You need a new Social Security card after a legal name change
When you legally change your name—through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process—your Social Security card still shows your old name. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not automatically update it. You have to request a replacement card yourself, and the process is straightforward: you fill out one form, gather documents that prove your legal name change and identity, and mail or deliver them to your local Social Security office.
The card itself is free. You cannot do this online or by phone—you must submit documents in person or by mail. Most people receive their new card within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and how busy your local office is.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) and submit it with proof of your legal name change and proof of identity.
- Proof of legal name change means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing the name change was legal.
- You can submit your documents by mail to your local Social Security office or go in person; you cannot do this online or by phone.
- The new card is free and usually arrives within two to four weeks, though timing depends on your location and current processing volume.
- Your Social Security number does not change—only the name printed on the card updates.
What documents you need to bring or mail
You need three things: the completed Form SS-5, proof of your legal name change, and proof of your identity. Form SS-5 is available on the SSA website (ssa.gov) or at your local Social Security office. You can print it and fill it out by hand, or fill it out online and print it.
Proof of legal name change depends on why you changed your name. If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring that order. If you are a transgender person who changed your name through a court order or vital records amendment, bring whichever document your state issued. The document must be an official copy—not a photocopy you made yourself—and it must show both your old name and your new name.
Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate, utility bill, or bank statement. The SSA website lists all acceptable documents. Your identity document does not have to show your new name yet—your old name is fine, because you are proving who you are, not that the name change happened.
Where to submit your documents
You have two options: mail your documents or go to your local Social Security office in person. To find your local office, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," enter your zip code, and you will see the address, phone number, and hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but some have different hours, so check before you go.
If you mail your documents, send them to the address listed for your local office. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, phone number, and a brief explanation that you are requesting a replacement card due to a legal name change. Keep copies of everything you send. Mail typically takes five to ten business days to arrive, so add that to the processing time.
If you go in person, bring the original documents (or certified copies) plus one copy of each. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check your local office's website or call ahead to see if appointments are required or recommended.
How long the process takes
Once the SSA receives your documents, processing usually takes two to four weeks. This is not a may provide—some offices are faster, some slower, depending on how many applications they are handling. If you submitted by mail, add the time it takes for your envelope to arrive.
You can check the status of your process by calling your local Social Security office directly. Have your Social Security number ready. Do not call the national SSA phone line (1-800-772-1213) for status updates; they cannot track individual card applications. Your local office can tell you where your process is in the queue.
What happens if you lose documents or cannot find them
If you lost your marriage certificate or divorce decree, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the event was recorded. For a marriage, that is usually the county where you were married. For a divorce, it is the county where the divorce was finalized. You can often request certified copies by mail, phone, or online, though fees vary by county (usually $10 to $30 per copy).
If you changed your name through a court order and cannot locate the order, contact the court clerk's office in the county where the order was issued. They can provide a certified copy. If you are a transgender person and your state allows you to amend your birth certificate, you can request an amended birth certificate from your state's vital records office instead of a court order.
If you do not have any government-issued photo ID, you can still explore. Bring two or three non-photo documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or tax return. The SSA will accept a combination of these.
What to do if your process is denied or delayed
Denials are rare if you submit the correct documents. The most common reason for a delay is a missing or unclear document. If the SSA needs more information, they will contact you by mail. Read the letter carefully—it will tell you exactly what is missing and where to send it.
If you submitted documents by mail and have not heard anything after six weeks, call your local Social Security office. They can look up your process and tell you whether it is still being processed or whether something went wrong. If documents were lost in the mail, you may need to resubmit.
If the SSA denies your process, the denial letter will explain why. The most common reasons are that your name-change document was not official (for example, a photocopy instead of a certified copy) or that your identity document was expired or not acceptable. You can reapply with corrected documents.
Your Social Security number stays the same
Your nine-digit Social Security number does not change when you change your name. Only the name printed on the card updates. This means your work history, tax records, and benefits all stay connected to the same number. You do not have to notify your employer, bank, or anyone else that your card is being replaced—they can keep using your old Social Security number, because it is still yours.
However, you may want to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and other organizations for your own records. This is separate from the Social Security card replacement and is not required by the SSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on Social Security without a court order?
It depends on why you are changing your name. If you married, you do not need a court order—your marriage certificate is enough. If you divorced, your divorce decree is enough. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you typically need a court order from a judge. Some states allow transgender people to amend their birth certificate without a court order; an amended birth certificate counts as proof of legal name change.
What if I changed my name years ago and never updated my Social Security card?
You can still do it now. Bring your original name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate) plus proof of identity. The SSA does not have a time limit on when you can request a replacement card after a legal name change.
Do I need to bring my old Social Security card?
No. If you have it, you can bring it, but it is not required. If you lost it, you can still explore for a replacement. Just tell the SSA that you lost the original card when you submit your process.
Can my spouse or family member submit the documents for me?
No. You must submit the documents yourself, either in person or by mail. If you mail them, you can have someone else mail the envelope, but the documents must come from you. If you are unable to go to the office in person due to a disability or illness, call your local office to ask about alternatives.
Will my new card have a different number or expiration date?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Social Security cards do not have expiration dates, so your new card will not have one either. The only thing that changes is the name printed on the front.