How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Ontario
A name change after divorce in Ontario follows one of two legal paths under the Change of Name Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.7. If you adopted your spouse's surname during the marriage and want to resume your birth name, you can file an Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) with ServiceOntario for approximately $25. If you want to change to a completely new name, you must file a formal application under Section 4(1) of the Change of Name Act and pay $137. Both paths are processed through ServiceOntario's Office of the Registrar General, and processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of a complete application.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Change of Name Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.7 |
| Fee (Resume Former Surname) | ~$25 (Election to Resume Former Surname, Form 2) |
| Fee (Formal Name Change) | $137 (Application to Change an Adult's Name, Form 11155E) |
| Fee (Child Name Change) | $137 standalone; $22 if added to adult application |
| Processing Time | 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of complete application |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of Ontario or born in Ontario |
| Publication | Ontario Gazette publication required (exceptions for transgender, First Nations, Inuit, or Metis individuals) |
| Court Approval Needed | No court order required for adults; administrative process through ServiceOntario |
| Divorce Decree Required | Yes, certified copy of divorce judgment needed |
Two Legal Paths for a Name Change After Divorce in Ontario
Ontario provides two distinct administrative processes for a name change after divorce, and the correct path depends on whether you are returning to a previous surname or adopting an entirely new name. The Election to Resume Former Surname route under Section 4 of the Change of Name Act costs approximately $25 and requires fewer documents. The formal application route under Section 4(1) costs $137 and requires a police records check. Neither path requires a court order or appearance before a judge, as Ontario handles all adult name changes through ServiceOntario's Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay.
Path 1: Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2)
This streamlined option is available to anyone who legally changed their last name to a spouse's surname during marriage and now wishes to return to the surname they held immediately before the marriage. The key requirements include:
- You adopted your spouse's surname by filing an Election to Change Surname (Form 1) at the time of marriage or a joint declaration of conjugal relationship
- You want to resume the exact surname you had before the marriage
- You must provide a certified copy of your divorce judgment (Certificate of Divorce)
- The fee is approximately $25 as of March 2026
- No police records check is required for this path
- You do not need to notify your former spouse
Mail the completed Form 2, your certified divorce judgment, and payment to ServiceOntario, Office of the Registrar General, P.O. Box 3000, 189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5W0. You may also submit in person at ServiceOntario, 47 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 417, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M2N 5N1.
Path 2: Formal Name Change Application (Form 11155E)
This path applies when you want to change to a name other than your pre-marriage surname, or when you did not formally adopt your spouse's surname through the Election to Change Surname process. The formal application under Section 4(1) of the Change of Name Act requires:
- Completed Application to Change an Adult's Name (Form 11155E)
- Certified copy of your divorce judgment
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Police records check from your local police service (obtained within the last 12 months)
- Proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document)
- Payment of $137
- Statutory declaration (included in the application form)
ServiceOntario processes the application within 6 to 8 weeks. Upon approval, you receive a Change of Name Certificate and, if you were born in Ontario, a new birth certificate reflecting your changed name.
Ontario Gazette Publication Requirement
All formal name changes registered under the Change of Name Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.7 must be published in The Ontario Gazette, which is the official government publication of record. The Registrar General publishes your former name and your new name in the next available edition. Ontario Gazette name change notices are searchable online at ontario.ca/gazette. This publication requirement exists under Section 7 of the Change of Name Act to maintain a public record of legal name changes and prevent fraud.
Exceptions to the publication requirement exist for individuals who are transgender, First Nations, Inuit, or Metis. These individuals may submit a Request for Non-Publication in The Ontario Gazette form alongside their name change application. The Attorney General may also grant exceptions when publication could cause significant harm to the individual. The Election to Resume Former Surname process (Form 2) may not trigger the same publication requirement as the formal change, as it is a resumption rather than a new name change.
Documents You Need for a Name Change After Divorce in Ontario
Gathering the correct documents before submitting your application prevents delays and rejected applications. ServiceOntario returns incomplete applications without processing, adding weeks to your timeline. The average applicant spends 2 to 4 weeks assembling documents before filing. The required documents vary by which path you choose, but all applicants need a certified copy of their divorce judgment.
For Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2)
- Completed Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2), available by contacting ServiceOntario's Office of the Registrar General
- Certified copy of your Certificate of Divorce issued by the court that granted the divorce
- Payment of approximately $25 (check or money order payable to the Ontario Minister of Finance)
For Formal Name Change (Form 11155E)
- Completed Application to Change an Adult's Name (Form 11155E), available online from the Ontario Central Forms Repository
- Certified copy of your Certificate of Divorce
- Original or certified copy of your birth certificate (long form preferred)
- One piece of valid government-issued photo identification (Ontario driver's licence, Ontario Photo Card, or Canadian passport)
- Police records check from your local police service, dated within the last 12 months
- Proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or property tax statement)
- Payment of $137 (check or money order payable to the Ontario Minister of Finance)
- If born outside Canada, you may also need your Canadian citizenship certificate or permanent resident card
Step-by-Step Process for Completing Your Name Change
The name change after divorce in Ontario is an administrative process that does not require a court hearing, a lawyer, or a judge's approval. Most applicants complete the entire process in 8 to 12 weeks from start to finish, including document gathering and ServiceOntario processing time. The process follows a sequential series of steps that begins with obtaining your divorce judgment and ends with updating all government-issued identification.
- Obtain your certified Certificate of Divorce from the court that granted your divorce. If you do not have a copy, contact the court office where the divorce was filed and request a certified copy (fees vary by court, typically $15 to $30)
- Determine which path applies to your situation: Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) if returning to your pre-marriage name, or Formal Name Change (Form 11155E) if changing to a different name
- Obtain a police records check from your local police service if you are filing the formal application (Form 11155E). Processing time varies by municipality, from 2 business days to 6 weeks. Fees range from $20 to $65 depending on the police service
- Complete the appropriate application form in full, sign where required, and attach all supporting documents
- Submit your application package by mail to ServiceOntario, Office of the Registrar General, P.O. Box 3000, 189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5W0, or in person at the Toronto office at 47 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 417, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M2N 5N1
- Wait 6 to 8 weeks for processing. ServiceOntario does not provide expedited processing for name changes
- Receive your Change of Name Certificate and, if born in Ontario, your new birth certificate by mail
- Begin updating all other identification and records using your Change of Name Certificate as proof
Updating Your Government Identification After the Name Change
Once you receive your Change of Name Certificate from ServiceOntario, you must update every piece of government-issued identification and all institutional records individually. No single government agency updates all records on your behalf. Ontario residents typically need to update 8 to 15 different documents and accounts after a name change. Prioritize government identification first, then financial accounts, then employment and insurance records.
| Document/Record | Where to Update | Typical Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Driver's Licence | ServiceOntario (in person) | ~$35.75 | 4 to 6 weeks by mail |
| Ontario Health Card (OHIP) | ServiceOntario (in person) | No fee | 4 to 6 weeks by mail |
| Canadian Passport | IRCC (mail or in person) | $160 (adult, 10-year) | 10 to 20 business days |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Service Canada | No fee | Same day (in person) |
| Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | My Account online or by phone | No fee | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Ontario Photo Card | ServiceOntario (in person) | $35.00 | 4 to 6 weeks by mail |
| Vehicle Registration | ServiceOntario (in person) | No fee | Immediate |
| Bank Accounts | Your bank branch | No fee | Immediate to 5 business days |
| Employment Records | Your employer's HR department | No fee | 1 to 2 pay cycles |
| Canada Pension Plan (CPP) | Service Canada | No fee | 4 to 6 weeks |
As of March 2026. Verify current fees with each agency before submitting.
Canadian Passport Name Change
Changing your name on a Canadian passport after divorce requires applying for a new passport, not a renewal. You must submit a completed new passport application (PPTC 153 for adults), your current passport, your Change of Name Certificate or Certificate of Divorce, two new passport photos, and the standard passport fee of $160 for a 10-year adult passport. Processing time is 10 to 20 business days when applied in person at a Service Canada passport office. Mail applications take longer, typically 4 to 6 weeks. You cannot change your passport name while the divorce is pending, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires a finalized divorce judgment or resumption of surname certificate.
Ontario Driver's Licence Name Change
Visit any ServiceOntario office with your current driver's licence and your original Change of Name Certificate (not a photocopy). The replacement fee is approximately $35.75 as of 2026. You receive a temporary paper licence immediately and your new photo card arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks. Update your vehicle registration at the same visit at no additional charge.
Changing a Child's Name After Divorce in Ontario
Changing a child's surname after divorce in Ontario requires the written consent of every person who has decision-making responsibility for the child under Section 5(1) of the Change of Name Act. The fee is $137 for a standalone child name change application (Form 11156E), or $22 per child if you add the child's name change to your own adult application. Both parents with decision-making responsibility must sign the application unless a court order specifically grants one parent sole authority to make this decision.
Under the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.), s. 16.1, Canadian family law uses the terms parenting arrangements, parenting time, and decision-making responsibility rather than the older terminology. A parent who has parenting time but not decision-making responsibility must receive written notice of the proposed name change but cannot veto the application. However, that parent may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an order preventing the name change under Section 7 of the Change of Name Act.
The court considers the best interests of the child when deciding contested name change applications. Relevant factors include the child's relationship with each parent, the length of time the child has used their current name, the child's own preferences (if the child is mature enough to express a view), and any potential confusion or disruption the name change might cause.
Requirements for a Child's Name Change
- Completed Application to Change a Child's Name (Form 11156E), or addition to your adult application
- Written consent of every person with decision-making responsibility
- Written notice to every person with parenting time rights
- No court order or separation agreement prohibiting the name change
- Child's original or certified birth certificate
- Certified copy of the divorce judgment
- Certified copy of any parenting order or separation agreement
- Children aged 12 and older must provide their own written consent
- $137 standalone or $22 per child added to an adult application
Timeline and Cost Summary
The total cost of a name change after divorce in Ontario ranges from approximately $25 for a simple surname resumption to $500 or more when you include all identification updates. The timeline from filing your application to updating all identification documents typically spans 3 to 5 months. Planning your document gathering before filing reduces the overall timeline significantly.
| Cost Component | Resume Surname (Form 2) | Formal Change (Form 11155E) |
|---|---|---|
| ServiceOntario Application | ~$25 | $137 |
| Police Records Check | Not required | $20 to $65 |
| Certified Divorce Judgment | $15 to $30 (if needed) | $15 to $30 (if needed) |
| New Passport | $160 | $160 |
| New Driver's Licence | ~$35.75 | ~$35.75 |
| Child Name Change (if applicable) | $22 per child (add-on) | $137 (standalone) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $236 to $275 | $368 to $430+ |
As of March 2026. Verify all fees with the relevant agency before submitting.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
ServiceOntario returns approximately 15% to 20% of name change applications due to errors or missing documents, adding 4 to 8 weeks to the process. The most common mistakes that delay a name change after divorce in Ontario include submitting an uncertified copy of the divorce judgment, providing an expired police records check (must be within 12 months), failing to sign all required sections of the application, submitting a photocopy of the birth certificate instead of the original or certified copy, and making the cheque or money order payable to the wrong entity (must be payable to the Ontario Minister of Finance). Double-check every field on your application before mailing it, and keep photocopies of everything you submit for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit to change your name after divorce in Ontario?
There is no statutory deadline for filing a name change after divorce in Ontario. You may file your Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) or your formal application (Form 11155E) at any time after your divorce is finalized. The Change of Name Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.7 does not impose any time restriction on post-divorce name changes.
Can I change my name before my divorce is finalized in Ontario?
You can file a formal name change application under Section 4(1) of the Change of Name Act before your divorce is finalized, but you cannot use the Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) path because that form requires a certified copy of your divorce judgment. However, Canadian passport offices and most government agencies will not process a name change linked to divorce until you have a finalized Certificate of Divorce.
Do I need my ex-spouse's consent to change my name after divorce in Ontario?
No. Under the Change of Name Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.7, a person who elects to resume their former surname after divorce does not need to inform or obtain consent from their former spouse. The same applies to a formal name change application under Section 4. Your name change is your personal decision, and your ex-spouse has no legal right to prevent or approve it.
How long does a name change take after divorce in Ontario?
ServiceOntario processes name change applications within 6 to 8 weeks from the date they receive a complete application. The total timeline including document gathering and updating all identification typically spans 3 to 5 months. Police records checks can add 2 to 6 weeks depending on your municipality. There is no expedited processing option available through ServiceOntario.
How much does it cost to change your name after divorce in Ontario?
The Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) costs approximately $25 through ServiceOntario. A formal name change under Section 4(1) costs $137. Adding a child's name change to an adult application costs $22 per child. Including passport ($160) and driver's licence (~$35.75) updates, the total cost ranges from $236 to $430 depending on which path you use.
Will my name change be published in the Ontario Gazette?
Formal name changes under the Change of Name Act are published in The Ontario Gazette under Section 7. Exceptions exist for transgender, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals who submit a Request for Non-Publication form. The Attorney General may also grant exceptions where publication could cause significant harm. The Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) may not trigger the same publication requirement.
Can I change my child's last name to my maiden name after divorce in Ontario?
Yes, but under Section 5(1) of the Change of Name Act, you need the written consent of every person with decision-making responsibility for the child. Children aged 12 and older must also consent. The fee is $137 for a standalone application or $22 if added to your adult application. If the other parent refuses consent, you may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an order permitting the change.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name after divorce in Ontario?
No lawyer is required for a standard name change after divorce in Ontario. The process is entirely administrative through ServiceOntario. Most applicants complete the process themselves using the forms available from ServiceOntario's Office of the Registrar General. A lawyer may be helpful if the other parent contests a child's name change and the matter must be decided by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
What if I was not born in Ontario but live here?
Ontario residents who were born outside the province may apply for a name change through ServiceOntario as long as they can provide proof of Ontario residency. You will receive a Change of Name Certificate but not a new birth certificate, as Ontario can only issue birth certificates for persons born in the province. Contact your province or country of birth to update your birth certificate using your Ontario Change of Name Certificate as supporting documentation.
Can I change to a completely new name that is not my birth name or married name?
Yes. The formal application under Section 4(1) of the Change of Name Act allows you to change your first name, last name, or both to any name you choose, provided the Registrar General does not find the requested name to be contrary to the public interest. The fee is $137, and a police records check is required. You do not need to demonstrate any connection to the requested name.
All information in this guide is current as of March 2026. Laws, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Verify all fees and requirements with ServiceOntario before filing your application.
Written by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022), covering Ontario divorce law for Divorce.law.