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 it through a court, marriage, or other legal process first, then tell Social Security about it. The SSA will issue a new card once you show them proof that your legal name has officially changed. You cannot do this online or by mail; you must visit a Social Security office in person with the right documents.
The process takes roughly two to four weeks from the day you hand in your process. You will need your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and proof that your name legally changed — such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies do not work.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a legal name change through a court, marriage, or other official process before Social Security will issue a new card.
- Visit your local Social Security office in person with your current card, photo ID, and proof of the legal name change.
- The SSA will not accept mail-in applications or online requests for name changes on your Social Security record.
- A new card typically arrives within two to four weeks; you can ask for a receipt showing you applied if you need proof of the change sooner.
What counts as proof of a legal name change
Social Security accepts different documents depending on how your name changed. A court order from a name-change petition works for any reason — you do not have to explain why you changed your name. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution judgment proves a name change through divorce. A certificate of naturalization or passport showing your new name works if you changed your name during immigration or citizenship.
The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy, even a notarized one, will not work. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the court that issued the order, the vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced, or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if the change happened during naturalization.
How to find and visit your local Social Security office
Go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. The website will show you the office nearest you, its hours, and its phone number. Call ahead if you want to confirm they are open or to ask whether you should bring anything else specific to your situation. Some offices have walk-in hours; others require you to schedule an appointment. During the pandemic, many offices shifted to appointment-only, and some have kept that system.
Bring all three items: your current Social Security card, a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your certified proof of the name change. If you cannot find your current card, bring a birth certificate or other identity document instead. Arrive early if you are walking in, because offices can get busy and may stop taking new visitors before closing time.
What happens at the office and what you get
You will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office. The staff will review your documents, make copies, and take your process. They will give you a receipt that shows the date you applied and your Social Security number. Keep this receipt — it proves you have applied in case your employer or bank asks for proof of the name change before the new card arrives.
The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide. It typically arrives within two to four weeks. Your Social Security number does not change; only the name on the card and in the SSA's records changes. Once the new card arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it.
If you cannot visit an office in person
Social Security does not accept name-change requests by mail or online. However, if you are homebound, in a hospital, or in a nursing home, you can ask the office to send someone to you. Call your local Social Security office and explain your situation. They will decide whether they can accommodate a home or facility visit. This process takes longer than an office visit, so plan ahead.
If you live outside the United States, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. They can help you submit documents and may be able to forward your process to Social Security on your behalf, though the timeline will be longer.
Updating your name with other agencies after Social Security
Once you have your new Social Security card, you will need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and the IRS. Your employer needs the change to report your income correctly. Your bank and insurance company need it to match your ID. The IRS needs it to match your tax records. You do not have to wait for the new card to arrive before notifying these organizations — the receipt from Social Security is often enough to start the process.
If you have a driver's license or state ID, update that next, because it is the most commonly used photo ID. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles will have its own form and fee. A passport name change requires a separate process to the State Department or a passport acceptance facility.
What to do if your process is delayed or denied
If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received your card, call your local Social Security office with your receipt number. They can check the status. Delays sometimes happen if the office is backlogged or if there is a question about your documents.
Social Security may deny your process if the proof of name change does not meet their standards — for example, if the document is not certified or if it does not clearly show both your old and new names. If this happens, the office will tell you what is missing. You can reapply once you have the correct document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name legally before I can get a new Social Security card?
Yes. Social Security will only issue a new card if you show them proof that your name has legally changed through a court order, marriage, divorce, or naturalization. You cannot change your name at Social Security itself.
Can I change my name on Social Security online or by mail?
No. You must visit a Social Security office in person with your documents. The SSA does not accept online or mail-in requests for name changes, though they may make exceptions for people who are homebound or institutionalized.
What if I lost my birth certificate or marriage certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born (for a birth certificate) or where you were married (for a marriage certificate). They can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $10 and $30. This certified copy is what Social Security needs.
Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same for life. Only the name on your card and in Social Security's records changes. Your number is tied to your work history and benefits, so it does not move or reset.
How long does it take to get my new card?
Most new cards arrive within two to four weeks of your office visit. The receipt you get at the office shows you have applied, and you can use that as proof of the name change while you wait for the physical card to arrive.