Very useful info. Thanks. I forgot that the credit bureau is only a computer driven data collection service and there are very few actual human beings working there with any influence over this process.

Good questions!

The credit bureau will keep your old records, and update under the new name where possible. If they see a connection, your bureau information will be merged. If they don't, you will have two separate bureaus.

So, if you are Bob Smith, and you change your name to Bob Hoosierhead, you will have two unrelated bureaus. Unless you fill out an application (or a creditor reports you) under the same social insurance number. In that case, the bureau will join your records. If you report a date of birth and same address, they *might* join your records.

You are right -- there isn't a lot of information out there. But the credit bureau is just a database receiving thousands of updates every week. The machine does the thinking based on logic rules...

Thanks. If my only obligation is to inform my current creditors what will happen to my old accounts (the ones that are paid off/closed)? Does the credit bureau have an obligation to delete my old files? Will the credit bureau start a new file under my new name?

I apologize for all the questions but there isn't that much information available for this type of thing.

In Canada, if you are changing your surname due to marriage, you have no legal process or requirements, and simply submit your name change to whomever you wish.

If you are otherwise legally changing your name, you probably have an obligation to your creditors to inform them.

You are under no obligation to inform the credit bureau, as it is a separate private business interest with no personal obligations from you to them, and you can decide to inform them or not, as you feel is best.

I will be going through a legal name change soon and I would like to know what my obligations are to my creditors as far as informing them of the change. I realize that I must inform my current creditors (active accounts that I am currently paying on) but I would like to know if it is necessary to inform creditors where the account is closed or has been paid off. Also is it necessary for me to inform the credit bureau directly or do I work solely through my creditors?