What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card
To change your name on your Social Security card, you submit Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office, along with proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. Social Security does not change your name on their records until you give them official documentation showing the court or government agency that approved the change. The process takes about two weeks once the office receives your complete process, though it can take longer if documents are missing.
You will receive a new card in the mail with your updated name. You do not need to visit an office in person if you are renewing a card that is not damaged and you have a state ID or passport — you can mail your process instead. However, if this is your first card, you are replacing a lost or damaged card, or you cannot provide the required documents, you must go to an office.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or other official document proving your legal name change before Social Security will update your card.
- Form SS-5 is the only form Social Security accepts for name changes on your card.
- You can mail your process if you have a valid state ID or passport and are renewing a card that is not damaged.
- The process typically takes about two weeks from the date Social Security receives your complete process.
- You will need to update your name with other agencies separately — Social Security does not notify them for you.
Documents you must bring or send
Social Security requires two types of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of your identity. For proof of the name change, you need one of these: a court order approving the name change, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a certified copy of your divorce decree showing your new name, or a certified copy of an adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy from the court or government office that issued it — a photocopy or uncertified version will not work.
For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security will accept a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, school ID, employee ID, or medical records. All documents must be originals or certified copies. Bring the originals to an office visit; if you are mailing your process, send certified copies only, never originals.
How to fill out Form SS-5
read Form SS-5 from the Social Security website or pick one up at your local Social Security office. The form asks for your current Social Security number, your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate, your new name, your date of birth, and your contact information. Fill in every field that applies to you. If you are mailing the form, sign and date it in blue or black ink — do not use pencil.
In the section asking why you need a new card, select the box for "Change of name." Do not leave this blank. If you are unsure how to answer any question, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 before you submit the form. They can answer questions over the phone and may be able to tell you whether your documents will be accepted.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Find your local office on the Social Security website by entering your zip code. You do not need an appointment — offices accept walk-ins, though wait times vary. Bring your completed Form SS-5, your proof of name change (original or certified copy), and your proof of identity (original). Arrive early in the day if possible, as offices tend to be less crowded in the morning.
The staff member will review your documents and make copies. If everything is in order, they will submit your process on the spot and give you a receipt showing the date. Ask them for an estimate of when your new card will arrive. If your documents are incomplete or unclear, they will tell you what is missing and you can return once you have gathered it.
Mailing your process instead of visiting an office
You can mail Form SS-5 if you are renewing a card that is not damaged or lost and you have a valid state driver's license or passport. Include a certified copy of your proof of name change and a certified copy of your proof of identity. Do not send originals through the mail. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so Social Security can contact you if they have questions.
Mail everything to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address on the Social Security website. Send your process using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it arrived. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive it, though it may take longer during busy periods. You will receive your new card by regular mail once it is ready.
What happens after you submit your process
Social Security will review your documents and update your name in their system. You will receive your new card in the mail within two weeks in most cases. The card will have your new name, your same Social Security number, and the same issue date as your previous card. Keep your old card until the new one arrives, then destroy it by cutting it in half.
Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically change your name with other agencies or organizations. You will need to update your name separately with your employer, bank, insurance company, state DMV, IRS, and any other places that have your Social Security number on file. Some of these organizations may ask to see your new Social Security card as proof of the change.
Common reasons your process might be delayed
The most common reason for delay is missing or unclear documents. If your certified copy is hard to read, Social Security may ask you to send a new one. If your proof of identity is expired, they may reject it — check that your ID is still valid before you submit. If you do not fill out Form SS-5 completely or you do not sign it, they will send it back to you.
If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, make sure the document you send shows both your old and new names clearly. A marriage certificate shows your maiden name and married name, so it works. A divorce decree must show your name before and after the divorce. If the document is unclear about which name is which, call Social Security before you submit to ask whether they will accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it with the DMV?
No. You can change your name with either agency first. However, many people change it with the DMV first because getting a new driver's license is often faster than getting a new Social Security card. Once you have your new ID, you can use it as proof of identity when you explore for your new Social Security card.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue you a certified copy for a small fee, usually between five and twenty dollars. Ask for a certified copy, not just a regular copy — Social Security will not accept an uncertified version. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail.
Can I change my name on my Social Security card if I do not have a court order?
Yes, if you have a marriage certificate or divorce decree showing your new name. You do not need a separate court order for a name change due to marriage or divorce. If you changed your name for another reason, such as a personal preference, you will need a court order from the judge who approved the change.
Will Social Security notify my employer that my name changed?
No. Social Security only updates your name in their own system. You must tell your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and any other organization that has your information on file. Your employer may need to see your new Social Security card to update their payroll records.
What if my new Social Security card arrives with a mistake on it?
Contact your local Social Security office right away with your new card and proof of the correct name. They can issue a corrected card at no cost. Bring the same documents you used for your original process, or bring your new card and a letter explaining the error.