Service Canada recommends applicants update their SIN details online. Have clear scans or photos of the identity documents needed before you start: primary ID (CA birth or citizenship document), secondary ID (govt-issued photo ID) and your proof of name change (marriage or divorce certificate). In-person and mailed applications can also be accepted. The same process is applicable for anyone changing names for any reason; marriage, divorce, separation or legal name change. Your number remains the same and you’ll receive mailed confirmation in your new name once the change is processed. There is no fee to update SIN holder details.
TIP: When completing the online or paper form, complete it in your new name. Include any other new details, such as gender or address.
It is recommended SIN holders update their details online. It is usually faster, easier and you will not need to send in original documents or attend an office. Ensure you have digital copies of all necessary identification documents before starting as the process is only open for 45 minutes and cannot be saved. If your identity can be verified online, the change will be recorded. Allow 5 business days for your application to be approved. Service Canada will mail confirmation of your name change. Your Social Insurance Number does not change when your name changes, so it is recommended you retain mailed confirmation of the change should it be required.
Once you start the form cannot be saved, so take the time to check you have access to digital copies (a photo or scan) of the required identification, listed below. The image should show the entire document, including a border around the document and any additional pages.
Updating your SIN record does not update CRA, Provincial health, passport, banks, loyalty programs and any of the other 20 plus organizations typically required. Each organization needs to be directly notified. This service provides ready to send name change notifications for your nominated companies so you can just sign and send. Recommended for marriage, divorce and legal name changes when you have at least 6 other organizations to notify.
Attend any Service Canada location with the original identity documents from the list below. You will not need a secondary identification document. No form or further documents are required. Service Canada prefers online applications, however if this not convenient then in-person applications are encouraged. You may turn up at any service location during office hours, or else make an appointment by calling in advance. Your call will be returned within 2 working days and an appointment time allocated.
Mailed applications are accepted, however are not encouraged. It may be inconvenient as original identification documents must be provided, so you may be without these for a month or longer. Service Canada accepts no responsibility for documents lost in the mail. Complete form NAS2120 and mail in with 3 original documents from the list below.
GET ALL OTHER NAME CHANGE FORMS
Applicants need to provide a range of identity documents:
1. Primary identity document. ONE of the following:
2. Secondary document. Required when applying online. Not required for mailed or in person applications. ONE of the following :
3. A document to support your name change. This may be issued by a Canadian authority, such as Vital Statistics, a court or a foreign equivalent. ONE of the following:
Change gender designation
Applicants have the option to change their gender designation on their SIN record. While your choice is recorded by Service Canada, the SIN database may still display male or female until systems are updated. Gender options are:
A name change with Service Canada will not flow onto any other records. Provincial health, CRA, passport, CPP, banks, loyalty programs and the 20 plus other organizations where you have an account also need to be directly notified. Easy Name Change provides ready to send name change notifications for your nominated companies so you can just sign and send. This service is recommended if you have at least 6 other organizations to notify.
Existing SIN holders can view their current details, including name, SIN and expiry date, in their My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Use the button below to access MSCA, regardless if you are an existing MSCA account holder or you are signing up for the first time.