What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card

To change your name on your Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), provide proof of your new legal name, and submit it in person at your local Social Security office. You do not need to change your name with Social Security first — you change it through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, and then update Social Security to match. The process takes about two weeks once the office receives your process.

You will need to bring original documents or certified copies. Social Security will not accept photocopies or notarized copies for most documents. If you cannot get originals, you may be able to bring a certified copy from the issuing agency — for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a legal document proving your new name — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before Social Security will change your card.
  • Form SS-5 is the only form Social Security accepts for name changes, and you must submit it in person at a Social Security office.
  • Bring your original Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and the legal document that proves your name change.
  • 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 or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree.

What legal documents prove your name change

Social Security recognizes three types of legal documents as proof of a name change: a court order, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order (sometimes called a petition for name change), bring the original court order or a certified copy from the court that issued it. If you changed your name through marriage, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were married.

If you changed your name through divorce, bring the original divorce decree or a certified copy. Some states issue a separate document called a "decree of dissolution" or "final judgment" — Social Security will accept any of these. If your divorce was finalized in another country, you will need a certified English translation along with the original document.

Do not bring a photocopy or a notarized copy unless the document is from outside the United States. Social Security requires originals or certified copies directly from the issuing authority.

Documents to bring to the Social Security office

Bring these documents in person to your local Social Security office:

  • Your current Social Security card (the one with your old name)
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • The legal document proving your name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree)
  • Form SS-5, which you can fill out before you go or fill out at the office

If you do not have your current Social Security card, bring a document that shows your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or bank statement will work. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, Social Security will accept other identity documents, but you will need to bring more of them. Call your local office before you go if you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted.

Bring originals or certified copies of everything. If a document is worn, faded, or hard to read, bring the original rather than a copy — Social Security staff can examine it more carefully in person.

How to fill out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is a one-page process. You can read it from the Social Security website (ssa.gov) or pick up a copy at your local Social Security office. Fill in your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. In the box labeled "Reason for this process," check the box for "Change of name."

Sign and date the form. You do not need to have it notarized. If you are filling it out at home, use black or blue ink and write clearly — Social Security scans these forms, and poor handwriting can slow processing. If you prefer, you can fill it out at the office with help from a staff member.

Finding your local Social Security office and making an appointment

Go to ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your zip code, and the website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices require an appointment; others take walk-ins. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment and what the current wait time is.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you cannot change your name by mail or online. Social Security requires you to appear in person for name changes. If you have a disability or mobility issue that prevents you from visiting, call your local office to ask about alternatives — some offices may be able to send a representative to you, though this is rare and not may provide.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit Form SS-5 and your documents, Social Security will verify your legal name change with the court, vital records office, or other issuing agency. This verification usually takes about two weeks. Once verified, Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provided on the form. You should receive it within two to three weeks of your appointment.

If Social Security needs more information or cannot verify your documents, they will call you at the phone number you provided. Keep your phone available during business hours for the first few weeks after your appointment. If you do not hear from them within three weeks, call your local office to check on the status.

Your new card will have your new legal name and the same Social Security number. You do not need to do anything else — your number does not change, and you do not need to notify other agencies. However, you may want to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and other organizations that have your Social Security information on file.

When you cannot change your name through Social Security

Social Security will not change your name without a legal document proving the change. If you have not yet gone through a legal name change process, you cannot update your Social Security card yet. You must first obtain a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

If your legal name change happened in another country, bring a certified English translation of the document along with the original. Social Security may ask for additional proof that the document is legitimate, such as a letter from the issuing agency or a certification from the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country.

If you lost your legal document (for example, your marriage certificate), contact the vital records office in the state or country where the event occurred. They can issue a certified copy, which Social Security will accept. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name with the court before I go to Social Security?

Yes. You must have a legal document — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before Social Security will change your card. If you have not yet obtained this document, complete that process first, then bring it to Social Security.

Can I change my name by mail or online?

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person at a local office with your original documents. You cannot submit Form SS-5 by mail or through the Social Security website for a name change.

How long does it take to get my new card?

Processing takes about two weeks after you submit your process. You should receive your new card by mail within two to three weeks of your appointment. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call your local Social Security office.

What if I changed my name but do not have the original legal document?

Contact the agency that issued the document — the court, vital records office, or other authority — and request a certified copy. Bring that certified copy to Social Security. Social Security will not accept photocopies or notarized copies unless the document is from outside the United States.

Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only your name on the card changes. You do not need to notify Social Security about anything else — your number remains valid for work, taxes, and benefits.