What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Social Security

To change your name on your Social Security record, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), provide proof of your new legal name, and mail or bring the documents to your local Social Security office. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it, or you may get same-day service at some offices if you go in person. You do not need to change your name with Social Security first — you change it with your state (through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), then update Social Security to match.

Social Security does not issue the card itself in all cases anymore. If you already have a card and only your name has changed, Social Security will send you a replacement card by mail at no cost. If you have never had a card or yours was lost, the process is the same but takes longer because they are creating a new record.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a legal document proving your new name — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before Social Security will change your record.
  • Form SS-5 is the only form Social Security accepts for name changes, and you can submit it by mail, in person, or through an appointment you schedule online.
  • Bring your original legal name-change document and a photo ID showing your current name to prove both your old identity and your new one.
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day at some in-person offices, and Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provide.
  • You will need your Social Security number to start the process, so have your current card or a document with your number ready.

Get Your Legal Name-Change Document First

Social Security will not change your name based on your word alone. You need an official document that proves your new legal name. The document you need depends on why your name is changing.

If you married, divorced, or had a legal name change through court, you have the document already. A marriage certificate shows your new married name. A divorce decree or court order shows your new name after divorce. A court order for a legal name change is issued by a judge and is the document you need if you are changing your name for any other reason. Some states call this a "Petition for Change of Name" or similar — your county courthouse can tell you what yours is called and how to get a certified copy.

You need the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you do not have the original, contact the office that issued it: the county clerk for a marriage certificate or court order, or the vital records office for a divorce decree. Getting a certified copy usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail.

Fill Out Form SS-5 and Gather Your Documents

read Form SS-5 from the Social Security website or pick one up at your local Social Security office. The form is straightforward: your current name, your new name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and your address. You do not need to write an explanation — the form itself is the request.

Gather these documents to bring with you or mail with the form:

  • Your original or certified copy of your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
  • A photo ID that shows your current name — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card
  • Your current Social Security card, if you have one

If your photo ID still shows your old name, that is fine — Social Security expects that. The ID proves who you are right now, and the legal document proves what your new name is. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two other documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.

Submit Your Form and Documents in Person or by Mail

You have three ways to submit your request. The fastest is to go to your local Social Security office in person with all your documents. Many offices offer same-day service for name changes, meaning you walk out with your new card the same day. Call ahead or check the Social Security website to see if your office offers this.

If you cannot go in person, you can mail Form SS-5 and your documents to your local Social Security office. Include a copy of your legal name-change document and a copy of your photo ID — do not mail originals. Processing takes about two weeks. You can find your local office address on the Social Security website by entering your zip code.

You can also schedule an appointment online through the Social Security website. Choose "Replace or Change Social Security Card" as your reason, and the system will show you available times at nearby offices. Bring your original documents to the appointment.

What Happens After You Submit

If you submitted in person and your office offers same-day service, you will receive your new card before you leave. If you mailed your form or had an appointment, Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provided on the form. This takes about two weeks.

Social Security will also update your name in their system, which means your earnings record will be under your new name from that point forward. If you have already worked under your old name, those earnings stay on your record — they do not disappear. Your Social Security number stays the same.

If Social Security needs more information, they will call or mail you. Make sure the phone number and address you put on the form are correct so they can reach you.

Update Other Agencies After Social Security

Once you have your new Social Security card, you will need to update your name with other agencies and organizations. This is separate from changing it with Social Security, but it is important to do it so your records match.

Update your name with your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, the IRS (using Form 8822), your state's motor vehicle department, and any other organizations that have your Social Security number on file. Each organization has its own process, but most let you do it online or by phone. Bring your new Social Security card and your legal name-change document as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my name with Social Security if I got married?

No, you do not have to. Changing your name with Social Security is optional. However, if you want your Social Security record to match your legal name, you should change it. This prevents confusion when you file taxes or explore for benefits later.

What if I lost my legal name-change document?

Contact the office that issued it and request a certified copy. For a marriage certificate or court order, that is your county clerk. For a divorce decree, contact your state's vital records office or the court that issued the decree. You will need to pay a fee, usually $10 to $30.

Can I change my name with Social Security if I do not have a photo ID?

Yes. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or insurance policy. Social Security will accept those instead of a photo ID.

How long does it take to get my new Social Security card?

If you go to the office in person and they offer same-day service, you get it that day. If you mail your form or have an appointment, Social Security mails your new card within about two weeks. Call your local office to ask if they do same-day service.

Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only your name on the card changes. Your earnings record and benefits are tied to your number, not your name, so changing your name does not affect them.