What You Need to Do

To change your name on your Social Security card after marriage, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather proof documents, and mail or deliver them to your local Social Security office. The process takes about two weeks once the Social Security Administration receives your complete process. You do not need to change your name with Social Security before changing it with other agencies, but doing so early makes updating your other documents easier.

Social Security does not charge a fee for this change. You will need your current Social Security card, a marriage certificate (original or certified copy), and one form of government-issued photo ID. If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents showing each name change in order.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 is the only form you need; you can get it from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office.
  • Your marriage certificate must be an original or certified copy—a photocopy or digital image will not be accepted by mail.
  • You can submit your process in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or through an online account if you have one set up.
  • Social Security will mail your new card to the address on your process within two weeks of processing.
  • Bring or send your current Social Security card along with your process so the office can cancel it.

Gathering Your Documents

Start by collecting an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. A photocopy or image file will not work if you are mailing your process. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married; this usually costs between $10 and $25 and takes a few days to arrive by mail.

Next, have your current Social Security card ready. You will send this with your process so Social Security can cancel the old card and issue a new one. If you have lost your card, you can still explore for a replacement with your new name—just note on the form that you are requesting a replacement.

You will also need one form of government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you have already changed your name on your driver's license, that counts as proof of your new name. If you have not yet changed your ID, bring your marriage certificate as proof of the name change instead.

Filling Out Form SS-5

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. The form is straightforward: you enter your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. In the section asking why you are explore, select "Change of name" from the list.

Print the form and sign it in black or blue ink. Do not sign it before you are ready to submit it—Social Security will reject a form signed more than 60 days before it arrives at the office. If you are mailing the form, sign it after you have made copies of all your documents for your own records.

If you have changed your name more than once (for example, you were married before), list each previous name and the date of each change. This helps Social Security match your records across name changes and prevents delays.

Where and How to Submit Your process

You have three options: submit in person at a Social Security office, mail your process, or use your online Social Security account if you have one set up.

In person: Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov using the office locator tool. Bring your completed Form SS-5, your current Social Security card, your marriage certificate (original or certified copy), and your photo ID. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to check wait times. Processing takes about two weeks after you submit.

By mail: Mail your completed Form SS-5, a photocopy of your current Social Security card, your original or certified marriage certificate, and a photocopy of your photo ID to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address on ssa.gov. Keep copies of everything for your records. Processing takes about two weeks after the office receives your process, plus mail time in both directions.

Online: If you have a my Social Security account, you can upload documents and submit your process through the website. This is the fastest option if your account is already set up. If you do not have an account, creating one takes a few minutes.

What Happens After You Submit

Social Security will review your process and documents. If everything is complete and correct, they will issue your new card and mail it to the address on your process. This usually takes about two weeks. You will not receive a notice in the mail—your new card will straightforward arrive.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. Make sure the phone number and address on your process are correct so they can reach you. If you do not hear from them within three weeks, call your local Social Security office to check the status.

Once you receive your new card, destroy your old card by cutting it in half. You do not need to return it to Social Security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reason applications are delayed or rejected is submitting a photocopy of your marriage certificate instead of an original or certified copy. Social Security will not accept a copy you made yourself, even if it looks clear. Order a certified copy from the county clerk before you submit.

Another frequent mistake is signing the form too early. If you sign Form SS-5 more than 60 days before you submit it, Social Security will reject it. Sign the form the day you plan to mail it or submit it in person.

Do not forget to include your current Social Security card with your process. If you mail it without your card, the office will have to contact you to ask for it, which delays processing by several days.

If You Have Changed Your Name Multiple Times

If you were married before and changed your name, then divorced and took back a previous name, then married again, Social Security needs to see documents for each change in order. Bring or send your marriage certificate from your current marriage, plus any divorce decrees and previous marriage certificates that show the chain of name changes.

List all previous names on Form SS-5 with the dates you held each name. This prevents Social Security from flagging your process as suspicious and helps them match your records correctly across all your name changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my name with Social Security before I change it with my driver's license?

No. You can change your name with your state's DMV first, then use your new driver's license as proof of the name change when you explore to Social Security. Many people do this because the DMV process is often faster. Either order works.

What if I lost my Social Security card and want to change my name at the same time?

You can still explore using Form SS-5. Check the box for "Replacement card" and note that you are also requesting a name change. You will not need to send your old card since you do not have it. Processing takes the same amount of time.

How long does it take to get my new card?

Social Security processes the process in about two weeks. If you submit in person or online, your card arrives by mail within two weeks of processing. If you mail your process, add mail time in both directions—typically one to two weeks each way.

Can I use my new Social Security card before it arrives in the mail?

No. You need the physical card to show employers, banks, and other organizations. If you need to prove your new name before the card arrives, ask Social Security for a letter confirming your name change. You can request this in person at your local office.

What if Social Security rejects my process?

Social Security will contact you by phone or mail explaining why. The most common reasons are a photocopy of the marriage certificate instead of a certified copy, a form signed more than 60 days before submission, or missing information. Fix the issue and resubmit—there is no fee to reapply.