What You Need to Do

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. The Social Security Administration does not change your name in their records based on what you tell them—they require official documents showing the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that created the new name. Once they receive your complete process, processing typically takes one to two weeks.

You do not need to visit an office in person for most name changes. You can mail your documents to your local Social Security office, and many offices now accept applications by appointment if you prefer to submit them in person. Either way, you will receive a new card in the mail once your name change is processed.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 is the only form the Social Security Administration accepts for name changes, and you must include official proof of your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof of name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers—a driver's license or other ID showing your new name is not enough.
  • You must also provide proof of identity, such as a current passport, driver's license, or state ID card.
  • Mailing your process is usually faster than visiting an office, since you avoid wait times, and processing takes one to two weeks from receipt.
  • Your new card will arrive by mail; you do not pick it up at the office.

Documents You Need to Gather

Before you fill out Form SS-5, collect three types of documents: your legal name-change document, proof of your current identity, and proof of your citizenship or work authorization. The Social Security Administration has strict rules about what counts as proof, so getting the right documents the first time prevents delays.

For proof of your legal name change, bring the original or a certified copy of one of these: a court order showing the name change, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, an adoption order, or a court order for a name change (which some states issue separately from a divorce). A photocopy of your marriage license is not the same as a certified copy—the document must have an official seal or stamp from the court or vital records office. If you are unsure whether your copy is certified, call the court or vital records office that issued it.

For proof of identity, the Social Security Administration accepts a current U.S. passport, a state-issued driver's license, a state ID card, or a military ID. The document must not be expired, and it must show your photo. If you do not have any of these, you can use a school ID, employee ID, or tribal ID, but the Social Security office may ask for additional documents. For proof of citizenship or work authorization, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.

How to Fill Out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is a one-page form available on the Social Security Administration website. read it, print it, and fill it out by hand in black or blue ink—do not use pencil. You will need your current Social Security number, which appears on your current card or in any Social Security statement you have received.

The form asks for your full legal name (your new name), date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, and your current address. It also asks why you are requesting a new card—select "Legal name change" from the dropdown or write it in the reason field. Sign and date the form. Do not leave any fields blank; if a question does not explore to you, write "N/A."

You do not need to notarize the form or have it witnessed. The Social Security Administration does not require a signature from anyone else, only from you.

Where to Send Your process

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. The website will show you the address to mail your documents to. Include Form SS-5, your name-change document (original or certified copy), proof of identity, and proof of citizenship. Put everything in an envelope and mail it to the address listed for your local office.

If you prefer not to mail original documents, bring them to your local Social Security office in person during business hours. You can schedule an appointment through the website or by calling. An office staff member will review your documents, make copies, and return the originals to you on the spot. This method lets you keep your original documents and confirm that the office received everything before you leave.

Do not send your documents to the national Social Security Administration office in Baltimore. Mail goes to your local office, which processes it faster. If you mail to the wrong address, your process will be delayed while it is forwarded.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the Social Security Administration receives your complete process, they will update your name in their records and mail you a new card. This process usually takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter or email—the new card arriving in the mail is your confirmation that the change went through.

If your process is incomplete or the Social Security Administration needs more information, they will call you at the phone number you provided on the form. This is why it is important to include a phone number where you can be reached during business hours. If you do not hear from them within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your process.

Your old card is no longer valid once you receive the new one. You can destroy it or keep it for your records—the Social Security Administration does not require you to return it. However, you should update your name with other agencies and organizations that use your Social Security number, such as your employer, bank, and insurance companies.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your process

The most common reason applications are delayed is submitting a photocopy of a name-change document instead of a certified copy. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the court or vital records office and is notarized or signed by an official. If you are not sure whether your copy is certified, contact the office that issued it before you mail your process.

Another frequent mistake is leaving fields blank on Form SS-5. The Social Security Administration will not process an incomplete form and will contact you to fill in the missing information, which adds one to two weeks to your timeline. Read through the form twice before you mail it.

Mailing your documents to the wrong address also causes delays. Always use the address for your local Social Security office, not the national office. If you are unsure which office is yours, use the office locator on ssa.gov.

If You Changed Your Name Through Marriage or Divorce

If you changed your name because you got married, bring your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your old name and your new name. If you changed your name because of a divorce, bring your original or certified copy of the divorce decree. Some states issue a separate name-change order with the divorce decree—if yours did, bring both documents.

If you got married or divorced outside the United States, you will need to bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a translator. The Social Security Administration will not accept a translation you did yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after a name change?

Processing usually takes one to two weeks from the date the Social Security Administration receives your complete process. If you mail your documents, add three to five business days for mail delivery. If you submit your process in person at a Social Security office, processing begins when ready.

Can I use my old Social Security card while I wait for the new one?

Your old card is still valid until your new card arrives. You can continue to use it for work, banking, and other purposes. Once you receive the new card, the old one is no longer valid and should be destroyed.

Do I have to go to a Social Security office in person?

No. You can mail your process and documents to your local Social Security office. Mailing is often faster than visiting in person because you avoid office wait times. If you prefer to submit in person, you can schedule an appointment through the Social Security Administration website.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the vital records office or court in the county or state where you were married or divorced. They can issue you a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $10 and $25. This process typically takes one to two weeks. Order it as soon as possible so you do not delay your Social Security card process.

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

No. Your Social Security number stays the same, and all your earnings history and benefits remain attached to that number. Changing the name on your card straightforward updates the name associated with your account in Social Security Administration records.