You need a new Social Security card when your legal name changes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not change your name for you. You change your legal name first — through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — and then you tell Social Security about it. The SSA updates their record and issues a new card with your new name. The process takes about two weeks once you submit the right documents, and it costs nothing.

You do not need to visit a Social Security office in person. You can mail your documents to your local office, or in some cases use an online service. The key is having the correct proof of your legal name change before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security requires legal proof that your name changed — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before they will issue a new card.
  • You must also bring or mail a current government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • You can submit documents by mail to your local Social Security office or, in some states, through an online portal on ssa.gov.
  • A replacement card typically arrives within two weeks of the SSA receiving all required documents.
  • You will need to update your name separately with your employer, bank, insurance company, and other organizations — Social Security does not notify them.

What documents you need to bring or mail

Social Security requires three categories of documents: proof of your legal name change, proof of citizenship, and proof of identity. You must provide originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of your legal name change, bring one of these: a court order showing the name change, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a certified copy of your divorce decree, or a certified copy of an adoption decree. If you changed your name through a court order, the order itself is the document the SSA needs.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: your original birth certificate, a passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. For proof of identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a medical record or insurance policy.

How to submit your documents by mail

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code in the "Find a Social Security Office" tool. Call that office or visit its page to confirm the mailing address — addresses vary by location.

Make copies of all your documents. Keep the originals for your own records. Mail the copies along with a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your local office. You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or request it by phone. Include a cover letter with your current name, Social Security number, and the name you want on your new card.

Mail everything certified or with tracking so you know when it arrives. The SSA will contact you if any documents are missing or unclear. Once they receive everything, your new card usually arrives within two weeks.

Using the online service if you are may be able to access

Some states allow you to request a replacement card online through ssa.gov without visiting an office or mailing documents. To use this service, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have a state-issued ID or driver's license, and have a Social Security number already on file.

Not all states participate in the online service. Visit ssa.gov and look for "explore for a Replacement Social Security Card Online" to see if your state is included. If it is, you can upload images of your documents directly. The SSA will review them and mail your new card to the address on file.

What happens after you receive your new card

Your Social Security record is updated as soon as the SSA processes your request, even before your physical card arrives. However, you still need to notify other organizations of your name change separately. Social Security does not contact your employer, bank, insurance company, or government agencies on your behalf.

Update your name with your employer's payroll and human resources department so your W-2 forms match your Social Security record. Contact your bank, credit card companies, and mortgage lender to update your account information. Notify your car insurance, health insurance, and any other insurance providers. If you receive benefits from another government program — unemployment, disability, veterans benefits — contact that agency to update your name there as well.

Keep your old Social Security card in a safe place even after you receive the new one. Some organizations may ask to see both cards as proof of the name change.

What to do if documents are lost or damaged

If you lost your birth certificate or marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the event occurred. Most states allow you to order certified copies online or by mail. There is usually a fee of five to twenty dollars per copy, depending on the state.

If your court order for a name change is lost, contact the court that issued it. The clerk's office can provide a certified copy. If your divorce decree is lost, the county courthouse where the divorce was finalized can issue a certified copy.

While you are waiting for replacement documents, you cannot submit your name change request to Social Security. The SSA will not accept uncertified copies or notarized photocopies in place of originals or certified copies.

Changing your name if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are a lawful permanent resident or have a work visa, you can change your name on your Social Security record using the same process. You will need proof of your legal name change plus proof of your immigration status. Bring your green card, work visa, or other immigration document along with your birth certificate or passport.

If you are not yet a U.S. citizen and do not have a green card, you cannot get a Social Security card or change the name on an existing one. You must have a valid immigration status that allows you to work or receive benefits in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on Social Security without a court order?

Yes, if your name changed through marriage or divorce. A certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient proof. You do not need a separate court order for a name change through marriage or divorce.

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

The SSA typically mails your new card within two weeks of receiving all required documents. If you submit documents in person at an office, processing may be slightly faster. If documents are missing or unclear, the SSA will contact you, which adds time to the process.

Do I need to change my name with my employer before or after Social Security?

You can do either, but it is usually easier to update Social Security first so your new card matches your employer's records. Once you have your new card, give it to your payroll department so your W-2 forms will match your Social Security record at the end of the year.

What if my name change was in a different state?

You can still update your Social Security record no matter where the name change happened. Mail your documents to the Social Security office in your current state of residence. The SSA will process the request using the court order, marriage certificate, or other proof from any state.

Can someone else submit the documents for me?

Yes. A family member, attorney, or representative can mail your documents to Social Security on your behalf. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and the name of the person submitting the documents. The SSA will still mail the new card to the address on file under your current name.