you need for your name change — statutory declarations, certified copies, and more.
Book your appointment and bring your documents. We'll help you get everything in order.
Related Articles
Related notary services
Need help with this in Ottawa?
About the author
Kai Mai
Content Editor, Minute Notary
Kai Mai writes and edits the Minute Notary guides, working from the published federal and Ontario guidance each article links, and from what Ottawa clients actually run into with certified copies, affidavits, statutory declarations, travel consent letters, and immigration paperwork. These guides are general information written by our editorial team — not legal advice, and not a professional opinion on your document. The receiving authority always has the final say.