Changing Your Last Name After the Wedding

Here’s a comprehensive checklist for a newlywed who wants to legally change their last name after marriage. This list is tailored for Canada (though it’s broadly applicable in the U.S. as well, with a few local differences).

🔖 Official Documents

1. Marriage Certificate (get a certified copy from Vital Statistics – this is required to start the process)

2. Driver’s License / Provincial ID

3. Passport

4. Social Insurance Number (SIN)

5. Health Card

6. Birth Certificate (optional – only updated in some provinces, not typically required)

7. Permanent Resident Card / Citizenship Card / Immigration documents (if applicable)

💳 Financial Institutions

1. Bank Accounts & Credit Cards

   • Notify your bank(s)

   • Order new debit/credit cards

2. Investment Accounts (TFSA, RRSP, etc.)

3. CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)

4. PayPal / Venmo / Other digital wallets

5. Loan/Mortgage Documents

6. Line of Credit / Car Loan / Student Loan

7. Employer Payroll & Benefits System

🏠 Home & Utilities

1. Lease / Mortgage provider

2. Hydro, Gas, and Water Accounts

3. Internet, Cable, Phone Provider

4. Home Insurance

5. Tenant or Homeowner Association (if applicable)

🚗 Vehicle & Insurance

1. Vehicle Registration

2. Driver’s Insurance

3. CAA or other roadside assistance

🏥 Medical & Health

1. Family Doctor / Clinic

2. Dentist

3. Pharmacy

4. Workplace or Private Health Insurance

5. Manitoba Pharmacare / Health Benefits Plan (if applicable)

🧾 Legal, Government & Other Services

1. Voter Registration

2. Canada Post (update mailing address if it’s changed too)

3. Professional Licenses or Associations (e.g., teaching license, social work registration)

4. University/College Alumni Records

5. Library Card

6. Court/Legal Documents (e.g., custody agreements, wills, power of attorney)

📱 Digital & Personal Accounts

1. Email Accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

2. Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)

3. Online Shopping Accounts (Amazon, Etsy, etc.)

4. Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, etc.)

5. Apps with payment info (Uber, DoorDash, Apple Wallet, etc.)

6. Loyalty Programs (Air Miles, Optimum, Scene+, etc.)

🍼 If You Have Children

1. School Registration & Emergency Contacts

2. Daycare / Babysitter records

3. Children’s Medical Records (update emergency contacts)

💼 Optional but Helpful

1. Update your resume

2. Inform your wedding vendors (if they have your old name on file)

3. Order new return address labels

4. New email signature / voicemail greeting