How to Change a Name After Marriage in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, Canada, only those who are 19 years of age or older and born in Nova Scotia can apply for a name change. (You're also eligible if you're 19 or older and have been living in Nova Scotia for at least a year.) If you're married, you must publically announce your intent to make a name change and then submit a name change application for you or your spouse through the Vital Statistics Office of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
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Things You'll Need
- Birth certificate or immigration documents
- Name change application
- Consent of spouse form
- Order of the court (optional)
- Marriage certificate (optional)
Instructions
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1
Contact the Nova Scotia Royal Gazette (see Resources) to publish an advertisement-style notice of your intent to make a legal name change as the Province of Nova Scotia requires that applicants make a formal announcement within one year prior to the date of application.
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2
Visit the Vital Statistics Office of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to obtain the paperwork that you need to make a name change:
Vital Statistics Office
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
Joseph Howe Building
Ground Floor
1690 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3J9
CanadaPaperwork includes a name change application and/or consent of spouse form—unless you have an order of the court providing consent to the name change.
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3
Fill out the documentation. Complete each section of the application and/or consent form as instructed with clear, legible handwriting. Make certain that your spouse signs and dates any required areas as needed.
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4
Submit the application, form or court order, supporting documentation (birth certificate or immigration documents if born in another country; and/or marriage certificate if married in another province) and any applicable fees to the Vital Statistics Office of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations in person at the address in Step 1, by fax (1-902-424-0678) or via post to:
Vital Statistics
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
P.O. Box 157
Halifax, NS B3J 2M9
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Tips & Warnings
If you have any questions about the application and/or consent form, call the Vital Statistics Office of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (AST)/Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT) Monday through Friday (except holidays) at 1-902-424-4381 or toll free within Nova Scotia at 1-877-848-2578.
If you were born or married outside of Nova Scotia, don’t forget to apply for a new birth or marriage certificate in the applicable province after the Vital Statistics Offices adds your new name of the Change of Name Register.
