Ontario Divorce Name Change Checklist

In Ontario, submit the Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) to ServiceOntario if you previously used the Election to Change Surname service, costing $25, or apply for a full legal name change at $137 if you didn't. Bring your divorce judgment, birth certificate, and two pieces of valid ID to any ServiceOntario location. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for complete applications, and you'll receive both a Change of Name Certificate and updated birth certificate if born in Ontario.

No, Ontario does not require a separate court order to resume your maiden name after divorce. Your divorce judgment or certificate serves as sufficient legal authority to change your name back to your pre-marriage surname. You simply need to apply through ServiceOntario using Form 2 ($25) or a full name change application ($137), along with your divorce documents and identification.

You need your divorce judgment or divorce certificate, your original birth certificate (especially if reverting to your maiden name), two pieces of valid government-issued ID (one with photo), and the completed ServiceOntario name change form. All documents must be originals in English or French—no photocopies accepted. If documents are in another language, you must provide a certified translation from an ATIO-registered translator.

Ontario offers two pricing tiers: the Election to Resume Former Surname (Form 2) costs $25 if you previously used the Election to Change Surname service, while a full legal name change application costs $137 and requires a police records check. Additional costs include $25 for a divorce certificate copy, passport renewal fees starting at $160, and $35 if updating an Ontario Photo Card. Driver's licence and health card updates are free.

ServiceOntario processes complete name change applications within 6-8 weeks, after which you'll receive your Change of Name Certificate and updated birth certificate by mail. However, current processing times may extend up to 24 weeks due to application backlogs. Federal updates like your SIN take approximately 5 business days online, while a new passport takes 10-20 business days standard or 2-9 days with express processing.

No, changing your name after divorce in Ontario is entirely optional—there is no legal requirement to revert to your maiden name or any previous surname. Many people choose to keep their married name for professional continuity, to match their children's surname, or simply by preference. If you later decide to change your name, you can apply through ServiceOntario at any time.

Yes, but Ontario requires consent from all adults with legal custody of the child, plus written consent from children aged 12 and older. Non-custodial parents entitled to access must receive 30 days written notice before you submit the application. The child's name change costs $137 as a standalone application, or just $22 when filed concurrently with a parent's name change. If consent cannot be obtained, you must apply to the court.

Start by updating your Social Insurance Number (SIN) with Service Canada—this is free and can be done online in about 5 business days. Your SIN record must reflect your new legal name before updating provincial documents like your driver's licence and health card. Bring your divorce judgment and primary ID to any Service Canada location, or apply online with digital copies of your documents within the 45-minute session window.