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GuidesDecember 25, 20245 min read Name Change Documents: What You Need Notarized
Changing your name after marriage, divorce, or personal choice? Learn which documents need notarization and how to update your records properly.
MN
Minutes Notary
Notary Public • Ottawa, ON
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.
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:
Where to Update Your Name
- Service Ontario — 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 |
|---|
| Divorce decree | 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 (Court Order)
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 (or with parental consent)
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Criminal record check
- 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 | Of supporting documents |
| 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 | Of all identity documents |
| 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 Card — 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) | $25-35 |
| Certified copies (notary) | $20-25 each |
| Legal name change (ServiceOntario) | ~$137 |
| Passport update | ~$160 |
| Driver's license update | ~$35 |
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 Multiple Certified Copies
Each agency needs their own copy. Get at least 5-6 certified copies of key documents.
3. Keep Records
Track which agencies you've updated and keep copies of all correspondence.
4. Update Digital Accounts
- Email accounts
- Social media
- Subscription services
- Online shopping accounts
- Employers (current and past for references)
- Schools/universities
- Medical providers
- Lawyers/accountants
Need Name Change Documents Notarized?
At Minutes Notary, we can help with all the notary services you need for your name change — statutory declarations, certified copies, and more.
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#name change#marriage#divorce#documents
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