What You Need to Do at Social Security
To change your name at Social Security, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), bring proof of your legal name change and proof of identity to your local Social Security office, and submit them in person. Social Security does not process name changes by mail or online. You will receive a new card in the mail within one to two weeks.
The name change itself — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — happens outside Social Security. Once that change is official in your state, Social Security updates their records to match. You cannot change your name at Social Security before your legal name change is complete.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5, proof of your legal name change, and a photo ID.
- Proof of legal name change means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate — the document that made the change official in your state.
- Social Security will not mail you a new card until they receive and process your documents at the office.
- A new Social Security card arrives in one to two weeks; your number stays the same.
What Documents to Bring
Bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. For marriage, that is your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree showing your new name. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order. If you changed your name through a state vital records office, bring the amended birth certificate.
You also need a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate, bank statement, utility bill, or lease showing your current name and address.
Bring your current Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required. If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents showing each change in order.
How to Find Your Local Social Security Office
Go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. The site shows all offices near you, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Most offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the same site or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office accepts walk-ins. Some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days. If you cannot reach an office by phone, the online locator shows a contact option for each location.
What Happens at the Office
A Social Security representative will review your documents, check that your legal name change is complete, and fill out Form SS-5 with you. They will take your photo for the new card (unless you are under 18 or over 75, in which case no photo is required). You will sign the form and receive a receipt.
The office sends your documents to Social Security's processing center. Your new card is printed and mailed to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else — the card arrives on its own. Your Social Security number does not change; only the name on the card and in their system changes.
Timeline and What to Expect
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date you visit the office. If you need the card faster, ask the representative whether expedited processing is available in your state; some states offer it for an additional fee, though this is rare.
Once your new card arrives, use it for work, banking, and other purposes that require your Social Security card. Your old card is no longer valid. You do not have to destroy it, but you should not use it.
If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and the date you visited the office ready.
If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person
Social Security requires an in-person visit for name changes. If you are homebound or unable to travel, call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. A representative may be able to arrange a home visit in some cases, though this is not may provide and depends on your location and circumstances.
If you are outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can help you submit documents and may be able to forward them to Social Security on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name at Social Security before I can use my new name at work?
No. You can use your legal name at work, with your bank, and elsewhere as soon as your legal name change is official — before you visit Social Security. However, your employer's records and tax documents will show your old name until Social Security updates their system, which can cause confusion on paychecks and tax forms.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married or divorced. They can issue a certified copy for a fee, usually between $10 and $30. The Social Security office will accept a certified copy in place of the original.
Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same for life. Only the name associated with that number changes in Social Security's records and on your new card.
How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?
One to two weeks from the date you visit the office. Mail delivery times vary by location. If you have not received it after three weeks, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Can I change my name at Social Security online or by mail?
No. Social Security requires you to visit an office in person with original or certified documents. They do not process name changes by mail, phone, or online.