A GRACEFUL GUIDE FOR NEWLYWEDS


In today’s modern love stories, not every couple chooses to take on a shared last name -- and that’s absolutely beautiful. But for those who do decide to carry one name forward, the process of legally changing it comes with its fair share of to-dos. To help you transition with ease (and elegance), here’s your go-to checklist for updating your identity:


First Things First

☐ Marriage Certificate (a certified copy from your province or territory -- not just the license you signed on your wedding day);

☐ Photo Identification (your existing ID -- this will be required at every update step);


Legal Identity Documents

☐ Social Insurance Number (SIN) – Update with Service Canada;

☐ Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Registration – Provincial registry (ServiceOntario, Service Alberta, etc.);

☐ Health Card – Provincial health agency (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, AHS);

☐ Passport – Submit application with proof of name change;

☐ Voter Registration – Elections Canada;


Financial Institutions

☐ Bank Accounts;

☐ Credit Cards;

☐ Loan Providers – Mortgage, car loans, student loans, etc.;

☐ Investment Accounts – RRSP, TFSA, mutual funds;

☐ Employer Payroll & Work Benefits;

☐ Canada Revenue Agency (CRA);


Insurance & Benefits

☐ Health Insurance (Provincial & Private);

☐ Life Insurance;

☐ Home and Auto Insurance;

☐ Employer/Group Insurance Plans;


Home & Utilities

☐ Mortgage or Lease Agreements;

☐ Property Title (if applicable);

☐ Utility Accounts – Hydro, gas, internet, cell phone, etc.;

☐ Auto-Pay & Subscription Services – Review account names and billing;


Travel & Rewards

☐ Frequent Flyer Accounts;

☐ Hotel Loyalty Programs;

☐ Upcoming Travel Bookings – Ensure tickets reflect your new name;

☐ Global Entry/NEXUS Card (if applicable);


Legal Documents

☐ Will & Living Will;

☐ Power of Attorney;

☐ Life Directives;


Personal Identity

☐ Email Address & Signature;

☐ Voicemail Greeting;

☐ Work & Personal Profiles (Zoom, Slack, etc.);


Social Media & Online Accounts

☐ Facebook;

☐ Instagram;

☐ LinkedIn;

☐ Pinterest, TikTok, X (Twitter), etc.;

☐ Online Shopping Accounts – Amazon, Etsy, etc.;

☐ Streaming Services – Netflix, Spotify, etc.;

☐ Magazine or Subscription Boxes;


Bonus Tips

☐ Order Extra Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate -- Many updates require originals;

☐ Keep a Folder with photocopies of everything you’ve submitted or changed;

☐ Make a Master List of Accounts -- This helps you track which ones you’ve updated.


Changing your name is a personal choice -- and if it’s the right one for you, I hope this checklist makes the process feel a little less daunting and a lot more graceful! You’re not just changing a name -- you’re honouring a new chapter in your love story.