What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card

To change your name on your Social Security card, you submit Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office, along with proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. Social Security does not change your name on their records until you show them official documentation — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document that proves your name is now different from what they have on file.

The process itself is straightforward: you gather the documents, fill out the form, and bring everything in person. There is no online option for name changes. Social Security will issue you a new card with your updated name, usually within two to three weeks after they receive your process, though timing varies by office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring Form SS-5 and proof of your legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) to your local Social Security office in person.
  • You also need to bring one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your current identity.
  • Social Security will not process a name change without the legal document showing the name change was official.
  • Your new card typically arrives within two to three weeks, though some offices may take longer depending on how busy they are.

Documents you must bring to the Social Security office

Bring three categories of documents: the process form, proof of your legal name change, and proof of your identity. For the process, read or request Form SS-5 from the Social Security website or pick one up at your local office.

For proof of your legal name change, bring the original or a certified copy of whichever document applies to your situation. If you were married, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring that order. If you are a transgender person who obtained a court order for a name change, that order is what Social Security needs. Birth certificates showing a name change are also acceptable if your state issued one.

For proof of identity, bring one government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The name on this ID does not have to match your new name yet — Social Security understands you are in the process of updating your records.

How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment

Visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool to find the Social Security office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for offices in your area.

You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, but calling ahead to schedule one is faster. When you call, tell them you need to change your name on your Social Security card and ask what documents they need you to bring. This confirms that your local office has everything in stock and reduces your wait time.

Some Social Security offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different office in your area — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.

What happens after you submit your process

After you hand in your Form SS-5 and documents, a Social Security employee will review them on the spot to make sure everything is there and correct. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you right away and you can fix it before you leave. If everything is complete, they will give you a receipt showing the date you applied.

Social Security will then process your process and mail your new card to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the card to arrive. If you need to update your address on your Social Security record before the card arrives, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can change it over the phone.

If your card does not arrive within four weeks, call Social Security to check on the status. Keep your receipt from the office visit so you can reference your process date.

Name changes due to marriage or divorce

If you changed your name because you got married, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. Some states issue certified copies for a small fee; others provide them free. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married.

If you changed your name because of a divorce, bring your divorce decree — the final court document that ended your marriage. This document shows your new legal name. If you do not have a copy, contact the court that handled your divorce and request one.

You do not need to change your name on your Social Security card when ready after marriage or divorce. You can do it whenever you are ready, and Social Security will backdate your name change to the date of the marriage or divorce certificate.

Name changes through court order

If you changed your name through a legal name change petition (sometimes called a "name change by court order"), bring the original or certified copy of the court order. This is common for transgender people, people changing their name for personal reasons, or people correcting errors on their birth certificate.

The court order is the only document Social Security needs to process your name change. Make sure the order is signed by a judge and shows the effective date of your new name. If you lost your copy, contact the court that issued the order and request a certified copy.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Social Security requires you to appear in person for a name change — there is no exception for mail-in applications or online processing. However, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about a home visit. Social Security employees can visit your home in some cases, though availability depends on your location and the office's resources.

If you are outside the United States, you can visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to explore for a name change on your Social Security card. Contact the embassy or consulate in your country to ask about their process and what documents they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name on my Social Security card before I change it on my driver's license?

No. You can change them in any order. Many people change their driver's license first because the DMV is often easier to reach than Social Security. However, Social Security recommends updating your record as soon as possible so your name matches across government agencies.

What if my legal name change document is from another country?

You can use a foreign court order or marriage certificate, but Social Security may ask you to provide a certified English translation. Contact your local Social Security office before you visit to ask whether they need a translation and what format they accept.

Can someone else submit my name change process for me?

No. You must appear in person at the Social Security office. Social Security requires you to sign the process in front of an employee and show your photo ID to verify your identity.

Will changing my name on my Social Security card affect my benefits or work history?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. All your earnings history, benefits, and records remain connected to your number, regardless of what name appears on your card. The name change is purely administrative.

How much does it cost to change my name on my Social Security card?

There is no fee. Social Security does not charge for name changes or for issuing a replacement card. If someone tells you there is a cost, they are not representing Social Security.