How To Change Your Name in BC

Getting married? The best. Changing your name in BC? The absolute WORST.

I went through this after my own very-recent marriage and it was such a headache to try and figure out the order in which to do things, how to do things, what documents you needed where, and what all needed to be changed. I decided to compile a little list together that will hopefully make this a bit easier for new wives, because changing your last name and address is quiiiiite the process.

If you are reading this before you are married, be wise and book everything for your honeymoon with your maiden name. Don’t use your married name until everything is finalized, especially if you are planning to fly anywhere.

1. Everything has to wait until you receive your marriage license in the mail. No real use in starting the process without this very important piece of paper!

2. After you’ve received the marriage certificate, the very first step is changing your name on your BC Care Card. Right now, you don’t even have to call in to do it (although you can at 604-683-7151). You can go right to their website my.gov.bc.ca/msp and go to “New MSP Account Change Request.” It’ll prompt you to change your personal information. You’ll need to upload a photo of your marriage license. The online process is really easy - but they’ll make you wait 7-14 days for the update. Call the number above roughly 24/48 hours after you’ve submitted the request online and ask them to expedite your request so you can make an appointment with ICBC. Have your reference number ready during this call. They will do this for you within seconds, and your Care Card information is done.

3. Once your Care Card name is changed, you can book an appointment with ICBC. You need to change your name and your address on your license. You can book an appointment online at a Driver’s Licensing Center. You’ll need your marriage certificate with you (the real thing, not a photocopy), and two pieces of government ID, and you’ll need to pay for your new license.

4. Once you’ve received a temporary license from ICBC with your new married name and your new address on it, you can go to an Auto Insurance place and change your name on your car insurance. You’ll need to have your temporary license, your marriage license, and your car insurance.

5. Now you can call your doctor and have them update your name and address in their files. Same goes for your work, your gym, your bank(s), your university, your social media.

6. Next you have to call the CRA in order to change your name, your marital status, and your address. You can call them at 604-959-8281 (their website is here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/frequently-asked-questions-individuals/should-you-tell-cra-about-your-change-name.html ) You’ll need to provide your SIN number, the name and address they have on file for you, your birth date, and you’ll need your two most recent tax returns open so they can verify your identity. It’s a pretty quick phone call.

7. Then you have to change your name that’s registered on your SIN number. This one is a bit more tricky. I think technically you can visit a Service Canada Office and do in person with your old SIN number, your marriage certificate, and your ID. You can also apply for it online. I found information on when to change my information here (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/after-applying.html) and this was the link I used to complete my application (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/before-applying.html#Secondary_Documents). You’ll need images of your marriage certificate, your birth certificate, your temporary drivers license, your temporary care card, and a photo containing proof of address (a bill etc.)

8. You’ll also have to apply for a brand new passport. You’ll need your birth certificate, two pieces of ID with your new name on it (so you have to wait until your new drivers license and care card arrive), two passport photos (taken at your local London Drugs), your marriage certificate, a guarantor and two references (who are not family members) and money to pay for the new passport. You can do the application online: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/new-adult-passport/apply-how.html but then you’ll have to mail it in.

Other places to think about is your emails, if you have a student loan, your landlord (if you have one), utility companies, your cell phone company, any store cards that have your name on them, your will (if you have one), your RSP, your paypal/amazon/any other online companies that send you stuff directly to your house, and your voicemail (this one is almost always forgotten).

Chances are that little things will crop up over time that you’ll have forgotten you even signed up for! But I hope this helps your task of changing your last name a little less daunting.

Colin & Veronica - Pitt Lake Engagement Photos

Colin and Veronica and I met at Pitt Lake on one of the *most* beautiful evenings in April! We watched the sun go down as we wandered around the lake and laughed a lot and got to know each other better. I always ask my couples about their relationship story (I love hearing about how you and your love got together, your best - and worst - dates, the proposal stories; tell me aaaall of it, I’m super nosy!) and Colin and Veronica’s was kind of perfect: friends who bonded over mutual competitive streaks and creativity in frisbee-related games. They are so relaxed and happy together and it totally shines through in their photos. You can’t fake this kind of genuine connection and pure joy!

I am very excited to get to photograph their wedding this summer - it’s bound to be even more amazing than our couple hours here were (and they were pretty amazing!)

Mekayla & Derrick - Surrey Wedding Photographer

This was one wedding I could not WAIT to photograph. Mekayla is one of my closest friends, and anyone who knows her knows how kind, loving, and all-around genuine she is. So getting to photograph her wedding to Derrick, the love of her life, was one of the greatest joys of my photography career.

Here are some of my favourite moments from their wedding day:

• Mik’s wedding dress, which was honestly the most perfect dress for her and fit her beautifully. The back of her dress, in particular, is amazing.

• The sweet Yeti’s that Mik and Derrick gave to their bridal party as gifts

• Derrick’s camo tie and pocket square that Mekayla got made specially for him

• Their private and sweet first look at Campbell Valley park in the morning

• The joyful, intimate 50 person wedding at Peace Arch park, which also had the best weather we could’ve asked for in October. Also, there were so many happy tears and emotional moments as they committed their lives to each other.

• Spending time at Glass House Estate Winery with Mik, Derrick, and the rest of the bridal party. I loved it so much - it really brought the day together, allowed everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and it gave Mik and Derrick time to soak in their wedding day.

I honestly had the best day with these two! Derrick and Mekayla are the perfect pair and I could not be happier that the two of them have found each other.

Levi & Beks - Abbotsford Maternity Photographer

Some good looking parents, an adorable baby bump, and a really cute puppy!

Kyle & Hannah - Surrey Wedding Photographer

Kyle and Hannah were married on a beautiful day this past summer. They were beaming all day, and it was so amazing to get to witness and photograph all their joy and love. Congrats, you two!

Tianna - Crescent Beach Grad Photographer

My beautiful cousin graduated, and I had the privilege of getting to photograph her! It was so fun to get to wander around the beach with her and thankfully avoid the rain!

Jenna - Surrey Grad Photography

Enjoy these photos of a beautiful grad celebrating her graduation! It might be a little late due to COVID, but it doesn’t make it any less amazing.

Emma & Nat - UFV Student Photographer

Emma and Nat are best friends doing nursing school together, and they wanted to have some photos to remember this time of their lives! It was SO fun to hang out with them and get to shoot in areas that I’m not as used to. Enjoy the photos of these amazingly cute and smart students - who are going to absolutely crush being nurses.

Cam & Breanna - Aldergrove Family Photographer

Cam and Breanna are some repeat clients (see here for their wedding *all the heart eyes*) and to get to photograph them again is such a joy - but this time was especially great because their little family has grown! Kingston is so adorable and captivating and it made capturing them all the more enjoyable.

Cody & Rebekah - Stanley Park Photographer

These two came to Vancouver to celebrate their ten year anniversary! It was the sweetest session at Stanley Park. I loved getting to walk around by the water with them, hearing about their love story, and photographing the two of them together.