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), gather proof documents, and submit them to your local Social Security office in person. You cannot change your name by mail or online — you must appear in person with original or certified documents that show both your old name and your new legal name. The process takes about two weeks once the Social Security Administration receives your completed process.
The Social Security Administration does not change your name on their own. You must initiate the request yourself. The card itself is not what makes your name official — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree does. The Social Security card straightforward reflects the name you have already legally changed through another process.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Social Security office with Form SS-5 and original proof documents showing your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — the document must show both your old and new name.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).
- Processing takes about two weeks, and you will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide.
- There is no fee to change your name on a Social Security card.
Documents You Must Bring to the Social Security Office
Bring three types of documents: proof of your legal name change, proof of citizenship, and a government-issued photo ID. The Social Security Administration requires originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of your legal name change, bring the document that made your name official. This is usually a court order (if you changed your name through the court), a marriage certificate (if you took a spouse's name), a divorce decree (if you changed back to a former name), or adoption papers. The document must clearly show both your old name and your new name. If you changed your name through a court, ask the court clerk for a certified copy of the order.
For proof of citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If your birth certificate shows your old name, bring it along with the name-change document so the office can see the connection. A certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable if you do not have the original.
For photo ID, bring a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must be government-issued and show your photograph. If your ID still shows your old name, that is fine — bring it anyway along with your name-change document.
How to Fill Out Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is a single-page process. You can read it from the Social Security Administration website or pick up a copy at your local Social Security office. Fill it out before you go, or ask the office staff to help you complete it there.
In the top section, write your full legal name as it appears now (your new name). Below that, write your Social Security number. In the middle section, check the box that says you are requesting a replacement card because your name has changed. Write your old name in the space provided. Fill in your date of birth, place of birth, and current mailing address. At the bottom, sign and date the form. You do not need to have it notarized.
If you are changing your name for the second time or more, list all previous names you have used. This helps the Social Security Administration track your record and prevent fraud.
Where to Submit Your process in Person
Find your local Social Security office by visiting the Social Security Administration's office locator on their website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system. Check your local office's page to see if you should schedule ahead.
Bring all your documents and the completed Form SS-5. The staff will review your papers, make copies, and submit your process. They will give you a receipt showing the date you applied. Keep this receipt until your new card arrives.
If you cannot go to an office in person, you may be able to use a video appointment at some locations. Call your local office to ask whether this option is available.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
The Social Security Administration processes name-change requests in about two weeks. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided on your process. The card will show your new legal name and your same Social Security number.
Once you receive your new card, use it for any future interactions with employers, banks, government agencies, and other organizations. You do not need to notify the Social Security Administration again — the change is complete once the card arrives.
If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your process. Have your Social Security number and the date you applied ready when you call.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not submit photocopies of your documents. The Social Security Administration requires originals or certified copies. If you send photocopies, your process will be rejected and returned to you.
Do not go to the office without your proof of citizenship. You cannot change your name on your card without showing that you are a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant. A driver's license alone is not enough.
Do not assume your old card is invalid once you request a new one. Your old card remains valid until your new card arrives. You can use it for work or identification until the replacement reaches you. Destroy the old card once you have the new one.
Do not wait to change your name on your Social Security card if you have already changed it legally. The longer the mismatch between your legal name and your Social Security record, the more problems you may face with taxes, employment, and background checks.
If Your Name Change Was Through Marriage or Divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. The certificate must show both your maiden name and your married name. Some states issue a certified copy automatically; others require you to request one from the county clerk's office.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original divorce decree or a certified copy. The decree must clearly state your new name. If the decree does not show your new name, ask the court for a certified copy of the name-change order that was issued with the divorce.
If you are changing your name back to a former name after divorce, bring both the divorce decree and proof of your previous legal name (such as your old Social Security card, driver's license, or birth certificate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card by mail?
No. The Social Security Administration requires you to appear in person at a local office with original documents. You cannot submit Form SS-5 by mail for a name change. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about video appointment options at some locations.
Do I need a new Social Security number when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only your name on the card changes. You keep the same number for your entire life, even if you change your name multiple times.
How much does it cost to change my name on my Social Security card?
There is no fee. The Social Security Administration does not charge for name-change requests or replacement cards due to a name change.
What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot find it?
Contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born and request a certified copy. You can usually order one online or by mail. Bring the certified copy to the Social Security office along with your other documents. A certified copy is as valid as an original.
Can someone else go to the Social Security office for me?
No. You must appear in person. The Social Security Administration requires the person whose name is being changed to be present at the office to verify your identity and sign the process.