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

To change your name on your Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather proof documents, and submit them to your local Social Security office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. The Social Security Administration will issue you a new card with your updated name once they process your request — usually within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and how busy your office is.

You will need to bring original documents or certified copies. The specific documents depend on why your name changed — whether through marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason — but you will always need proof of your current identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency status.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office with Form SS-5 and original or certified copies of your documents.
  • Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) are required for every name change.
  • You will also need to show proof of the name change itself — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or similar document depending on your situation.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks on average, but you can ask for a replacement card to be mailed to you or pick it up in person.

Documents you need to bring

Proof of identity is your first requirement. Acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a school ID, employee ID, or bank statement with your name and address.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency is your second requirement. If you were born in the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a permanent resident card (green card). A copy is not enough — you must bring the original document.

Proof of your name change depends on why your name changed. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you changed it through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you changed it through a court order, bring the court order itself. If you changed your name for another reason, ask your local Social Security office what documents they need — requirements vary slightly by state.

How to find your local Social Security office

Visit ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code to find the office nearest you. The locator shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the same website or by calling the office directly.

Call ahead before you go. Ask whether the office has any specific requirements for your situation — some offices ask you to bring additional documents depending on your state of birth or the type of name change. This saves you a trip if you are missing something.

What happens when you submit your process

The Social Security Administration will review your documents and verify your identity and citizenship status. They will check their records to make sure you do not already have a card under your new name. If everything is in order, they will approve your request and print a new card.

You can ask to pick up your new card in person when it is ready, or have it mailed to you. If you pick it up in person, call the office a few days before to confirm it has arrived. If you have it mailed, it typically arrives within one to two weeks after approval.

What to do if you cannot go in person

If you are unable to visit a Social Security office, you have limited options. Some offices allow a representative to explore on your behalf if you give them a signed, notarized letter authorizing them to do so. The representative must bring the same documents you would bring, plus your letter and their own ID.

If you are homebound or in a care facility, call your local Social Security office and ask whether they can send someone to you. Not all offices offer this service, but some do for people with documented medical reasons they cannot travel.

Name changes through marriage or divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. Some states issue certified copies at the time of marriage; others require you to request one from the vital records office. You can usually order a certified copy online or by mail from the county clerk's office where you were married.

If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree — the final court document that ended your marriage. If your divorce was finalized in another state, bring a certified copy from that state's court. The Social Security office will not accept a photocopy or a document you printed from an online court database.

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 final court order signed by the judge. This is common for people changing their name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. You can get a certified copy from the court clerk's office in the county where the order was issued.

Some states require you to publish your name change in a newspaper before the court will approve it. If your state has this requirement, bring proof of publication along with your court order. The court clerk can tell you what proof the Social Security office will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Social Security card without changing my driver's license first?

Yes. You can change your Social Security card and driver's license in any order. However, many people change their driver's license first because it is often easier to get an appointment at the DMV than at Social Security. Once you have your new Social Security card, you can use it to update other documents like your passport or bank accounts.

What if I lost my birth certificate or cannot get a certified copy?

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born — usually the county clerk or health department. You can order a certified copy by mail or online, and it typically arrives within one to three weeks. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in that country or bring your passport instead, which also proves citizenship.

Do I need to change my name on my Social Security card if I got married but kept my maiden name?

No. Your Social Security card does not need to match your legal name unless you want it to. If you kept your maiden name after marriage, your Social Security card can stay as it is. However, make sure your name is consistent across all your documents — Social Security, taxes, and employment records — to avoid problems.

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

Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though this varies by location. You can ask when you submit your process whether your office is experiencing delays. Some offices are faster than others. You can pick up your card in person when it is ready, or have it mailed to you.

What if the Social Security office says my documents are not acceptable?

Ask the office worker which specific document does not meet their requirements and what alternative they will accept. If you disagree with their decision, ask to speak to a supervisor or call the Social Security Administration's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your options.