Previously divorced?

Note first that we are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. The information here was current at time of writing but may have changed. Please contact a lawyer of your choosing for current and complete information.

• Canadian-issued divorces will require the original divorce decree (not a copy). No attorney letter required.
• If either party's previous marriage ended in divorce outside of Canada, authorization from the Registrar General is required before a marriage licence may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants, or a lawyer representing them, must submit the following to: The Office of the Registrar General, P.O. Box 4600, 189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay ON   P7B 6L8
  • A completed marriage application form, signed by both applicants (on line at http://www.tdbab.com/MarriageLicence.pdf )
  • A certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce or Annullment from the jurisdiction where the divorce was granted sealed by the court. If the divorce is in another language, include a certified translation
  • A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorcee, signed by both applicants (available on-line at www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/pdf/52KSKU.pdf )
  • A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized by the Province of Ontario.
  Maill or Courier this to:

Ministry of Consumer & Business Services
Registration Division
Office of the Registrar General
PO Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay ON   P7B 6L8
1-800-461-2156

Allow about six weeks for the whole process, if divorced outside of Canada.