What you need to do to change your name with Social Security
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 own — you must request it. The process takes about two weeks once the office receives your documents, though it can take longer if they need to verify information with other agencies.
You will receive a new card in the mail with your updated name. Your Social Security number stays the same; only the name printed on the card changes. You do not need to notify Social Security before you legally change your name — you can explore for the card change anytime after your legal name change is final.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form SS-5 and bring it in person to a Social Security office with original or certified documents proving your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof of name change 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 (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to prove your identity when you submit the form.
- The new card arrives by mail in about two weeks; your Social Security number does not change, only the name on the card.
- You can explore for a name change on your card at any time after your legal name change is final — there is no important date.
Documents you must bring to Social Security
Social Security requires two categories of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of your identity. For proof of name change, bring the original or a certified copy of the document that legally changed your name. This is usually a court order (from a name change petition), a marriage certificate, a divorce decree showing your new name, or an adoption decree.
For proof of identity, bring an original government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport all work. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill or bank statement in your name. Ask your local office what they accept before you go in, because requirements can vary slightly by location.
Do not send documents by mail unless Social Security specifically asks you to. Bring them in person to your appointment so the office can verify them and return them to you on the same day.
How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment
Visit ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code to find the office nearest you. The locator shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office is currently accepting walk-ins or appointments only. Most offices now require an appointment, which you can schedule online through the same website or by calling the office directly.
If you call, have your Social Security number ready. The office staff will ask you why you are coming in (name change), confirm you have the required documents, and give you an appointment time. If you schedule online, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment date and time.
Some offices have long wait times for appointments. If the nearest office is booked out several weeks, check whether a different office in your area has earlier availability — you can use any Social Security office, not just the one closest to your home.
What happens at your appointment
Bring the completed Form SS-5, your proof of name change, and your photo ID. You can fill out the form at home before you go, or the office will help you fill it out when you arrive. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your Social Security number.
The Social Security representative will review your documents, make copies, and return your originals to you. They will take a photo for your new card (unless you are under 18 or have a medical reason not to be photographed). You will sign the form in front of the representative, and they will tell you when to expect your new card in the mail — usually within two weeks.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your name on your Social Security card.
If your legal name change was through marriage or divorce
Bring your original marriage certificate or divorce decree. The document must show both your old name and your new name clearly. If you were married and took your spouse's last name, your marriage certificate is your proof of name change. If you divorced and changed your name back or to a different name, bring the final divorce decree that shows the name change.
Some people get married or divorced in another state or country. Social Security accepts marriage certificates and divorce decrees from any U.S. state or U.S. territory. If your divorce or marriage happened outside the United States, bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a translator. Ask your local Social Security office whether they need the translation notarized.
If your legal name change was through a court petition
Bring the original court order or a certified copy from the court that issued it. The order must show the judge's signature and the court's seal. You can get a certified copy from the clerk's office of the court where you filed your name change petition — call ahead to ask the cost and how long it takes to receive it.
If you have the original order, bring that instead. Do not send it by mail; bring it in person so you can get it back the same day. If the order is old and you cannot locate it, contact the court clerk's office and ask them to issue a certified copy. Some courts charge a small fee (usually $5 to $25) for certified copies.
What to do if Social Security asks for more information
After you submit your form, Social Security may contact you by phone or mail if they need to verify your name change with the court or another agency. This is normal and does not mean your process was denied. Respond to their request as soon as you can — if they are waiting for information from you, the process takes longer.
If you moved since you submitted your form, make sure Social Security has your current mailing address so your new card reaches you. You can update your address by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my name on my Social Security card right away after I legally change my name?
No. You can change your name on your card anytime after your legal name change is final. There is no important date. However, it is a good idea to do it within a few months so your Social Security card matches your other ID documents like your driver's license.
What if I lost my proof of name change document?
Contact the agency that issued it. If it was a court order, call the court clerk's office and ask for a certified copy. If it was a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were married. If it was a divorce decree, contact the court clerk where your divorce was finalized. Most agencies can issue a replacement for a small fee.
Can I change my name on my Social Security card by mail or online?
No. You must explore in person at a Social Security office with your original documents. Social Security does not accept Form SS-5 by mail for name changes. You can schedule your appointment online at ssa.gov/locator, but you must go to the office to submit your process.
Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name printed on your card changes. Your number is tied to your identity and your work history, so it does not change when you legally change your name.
How long does it take to get my new Social Security card?
Social Security usually mails your new card within two weeks of your appointment. It may take longer if they need to verify your name change with a court or other agency. You can call your local office after two weeks if you have not received it yet.