Change your name after a marriage or divorce

Learn how to update your surname on your ID and records after a marriage or divorce in B.C.

Your surname is your family name, or 'last name'.

On this page

• Using a different last name without a legal name change
• How to update your ID
• When a legal name change is required

Using a different last name without a legal name change

After a marriage or divorce, you do not need a legal change of name to use:

• Your spouse's surname
• Your birth surname
• A surname from a previous marriage
• A combination of your birth surname and married surname(s):
  • From your current or previous marriage
  • In any order
  • Separated with a hyphen (-) or space

This process is called “assuming” a surname. It is different from a legal name change. When you assume a surname, you can update your ID to show the assumed name. It does not change your name on your birth record.

You may also switch back to your birth surname at any time.

How to update your ID

To update your name on your identification and other records, contact each agency or organization directly.

Where to update your name

You may need to update your name with:

• ICBC (driver's licence, BC Services Card and BCID)
• Passport Canada
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Service Canada (Social Insurance Number)
• Banks and financial institutions
• Auto, home and other insurance
• School, employment, benefits and medical records
• Professional licensing bodies or associations

Many people start with their BC Services Card and driver’s licence, because updated provincial ID can make it easier to change other records.

Documents you may need

Each organization has its own requirements. You may need to show one or more of the following documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Divorce certificate showing both your married and previous names
• Court order stamped by the court registry
• Updated provincial photo ID
• Legal name change certificate (if applicable)
• Canadian Citizenship Certificate (if applicable)

These are called linking documents. They show the connection between your birth name and your current legal name.

If your name has changed more than once

If your name has changed through more than one marriage, you may need to show each marriage certificate to confirm your name history.

When a legal name change is required

You must apply for a legal change of name if you want to:

• Change the last name of a youth under 19 years of age
  • Exception: If a youth under 19 is married and wants to use a surname from their marriage, they can assume that surname. They do not need to apply for a legal name change
• Change your first and/or middle name(s)
• Change to a new last name that’s not linked by marriage
• Use only part of your surname or your spouse’s surname
• Change your last name to a first or middle name
• Change the name on your Canadian birth record
• Have the change recorded as a legal event rather than assuming a surname

Visit the change of name homepage to find out which process and application is right for you.