Name Change on Canadian Passport
If your name changes you will need to apply for a new passport, using the general passport application process. Name changes are not treated as passport renewals so you will not be able to use the simplified application process.
Your name can change in the following situations
- by marriage,
- civil partnership,
- deed poll,
- going back to your maiden name or
- adding a middle name
- If the spelling of your name changes eg from Steven to Stephen
- If your gender has changed
Supporting documents for name change
- birth certificate with new name or
- citizenship certificate issued in the new name
- a marriage certificate; or
- common-law relationship certificate; or
- court order for separation agreement or divorce order/judgement issued by a
- court of law in or outside Canada; or
- certificate to dissolve a registered common-law relationship; or
- resumption of surname certificate.
A new passport is not required in the following situations
You don’t need a new passport if you:
- change your job, title, address or contact details
- change your appearance, eg you grow a beard or dye your hair
- emigrate
- change your marital status but keep your name
- get nationality of another country as well as your Canadian nationality
Travelling Tips when you change your name
- Give yourself sufficient time as the standard process time for applications is 20 business days.
- If your documents in different names/surnames you may encounter problems and delays at border control.
- Remember to take time and be very thorough when completing your application form as any mistakes will cause delays to you application.
- Seems obvious, include the fee. You will be surprised at the amount of applications returned due to the passport fee not been.
- Make sure all travel arrangements reflect the name on the passport, that is tickets, hotel bookings, insurance etc.