Getting a marriage licence

A marriage licence is required to get married in Ontario.

Eligibility

Eligibility

What you need

What you need

Identification

Each applicant must provide two (2) original* and valid* pieces of government-issued identification.

Information listed on both pieces must compliment each other and must be in French or English. If not, an official translation is required.

*If the original documents cannot be provided, certified true copies are also accepted.

Primary ID to establish citizenship must include: (Each applicant must have at least 1 piece of primary identification)

Common examples include: birth certificates, passports, Permanent Resident card, Canadian travel documents (Refugee Travel Document, Certificate of Identity and Record of Immigrant Landing), etc.

Secondary ID to establish identity (photo ID) must include:

Common examples include: Driver’s Licence, Ontario Photo card, National Identity card, Possession and Acquisition License, etc.

Identification that will Not be accepted: SIN cards, library cards, employee/student badges, etc.

Previously married applicants

You must submit official proof of divorce when you apply for a marriage licence. The divorce certificate must also be provided to the in-person appointment.

If you have been divorced in Canada

You must provide the original, or a court-certified copy, of a:

Digital divorce documents are accepted. A printed copy of the digital divorce documents must be presented at a Client Service Centre upon purchase of the marriage licence.

A Decree Nisi, Divorce Order or Judgement will NOT be accepted. These documents must be in French or English. If not, an official translation is required.

A court-certified copy may be obtained from the court office that granted the divorce. If you do not know where your divorce was granted you can contact: Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings,1-613-957-4519.

If you have been divorced outside of Canada (out-of-country divorce)

You must provide a letter of authorization provided by the Office of the Registrar General. This process can take up to 4 weeks.

For more information, contact the Marriage Office at 1-800-461-2156 (toll-free) or visit Service Ontario.

Widowed applicant

No documentation is required for widowed partners.