Answer Capsule
A name change after divorce in Yukon follows one of two pathways under the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28. Resuming your birth surname after divorce is a simplified administrative process handled through Vital Statistics at no cost beyond document fees. Changing to any other name requires a formal application costing $50, a 3-month Yukon residency period, and up to 6 weeks of processing time. Yukon courts do not automatically change your name when granting a divorce; you must take separate action through the Office of the Registrar of Vital Statistics in Whitehorse.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28 |
| Filing Fee (Formal Application) | $50 per adult; $17.50 per additional family member |
| Fee for Birth Name Resumption | No application fee (document replacement fees may apply) |
| Residency Requirement | 3 months continuous Yukon residency |
| Minimum Age | 19 years, or any age if married, widowed, or divorced |
| Processing Time | Up to 6 weeks from complete application |
| Grounds for Divorce | 1 year separation under Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, s. 8 |
| Office | Registrar of Vital Statistics, Whitehorse |
| Recent Amendment | Inclusive Yukon Families Act (SY 2025) updated gender-neutral terminology |
Two Pathways for a Name Change After Divorce in Yukon
Yukon law provides two distinct legal pathways for changing your name after divorce, and the path you take depends entirely on what name you want to use going forward. Resuming your pre-marriage birth name is a streamlined administrative process that does not require a formal Change of Name application. Choosing an entirely new name, or a name that is neither your birth name nor your married name, requires the full application process under Section 3 of the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28, including the $50 filing fee and up to 6 weeks of processing.
This distinction exists because taking a spouse's surname at marriage is considered an "assumed name" in Yukon, not a legal name change registered with Vital Statistics. Resuming your birth name after divorce simply reverses that assumption. The Office of the Registrar of Vital Statistics in Whitehorse has confirmed that reverting to a birth surname is not classified as a "legal change of name" under the Act.
Understanding which pathway applies to your situation can save you $50 and several weeks of processing time. The following sections explain each pathway in detail, including the documents you need, the steps to follow, and the timeline you can expect.
Pathway 1: Resuming Your Birth Name After Divorce
Resuming your birth name (maiden name) after divorce in Yukon is the simpler of the two pathways and does not require a formal Change of Name application or the $50 filing fee. You present your divorce certificate, marriage certificate, and birth certificate to the Registrar of Vital Statistics, who processes the resumption administratively. This pathway is available immediately after your divorce order takes effect, which is 31 days after the divorce judgment is granted under Section 12 of the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3.
To complete a birth name resumption, you need these three documents:
- A certified copy of your divorce order or divorce certificate
- Your marriage certificate (showing the name assumed at marriage)
- Your birth certificate (showing the name you wish to resume)
You submit these documents to the Office of the Registrar of Vital Statistics at 204 Lambert Street, 4th Floor, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3T2. You can attend in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) or mail your documents to Vital Statistics (H-2), Government of Yukon, Box 2703, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6. Processing is faster than the formal application pathway because no background review or publication period is required.
Once processed, the Registrar updates your vital statistics record and issues documentation confirming your resumed name. This documentation is what you use to update your driver's licence, health care card, Social Insurance Number, and other identification.
Pathway 2: Formal Change of Name Application
A formal Change of Name application is required when you want to adopt a name that is neither your birth name nor your current married name. Under Section 2 of the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28, you must be ordinarily resident in Yukon and have actually resided in the territory for the 3 months immediately preceding your application date. The application fee is $50, with an additional $17.50 for each dependent family member included on the same application. Processing takes up to 6 weeks from the date a complete application is received.
Section 3 of the Change of Name Act requires the following information on your application:
- Your present full legal name and proposed new full name
- Current and previous addresses for the last 3 months
- Your reason for the proposed name change
- Your date and place of birth
- A completed Application for a Change of Name of an Adult form
Additional documents required with your application include:
- Two pieces of government-issued identification
- Your birth certificate or citizenship certificate
- Your divorce order or divorce certificate
- Payment of $50 by money order, credit card, Interac, or cash
The Registrar reviews your application, conducts background checks, and may refuse the application if the proposed name is likely to be confused with an existing name, is obscene, or would likely cause harm. Once approved, the Registrar issues a Change of Name Certificate, which serves as your legal proof of name change for all government agencies and private institutions.
Residency and Eligibility Requirements
Yukon requires a 3-month continuous residency period before accepting a formal Change of Name application, making it one of the shorter residency requirements among Canadian territories. Under Section 2 of the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28, you must be ordinarily resident in Yukon and must have actually resided in the territory for the 3 months immediately preceding the date your application is received. There is no Canadian citizenship requirement; permanent residents and others meeting the residency threshold are eligible.
The age requirement is 19 years for most applicants, but this minimum does not apply if you are married, widowed, or divorced. A divorced 18-year-old Yukon resident is therefore eligible to apply for a name change even though they have not reached the general age of majority.
For the birth name resumption pathway, Yukon does not impose the same formal residency requirement because the process is administrative rather than a formal legal name change. However, you must be able to present your documents in person or by mail to the Whitehorse Vital Statistics office.
Filing Fees and Costs Breakdown
The total cost of a name change after divorce in Yukon ranges from $0 for a simple birth name resumption to approximately $200 or more when factoring in document replacement fees for a formal name change. The $50 application fee for a formal Change of Name is among the lowest in Canada. As of March 2026, verify all fees with the Yukon Vital Statistics office at 867-667-5207.
| Cost Item | Birth Name Resumption | Formal Name Change |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $0 | $50 |
| Additional Family Members | N/A | $17.50 each |
| Certified Divorce Certificate | $10-$30 (if not already obtained) | $10-$30 |
| New Birth Certificate | $10-$25 (if needed) | $10-$25 |
| New Driver's Licence | Contact Motor Vehicles | Contact Motor Vehicles |
| New Passport | $120 (5-year) or $160 (10-year) | $120 or $160 |
| Total Estimated Range | $0-$55 | $50-$265 |
As of June 30, 2025, Yukon waives all name change fees for First Nations, Inuit, or Metis individuals reclaiming traditional Indigenous names. This fee waiver applies to both the application fee and associated document fees, and reflects the Yukon government's commitment to reconciliation and cultural identity restoration.
Step-by-Step Process for Name Change After Divorce in Yukon
Completing a name change after divorce in Yukon requires between 3 and 10 steps depending on your chosen pathway, with the entire process from application to full document updates typically taking 8 to 12 weeks. The divorce order must be final (31 days after the court grants the divorce judgment) before you can begin the name change process.
Step 1: Obtain Your Divorce Certificate
Request a certified copy of your divorce order or divorce certificate from the court that granted your divorce. If your divorce was granted in Yukon, contact the Supreme Court of Yukon in Whitehorse. If your divorce was granted in another province, contact that province's court registry.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Collect your birth certificate and marriage certificate. If you do not have originals, order certified copies from the relevant vital statistics office. For Yukon-issued documents, contact the Registrar of Vital Statistics at 867-667-5207 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, extension 5207.
Step 3: Choose Your Pathway
Determine whether you are resuming your birth name (Pathway 1) or applying for a new name (Pathway 2). If resuming your birth name, proceed to Step 4A. If applying for a new name, proceed to Step 4B.
Step 4A: Submit Birth Name Resumption Documents
Present your divorce certificate, marriage certificate, and birth certificate to the Registrar of Vital Statistics. This can be done in person at 204 Lambert Street, 4th Floor, Whitehorse, or by mail to Box 2703, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6.
Step 4B: Complete the Formal Application
Download and complete the Application for a Change of Name of an Adult from yukon.ca. Submit the completed application with your supporting documents and $50 fee to the Registrar of Vital Statistics. Allow up to 6 weeks for processing.
Step 5: Receive Your Name Change Documentation
Once processed, you receive either a confirmation of birth name resumption or a formal Change of Name Certificate. This document is your legal authority to update all other identification and records.
Step 6: Update All Identification and Records
Use your name change documentation to update your driver's licence, health care card, Social Insurance Number, passport, banking records, and all other identification. See the full checklist in the Document Update section below.
Documents You Must Update After Your Name Change
After receiving your name change documentation from Vital Statistics, you must update an average of 10 to 15 separate documents and accounts. Failing to update critical identification within a reasonable timeframe can create complications with tax filings, health care access, and border crossings. The following list covers the most important updates in recommended priority order.
| Priority | Document | Agency | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Service Canada | In person at Service Canada Centre |
| 2 | Driver's Licence | Yukon Motor Vehicles, Whitehorse | In person; new card mailed in 4-10 days |
| 3 | Yukon Health Care Card | Health and Social Services | Phone 867-667-5209 or in person |
| 4 | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | CRA | My Account online, phone, or mail |
| 5 | Canadian Passport | IRCC / Passport Canada | New application required (no amendments) |
| 6 | Canada Pension Plan (CPP) | Service Canada | Update alongside SIN |
| 7 | Bank Accounts and Credit Cards | Your financial institutions | In person at branch |
| 8 | Vehicle Registration | Yukon Motor Vehicles | In person |
| 9 | Insurance Policies | Your insurers | Contact each provider |
| 10 | Employer / Payroll | Your employer's HR department | Provide name change certificate |
| 11 | Utilities and Subscriptions | Each provider | Phone or online |
| 12 | Professional Licences | Licensing body | Application to each body |
For your Canadian passport, you must submit a completely new passport application; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada does not allow amendments to existing passports for name changes. Standard passport fees apply: $120 for a 5-year passport or $160 for a 10-year passport.
When updating your SIN at Service Canada, bring three pieces of identification: one primary document (birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card), one secondary document (driver's licence or health card), and one supporting document (your name change certificate or divorce order).
Recent Legal Changes Affecting Name Changes in Yukon (2025-2026)
The Inclusive Yukon Families Act (SY 2025), which received assent on May 1, 2025, is the most significant recent legislative change affecting name changes in Yukon. This Act amended three statutes: the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28, the Vital Statistics Act, and the Children's Law Act. The amendments replaced gendered terms such as "mother," "father," and "paternity" with gender-neutral language including "parent," "person," and "parentage." These changes ensure that all Yukon families, including 2SLGBTQIA+, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals, can access name change and vital statistics services on equal terms.
Additionally, effective June 30, 2025, the Yukon government began waiving all name change fees for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals reclaiming traditional Indigenous names. This policy removes the $50 application fee and associated document replacement costs for eligible applicants, supporting reconciliation and cultural identity restoration.
The Children's Law Act was also amended in 2024 (SY 2024, c. 6), updating provisions related to parenting arrangements. These amendments do not directly change the name change process but reflect Yukon's broader modernization of family law terminology to align with the 2021 amendments to the federal Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3.
Parenting Arrangements and Children's Name Changes
Changing a child's name after divorce in Yukon requires the consent of every person who has decision-making responsibility for that child under a parenting order. Under the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28, the application fee is $17.50 per child when included on a parent's application, or $50 for a standalone application. Both parents with decision-making responsibility must sign the application, or you must obtain a court order dispensing with the other parent's consent.
If the other parent refuses to consent to a child's name change, you may apply to the Supreme Court of Yukon for an order permitting the change. The court considers the best interests of the child, including the child's relationship with both parents, the child's views (if they are of sufficient age and maturity), and the reasons for the proposed change. Yukon courts have generally held that a child's name should not be changed simply because the primary parent has changed their own name.
Children aged 12 and older must provide their own written consent to any name change application in Yukon. This requirement ensures that older children have a voice in decisions about their own identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name as part of my divorce order in Yukon?
No, Yukon divorce orders do not automatically include name changes. The federal Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 does not contain name change provisions; name changes are governed by territorial law. You must file separately with the Yukon Registrar of Vital Statistics after your divorce is final (31 days after the divorce judgment).
How much does a name change after divorce cost in Yukon?
A birth name resumption (maiden name) costs $0 in application fees. A formal name change to a new name costs $50, plus $17.50 per additional family member. Total costs including document replacements (passport, driver's licence) range from $0 to approximately $265. As of March 2026, verify fees at 867-667-5207.
How long does a name change after divorce take in Yukon?
Birth name resumptions are processed faster than formal applications, though exact timelines vary. Formal Change of Name applications take up to 6 weeks from the date the Registrar receives a complete application. Full document updates (SIN, passport, driver's licence, health card) add another 4 to 8 weeks, making the total process approximately 8 to 12 weeks.
Do I need to live in Yukon to change my name here?
Yes, for a formal Change of Name application. Under Section 2 of the Change of Name Act, RSY 2002, c. 28, you must be ordinarily resident in Yukon and have actually resided in the territory for the 3 months immediately preceding your application. There is no Canadian citizenship requirement.
Can I change my name to something other than my maiden name after divorce?
Yes. You can change your name to any name you choose, but this requires the formal Change of Name application pathway under Section 3 of the Change of Name Act, the $50 filing fee, and up to 6 weeks of processing. The Registrar may refuse names that are obscene, likely to cause confusion, or intended to facilitate fraud.
What if my ex-spouse objects to my name change after divorce?
Your ex-spouse has no legal standing to object to your personal name change after divorce in Yukon. You have an unrestricted right to resume your birth name or apply for a new name. However, if you wish to change your children's names, both parents with decision-making responsibility must consent, or you must obtain a court order.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name after divorce in Yukon?
No, a lawyer is not required for either pathway. Birth name resumptions are a straightforward document submission. Formal Change of Name applications are designed for self-represented applicants. However, if your ex-spouse is disputing a child's name change and you need a court order, consulting a Yukon family lawyer is advisable.
What happens to my professional licences when I change my name?
Each professional licensing body has its own name change process. After receiving your name change documentation, contact each body (e.g., Law Society of Yukon, Yukon Registered Nurses Association) with a copy of your Change of Name Certificate or resumption documentation. Most require a written request and supporting documentation. Allow 2 to 4 weeks per licensing body.
Can I change my child's last name after divorce without the other parent's consent?
Generally no. Yukon requires consent from every person with decision-making responsibility under a parenting order. If consent is refused, you must apply to the Supreme Court of Yukon for an order permitting the change. The court decides based on the best interests of the child. Children aged 12 and older must also provide their own written consent.
Is there a waiting period after divorce before I can change my name in Yukon?
Yes, you must wait until your divorce order is final, which is 31 days after the divorce judgment is granted under Section 12 of the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3. This 31-day period allows for any appeals. After that, you can immediately begin the name change process with Vital Statistics. For a formal application, you must also meet the 3-month Yukon residency requirement.