Name Change: New Brunswick's Process

Changing your name in New Brunswick, Canada, can be done for a variety of reasons, such as marriage, divorce, separation, or simply personal preference. The process can be straightforward or complex, depending on the specific situation. For example, when a woman gets married, she can start using her husband's last name without any official registration. On the other hand, if someone wants to change their name for a reason other than marriage, they must apply for a legal name change, which requires submitting an application and paying a fee. The cost of changing a first name is $115, while a surname change costs $130. After the name change has been approved, individuals must contact various organizations, such as their bank and the government, to update their records and provide proof of their new name.

Changing your name after marriage

Firstly, you will need to obtain a marriage certificate. This is not the same as a marriage license, and it is a legal document that proves the details of your marriage. In most cases, you must order this from Vital Statistics in the province where the marriage took place. Once you have the marriage certificate, you can start using your married name. You do not need to register it; simply apply directly to each organisation to change your name on your identification, accounts, and memberships. Many organisations will require your marriage certificate as proof.

You will then need to contact all the relevant government departments and agencies to update your records. This includes your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and the Canada Revenue Agency. You will also need to update your provincial health card and driver's license. All other ID, bank accounts, credit cards, and insurance policies will need to be changed too. Each company will have its own name change procedure, so you will need to send various forms, letters, and emails, as well as attending some offices in person.

Changing your child's surname

A parent or guardian with legal custody of a child can apply to have a child's name changed if the child has resided in New Brunswick for a minimum of three months. The consent of both biological parents is usually required, and if the child is 12 years of age or older, they must also give written consent for the name change.

The fee for a surname change application is $130 (at the time of writing). Once the application is approved, you will receive a legal name change certificate. You can then contact various organizations to request that your child's records are updated to reflect their new surname. Start with important identification documents such as your child's birth certificate, driver's licence (if applicable), and provincial health card.

Most banks will require you to attend in person with the original documents and to provide a new signature. Each organization will have its own name change procedure, so be prepared to send various forms, letters, and emails, as well as attend some offices in person.

Legal name change application process

In New Brunswick, Canada, a person can choose to be known by any name in their daily life. However, if you want a name other than your birth name or your spouse's surname on official documents such as identification and bank accounts, you need to apply for a legal name change. The process and requirements for a legal name change may vary depending on your specific situation, such as changing your name after marriage or divorce, or changing the name of a child.

Marriage Name Change

If you are changing your name after getting married, you don't need to register your new name. You can simply start using your spouse's surname. To update your identification, accounts, and memberships, you will need to apply directly to each organization. Most organizations will require a marriage certificate as proof of your name change. You can download the application form for a New Brunswick marriage certificate if you don't already have one.

Reverting to Prior Name or Divorce Name Change

If you want to remove your spouse's name, you don't need to be divorced to do so. You will need to provide documentation showing the link between your married and prior names. This can include your marriage certificate, Canadian citizenship certificate, or birth certificate that displays your former name. If you are divorced, you can provide your divorce decree, which should list both your married and former names.

General Legal Name Change

For any other type of name change, such as changing the spelling or order of your names, adding or dropping a name, or taking a new surname that is not due to marriage, you must submit a legal name change application with New Brunswick Vital Statistics. The fee for a name change varies depending on the type of change: $115 for a first name change and $130 for a surname change. You can download the application form and guidance notes, along with the necessary company name change forms, from the Vital Statistics website.

Once you have your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change certificate, you need to contact the relevant organizations to update your records. Start with updating your driver's license and provincial health card. Most banks will require you to visit a branch in person to present your original documents and provide a new signature. Each company or organization may have its own name change procedure, so you will need to follow their specific requirements, which may include submitting forms, letters, or emails.

Required documents for a name change

In New Brunswick, Canada, a legal name change application with New Brunswick Vital Statistics is required to change your name on official identification and bank accounts. The specific documents you will need to provide depend on your reason for changing your name.

Marriage name change

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you can simply start using your new name without any registration. To change your name with official organisations, you will need to provide a marriage certificate as proof. If you do not already have your marriage certificate, you can download the application form.

Divorce name change

If you are removing your partner's name after a divorce, you will need to show your divorce decree, which should list both your married and former names. If you are not yet divorced, you can still change your name by showing the link between your married and prior names. For example, you can provide your marriage certificate along with your Canadian citizenship certificate or birth certificate showing your former name.

Other name changes

For other types of name changes, such as changing the spelling or order of your names, adding or dropping a name, or taking a new surname that isn't from marriage, you will need to submit a legal name change application with New Brunswick Vital Statistics. The fee for this type of change is $115 for a first name change and $130 for a surname change.

Notifying companies of a name change

The first step is to obtain a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change certificate. Once you have this, you can start notifying companies. Most banks require you to visit a branch in person with your original documents and proof of identification. Other companies may require a certified copy of your documentation, signed by someone in a position of authority, such as a solicitor.

Using a notification service can save time and hassle, as they provide pre-written forms, letters, and emails that can be sent to companies. These services also provide a checklist of companies that need to be notified, so you don't miss anything. Alternatively, you can research and contact each company individually to find out their specific name change procedure. This can be a lengthy process, as each company has its own set of requirements and forms.

It is important to notify companies of your name change as soon as possible to avoid any delays or issues with your records and accounts.

Frequently asked questions