Choosing a surname after marriage or entry into a common-law relationship

As a married person or a person living in a common-law relationship, you have a number of options for choosing your surname.

• You may retain your present surname;
• You may assume your spouse's surname or common-law partner's surname;
• You may combine your present surname with your spouse's or common-law partner's surname, with or without a hyphen (it does not matter which surname you use first); or
• You may assume your spouse's or common-law partner's surname and retain your present surname as a given, middle name.

All options apply equally to men and women.

If you were born in Manitoba, your birth certificate does not change to your married name or common-law partner's name.

If you are living common-law, it will be necessary to file a declaration with Vital Statistics in order to change your surname. You will be charged a fee to obtain a Certificate of Election of Surname that will provide proof of your new name.