Ontario Marriage Licence - Special Requirements FAQ

Q GETTING REMARRIED IN ONTARIO AFTER DIVORCE / ANNULMENT OBTAINED FROM A JURISDICTION OUTSIDE CANADA?
A If the previous marriage of either party ended in divorce or annulment outside Canada, you must obtain an "Authorization to Issue a Marriage Licence" IN ADVANCE from the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay, Ontario before you can purchase a marriage licence at any location in Ontario.

Q How long / where is this authorization valid?
A Once issued, the authorization is valid anywhere in Ontario for a period of three months from the date it is issued, and must be presented to the issuer of marriage licences at the time you attend to purchase the licence.

Q How long does it take to get an "Authorization to Issue a Marriage Licence"?
A Usual time is several weeks from the date that all proper documentation is received by the office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and if ALL required documentation is properly submitted, including a written opinion from an Ontario Lawyer who has reviewed the foreign Divorce documentation.

Q What documentation is required to get the authorization?

1. A completed Marriage Licence application, signed by both parties. (we can supply the form)
2. A signed Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce/annulment. (we can supply the form)
3. An ORIGINAL or COURT-CERTIFIED COPY of each decree, final judgment, or final divorce document granted outside Canada
   NOTE: a "Court-certified copy" means a copy certified by the proper Court officer in the jurisdiction where the divorce / annulment was granted, bearing the ORIGINAL stamp or seal by that Court officer. A PHOTOCOPY OF A CERTIFIED COPY IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! It must be either an ORIGINAL, or a COURT-CERTIFIED COPY.
4. If the documents listed at #3 (above) are in a language other than English or French, include a translated copy together with an affidavit sworn by the translator. (we can supply the form)
5. A written legal opinion from an Ontario Lawyer, giving reasons why the foreign divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. (we can supply this letter)

We can help you satisfy any special requirements AND supply the required Ontario lawyer's letter of opinion AND the translator's affidavit form.