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Passports

Change the Name on Your Canadian Passport

To change the name on your Canadian passport, apply for a new passport. You cannot use the renewal form. Include a document that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce order or legal name change certificate, and ID that shows your new name.

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After marriage or a common-law relationship

Include one of these: a marriage certificate, a common-law relationship certificate, or another official document that shows the last name you want.

Originals or copies are accepted. They must be in English or French, and do not need a guarantor's signature.

After a divorce or separation

Include a divorce order, separation agreement, certificate dissolving a registered common-law relationship, or a resumption of surname certificate.

After a legal name change or adoption

Your ID must show your new first and last names.

If your proof of citizenship still shows your old name, send it with the legal name change certificate, court order or adoption order that shows both names.

Documents not in English or French need a certified translation.

Book travel in your passport name

Airlines and border officers check that your ticket matches your passport. Carrying a marriage certificate may not be enough.

If you travel before your new passport arrives, book the trip in the name on your current passport.

Step by step

  1. Get ID in your new name first.

    Your supporting ID must show your new last name. Update your driver's licence or provincial ID card before you apply.

  2. Gather a document that explains the change.

    For example, a marriage certificate, common-law certificate, divorce order, resumption of surname certificate, legal name change certificate or adoption order.

  3. Fill in a new passport application.

    Use the new adult form (PPTC 153 in Canada) or the child form. A guarantor and references are needed, as for any new passport.

  4. Add proof of citizenship and your current passport.

    Your proof of citizenship can show your old or new name. Include your current passport if it is still valid.

  5. Apply in person or by mail and pay the new passport fee.

Phone numbers

Passport Program (Canada and U.S.)

1-800-567-6868

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm local time (Newfoundland 9 am to 5:30 pm). Closed on statutory holidays.

Related

Apply for Your First Adult Passport in Canada For a first adult passport (or if you can't renew), you need proof of Canadian citizenship, an identity document, two identical photos, a guarantor and two references. A 10-year passport costs $163.50. Apply in person or by mail; standard processing is 10 to 20 business days. Passport References and Guarantor: Who Can Sign Every passport application needs two references: adults who have known you for at least 2 years and are not family. New passports also need a guarantor: a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, who has known you for 2 years and holds a 5- or 10-year Canadian passport that is valid or expired less than a year ago. Renewals don't need a guarantor. Canadian Passport Forms: Which One Do You Need? Adults renewing in Canada or the U.S. use form PPTC 054. Adults applying for a new passport in Canada use PPTC 153. Children under 16 applying in Canada use PPTC 155. Download a new form from canada.ca every time you apply. Proof of Citizenship for a Canadian Passport: What Counts For a first or new passport, people born in Canada send their original provincial or territorial birth certificate. People born abroad send a Canadian citizenship certificate or another accepted certificate. Renewals do not need proof of citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew my passport with a new name?

No. A name change always needs a new passport application, not a renewal.

Do I need a new birth certificate after marriage?

No. Your proof of citizenship can show your previous name.

Can I travel on my old passport after getting married?

Yes, while it is valid, as long as your tickets are in the same name as the passport.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.