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

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 new legal name and proof of identity. Social Security does not change your name on their own — you must request it. The process takes about two weeks once the office receives your completed form and documents.

You do not need to change your name with Social Security before you change it legally (through marriage, court order, or other means), but you should do it soon after your legal name change is final. Your Social Security card is one of the documents many employers, banks, and government agencies use to verify who you are, so mismatches between your legal name and your Social Security record can create problems later.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form SS-5 and bring it in person to a Social Security office — you cannot mail it or submit it online.
  • You need an original or certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • You must also bring a photo ID that matches your current legal name, or two documents that show your name and date of birth if you do not have a photo ID yet.
  • Processing takes about two weeks, and you will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide.
  • If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, Social Security will update your record at no cost.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Social Security Office

Bring the original or a certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. For marriage, that is your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree or final judgment. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You also need proof of identity. A current driver's license, passport, or state ID card works best because it has your photo and your current legal name. If you do not yet have an ID in your new name, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth — for example, a birth certificate and a recent utility bill, or a bank statement and a school transcript. The documents do not have to match each other perfectly, but together they must establish who you are.

Bring your current Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required. If you have changed your name before, bring documentation of those changes as well — Social Security needs to see the full chain of name changes to update their records correctly.

How to Find Your Local Social Security Office and Make an Appointment

Visit ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your city and state, and the website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours one day a week.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are often long — sometimes two to three hours. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, which usually cuts your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. When you call, tell them you need to change your name on your Social Security card. They will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity and may ask you to bring additional documents if your situation is unusual.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can request a replacement card by mail in limited situations — for example, if you live in a remote area or have a disability that makes travel difficult. Call your local office to ask whether you may have access to, and they will mail you the form and instructions.

What Happens at Your Social Security Office Appointment

Bring all your documents and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. A Social Security representative will review your documents, ask you to sign Form SS-5, and take your information. They will ask your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. They may also ask why you changed your name and whether you have changed your name before.

The representative will make copies of your documents and give you a receipt. Keep this receipt — it shows the date you applied and your case number. Your new Social Security card will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within two weeks. You do not need to return to the office to pick it up.

If there is a problem with your documents or your process, Social Security will call you at the phone number you provide. Answer calls from unknown numbers during this time, or check your voicemail regularly. If you miss their call, you may need to reapply.

What to Do If Your Name Change Was Through Marriage or Divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the original or certified divorce decree or final judgment. Social Security will not charge you a fee for this change, and the process is the same as any other name change.

If you were married and later divorced and want to return to a previous name, bring the divorce decree. Social Security will update your record to show your current legal name. If you have changed your name multiple times through marriage and divorce, bring documentation of each change in order — Social Security needs to see the full history.

Timeline and What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process at the Social Security office, processing typically takes about two weeks. Your new card will be mailed to you at the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else — Social Security will send it automatically once they have processed your request.

If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call your local Social Security office and give them your case number (from the receipt you received when you applied). They can check the status of your process and tell you whether there is a delay or a problem.

Once you receive your new card, update your name with your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and any other organization that has your Social Security number on file. You do not have to do this when ready, but it prevents confusion and protects you from identity mix-ups later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on Social Security by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Social Security office in person with your original documents. Social Security does not accept Form SS-5 by mail for name changes, and there is no online option. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment to reduce your wait time.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. This certified copy is what Social Security needs. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the county.

Do I have to change my name with Social Security if I changed it legally?

You are not required to, but you should. If your legal name and your Social Security record do not match, employers may have trouble processing your paycheck, and banks may flag your account. It is easier to update Social Security soon after your legal name change than to fix problems later.

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

There is no fee. Social Security changes your name at no cost whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal means. If someone tells you there is a fee, they are not representing Social Security.

What if I changed my name years ago and never updated Social Security?

You can still update your name at any time. Bring your original or certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change, along with your current ID. Social Security will update your record even if the name change happened many years ago.