Government Documents

Prior to getting married in PEI couples must obtain a marriage licence. There are multiple locations across the Island where people can book an appointment to apply. Once approved, licences are issued on the spot so there is no wait time for processing. A marriage licence is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Note: Couples can also apply, as part of the licensing process and for an additional fee, to receive their official marriage certificate once the marriage takes place and is registered instead of applying for the certificate separately at a later date.

Issues marriage certificates, a legal record of a marriage that took place in PEI. The certificate may be used as proof of marriage.

Online list of all currently registered non-denominational marriage commissioners in PEI.

Couples planning to marry must make arrangements with a marriage commissioner and set a wedding date and location before they can apply for a marriage licence.

Individuals residing in PEI can apply to have their name legally changed. When the process is complete, the individual will receive a Change of Name Certificate. The new name will appear on any birth certificates issued in PEI after the change of name process is complete.

Changing a surname for marriage does not require a legal change of name unless wanting to change the name on a birth certificate. A marriage certificate can be used to change identification documents.

Issues death certificates for individuals who die in PEI. Certificates are official documents and are needed to settle the affairs of the deceased person.

Cause of death will not be included on certificate until 50 years after the death occurs except under specific circumstances explained in the Vital Statistics Act.

People born in PEI can apply to change their gender designation as it is recorded with Vital Statistics.

Note: A new birth certificate is not automatically issued as part of this process. Once gender designation process is complete, people can apply separately to receive a new birth certificate if they wish.

Parents who give birth in PEI are required by law to register the birth with Vital Statistics. This process happens automatically for babies born in hospital but parents planning to give birth at home are responsible for registering their child. Or if information is incomplete at the time of hospital discharge, parents must complete the birth registration.

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine digit number which is needed to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.