You cannot change your name entirely through Social Security's website, but you can start the process online by creating an account and uploading documents

Social Security does not offer a fully online name-change process. You must submit a completed form and supporting documents — either by mail, in person at a local Social Security office, or through a third-party notary service in some states. However, you can create a my Social Security account online to check what name is currently on file and prepare your documents before you submit them.

The fastest route is usually in-person at your nearest Social Security office, where staff can review your documents on the spot and process the change the same day. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your form and documents, though processing takes longer — typically two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security requires a completed Form SS-5 and proof of citizenship, identity, and the legal name change (such as a court order or marriage certificate) — you cannot submit these online.
  • The fastest option is visiting a Social Security office in person with your original documents; staff can process the change when ready and issue a new card within one to two weeks.
  • If you mail your documents, include a photocopy of your ID and keep a copy of everything you send; processing takes two to four weeks.
  • You must change your name with Social Security before or at the same time you update it with the IRS, your employer, and your bank, because mismatched names can delay tax refunds and cause payment problems.

What documents you need to bring or mail

Social Security requires three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of the legal name change. You must provide originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted if you explore in person, though you can mail photocopies if you include a signed statement saying they are true copies.

For proof of citizenship, bring your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID — something with your photo and signature. For proof of the name change, bring a court order (from a legal name-change petition), a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree, depending on why your name changed.

If any document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original. If you are explore by mail and do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate or court order, you can request one from the vital records office in the county where you were born or where the court order was issued — this usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and your original documents. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead or check the Social Security website to see if your office requires one. Bring all three categories of documents listed above.

Staff will review your documents on the spot, make copies, and process the name change when ready. You will receive a receipt showing your new Social Security number (or confirmation that your number stays the same) and an estimate of when your new card will arrive — usually within one to two weeks. If any document is missing or unclear, staff will tell you what you need to bring back.

Bring your original documents, not photocopies. If you have lost a document, ask the office staff what you can do; in some cases they will accept a notarized statement or a certified copy from the issuing agency instead.

explore by mail

Complete Form SS-5 and mail it with photocopies of your documents to the address listed on the form. Include a signed statement saying "I certify that the attached copies are true and correct copies of the originals." Keep a copy of everything you send.

Processing takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation until your new card is mailed to you. If Social Security needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by mail — this can add another two to four weeks to the process.

Do not mail your original documents. If a document gets lost in the mail, you will have to request a replacement from the issuing agency, which takes time. Photocopies are acceptable by mail as long as you include the signed statement.

What happens after Social Security processes your change

Social Security will mail you a new card with your new name within one to two weeks. Your Social Security number does not change unless you requested a new number for a specific reason (such as identity theft). The name change takes effect when ready in Social Security's system, even before the physical card arrives.

You must then update your name with other agencies and organizations: the IRS (using Form 8822-B if you have a tax refund pending), your employer's payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, and your state's motor vehicle department. Mismatched names between Social Security and the IRS can delay tax refunds. Mismatched names with your bank can cause direct deposits and wire transfers to fail.

Keep your old Social Security card until the new one arrives, in case you need to prove your identity during the transition. After the new card arrives, you can destroy the old one.

If you cannot visit an office or mail documents

Some states allow you to use a notary public to certify that your documents are true copies. You can then mail the notarized copies to Social Security instead of originals. This costs $5 to $15 per document at a notary, but it protects you if documents are lost in the mail — you keep the originals and the notary has a record.

Call your local Social Security office to ask whether they accept notarized copies. If they do, have a notary public (not a lawyer, not a witness) certify each document by signing and stamping it. Then mail the notarized copies with your Form SS-5.

Social Security does not offer video appointments or phone-based processing for name changes. Your only options are in-person, by mail, or by mailing notarized copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it with the DMV?

No, but you should do both within a few weeks of each other. If your Social Security name and driver's license name do not match, banks and employers may reject your documents. Start with whichever agency has the shorter wait time in your area.

What if my birth certificate has a different name than what I want to change to?

You will need a court order from a legal name-change petition. Birth certificates cannot be changed retroactively. A family law attorney or your county courthouse can explain the process, which usually costs $200 to $500 and takes four to eight weeks.

Can I change my name if I have an outstanding child support debt or criminal case?

Social Security does not check for these issues when you explore. However, changing your name to evade legal obligations is illegal. If you have a legitimate reason for the name change (marriage, divorce, personal preference), you can proceed, but the court or agency handling your case may object during the legal name-change petition.

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?

If you explore in person, the card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you mail your process, processing takes two to four weeks, and the card arrives one to two weeks after that — so four to six weeks total. During this time, your name change is already active in Social Security's system.

What if I made a mistake on my Form SS-5?

If you have not mailed it yet, fill out a new form. If you have already mailed it, call your local Social Security office and ask whether they received it. If they have not processed it yet, they may be able to return it so you can correct it. If they have already processed it, you will need to submit a new Form SS-5 with the correct information.