Get the BEST married name change checklist, just for Canadians! This interactive checklist lets you navigate through categories like insurance, banks and professional associations then check off each and every Canadian company that you need! Newlyweds have an average of 26 organizations to notify, but it can range anywhere from about 9 to over 50 different places! Once you’ve checked each place off, receive a customized PDF with all your companies individually named on the one tidy checklist. The custom checklist then steps you through what to do next.
Changing names after marriage can feel overwhelming because it’s something you’ve never done before, and will likely never do again (and if you are going to do all the research and paperwork yourself, I’m sure you’ll agree that you will never do this again!) You’ve got a ton of questions. What proof documents will you need? What order do you need to approach this in? How long does it take? How much can you expect it will cost? Well, read on for the answers to all your married name change questions!
If you want to get straight into the task of a DIY name change, access the custom name change checklist builder here!
If you hate hours spent on research and paperwork, then get a customized name change kit here. Your kit comes with researched company name change instructions on a checklist, along with ready to send forms, letters and emails.
Hands down, this is THE best married name change checklist!
Why are we so sure it’s the best? Because it’s the ONLY interactive checklist available anywhere. And yes, it is 100% Canadian! You won’t get a generic template with ‘your bank’ and ‘your insurance company’. Yes, you’ll see the main headings for insurance, banks, communications and the rest, but you can go in and actually check off your exact Canadian companies: SIN, CA passports, CRA and the 25 other companies you need. It’s so good that when you are browsing through all our categories, you’ll be reminded of all those extra, annoying places you need to update. Things most newlyweds don’t realize until months after finishing, like A25 road toll, Afterpay or PC Optimum!
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What’s the first step for changing names after marriage?
Before you can start anything, you’ll need the official marriage certificate. Almost all organizations need proof of your new name, so you’ll be asked to show your marriage certificate on most occasions. You can start your name change checklist now, prepare all the forms and paperwork, but you can’t send anything off until the official marriage certificate arrives.
Is there a special order to changing names?
Many banks and a small number of other organizations require an updated photo ID in addition to your marriage certificate, so it’s a good idea to prioritize your provincial driver’s licence or non-driver photo ID card. Canadian passports require that you present updated government-issued identification in your new name. The information you provide must together show your new name, photo, signature and date of birth. This could be a provincial driver’s licence, or 2 other documents together that show this information.
What process do I follow?
Here’s where it gets super time consuming. Every single organization has a different process and needs to be notified directly. Some have a form, others may ask you to attend a branch, send an email or upload documents once you’re logged in. This means you need to invest quite a bit of time contacting or researching the process for each company. Or you can skip this with an Easy Name Change kit. We provide researched name change instructions for over 700 Canadian organizations along with pre-filled and ready to send forms, letters and emails.
How long does it take?
Newlyweds typically have 26 organizations to notify. Allow about 20 minutes each to research, prepare and prepare any paperwork. For most people managing their own name change, this part takes about 8 hours, usually spready over a couple of days (for some people, spread over several weeks!) Our service lets you skip this part entirely.
When will my name be changed?
There’s no one central place where your name lives, so it’s based on when each company updates your details. Most organizations will update the name on your account within 3 to 5 working days from receiving your request. If applying in person or over the phone, your name is usually changed on the spot. Some organizations may take a few weeks. It’s important to keep checking what name companies are using as you receive correspondence or log into accounts. If you still see your old name 4 weeks after a name change request has been sent, then contact the company directly.
How much does a married name change cost?
Most organizations won’t charge to update your name in their system. Companies generally only charge when a new credential is issued, such as a new passport, driver’s licence or certificate. The main charges you can expect are the provincial marriage certificate, driver’s licence replacement fee and a new passport. Our name change kit start from $39.
What companies are covered:
- Provincial government (driver’s licence, health care plan, elections)
- National government (SIN, CRA, CPP, student loan, OAS, ISC, PR card & more)
- Banks (48 listings)
- Credit cards (36 listings)
- Vital Statistics forms (marriage certificate, legal name change application)
- Insurance (home, motor, contents, travel, life)
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
- Communications (TV, phone, internet. Over 50 listings!)
- Professional associations (nurses, teachers, Bar Assoc, CPA, unions)
- Investments
- Loyalty programs
- Many, many more! (road tolls, fitness clubs, digital subscriptions, motor finance)
