Taking the last name? - Vancouver Wedding Forum

snagglepuss · 2006-04-26, 08:21 PM

Silly question... We just got our marriage license and don't know how the whole name change thing works. After the papers are signed and sent away to Vital Statistics, do I have to wait until I get the marriage certificate until I can take my husbands last name? That could be weeks... Weird? Anyway, and advice appreciated! Thanks.

mrsmacdonald · 2006-04-28, 08:57 PM

your interim marriage licence is enough to change your licence and your bank information (at least it was at my bank) I did have to wait until I got our marriage licence to change my medical information (care card) though. HTH

snagglepuss · 2006-04-29, 01:19 AM

so is that the one that I got the other day? We are getting married on June 03 and we just got the marriage license the other day. Should I take that one now and get it changed? Or do I wait unitl after the wedding. I understand that our minister must take it after the ceremony and send it to vital stat, so we wont have anything to take away with us. Please help.... I am thoughoughly confused!!!

beleebala · 2006-04-29, 10:58 AM

I wonder how many people keep their own last name after marriage nowadays.

mrsmacdonald · 2006-04-30, 08:02 AM

You can't take that marriage licence, all that says is that you are planning on getting married. You need the one that the marriage commissioner gives you after the ceremony. HTH

snagglepuss · 2006-05-01, 10:30 AM

I spoke with our minister about it, and he said that there is nothing that I get to take with me from the ceremony (paper) wise. He says that he can write up a little certificate but it is not valid for ANYTHING! I am so confused!!!! I have spoken to so many people and they say different things.

What does this piece of paper look like that your commissioner gave you? Was it an official document? My minister says that we have to wait the 3-6 weeks for the marriage certificate to come from vital stats. Then I can get everything changed??? By why should I have to wait so long? We are getting married after all!!!!!!!!!! I am so confused. If anyone could share how they did it, I would appreciate it.

Thanks guys.

admin · 2006-05-01, 11:54 AM

Hi,

I guess this page answers your question:

http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/name/index.html

You don't need any doc!! However, this is more confusing. So, I don't need any doc to change my surname on my bank account, driver's license, will, school report ... to anything, anytime!!

However, please note the requirement below for hypenated surnames!

Using A Maiden Surname Or Married Name
After marriage, you can choose to continue using your own surname, or you can start using your spouse's surname. Changing to your spouse's surname does not constitute or require a legal change of name under the Name Act.
A spouse may use his or her surname before the marriage, at birth or by adoption. A spouse can also use the surname of his or her spouse by marriage.
At any time, you can use your original surname or maiden name again, and you do not need to apply for a legal change of name.
After a divorce, a person may use their name at birth or married surname.

After marriage, you can choose to use your own or your spouse's surname. Getting married does not result in a legal change of name or automatic change to your identification or records. To use hyphenated surnames, a legal Change of Name is required. To change your identification, please contact each Agency directly.

snagglepuss · 2006-05-01, 10:59 PM

Ok, so just so I know it is clear... I do not need any document in any shape or form to change my drivers license, bank account or anything else? I don't need a marriage certificate or anything to do that? It is all done by me just going in and saying "Hey I need to change my name on this account?" That seems pretty easy.... I will give it a go when we get hitched next month. Thanks

admin · 2006-05-02, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snagglepuss

Ok, so just so I know it is clear... I do not need any document in any shape or form to change my drivers license, bank account or anything else? I don't need a marriage certificate or anything to do that? It is all done by me just going in and saying "Hey I need to change my name on this account?" That seems pretty easy.... I will give it a go when we get hitched next month. Thanks

It is not in the Law, however, banks may have their own policy. ICBC needs a marriage certificate. http://www.icbc.com/licensing/lic_getlic_id_reqs.asp.