What you need to bring to the Social Security office
The Social Security Administration requires you to show proof of your legal name change before they will update your record. You will need to bring an original or certified copy of the document that shows your new name — typically a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. A photocopy is not acceptable; it must be an official document issued by a court or vital records office.
You also need to bring a photo ID that is still valid, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If your ID shows your old name, that is fine — Social Security expects that. Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it, though it is not required. If you do not have it, Social Security can issue a replacement with your new name.
Bring proof of citizenship or legal residency as well. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card or visa along with your birth certificate.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your legal name change document — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — not a photocopy.
- A valid photo ID and proof of citizenship or residency are required; Social Security will not process your request without both.
- You can change your name in person at any Social Security office, by mail if you live far from an office, or by phone for certain situations.
- Social Security will issue you a new card with your new name at no cost, usually within one to two weeks.
- After your Social Security record is updated, you will need to notify your employer, bank, insurance companies, and other organizations separately.
How to schedule an appointment at your local office
You do not need an appointment to visit a Social Security office, but scheduling one online will save you time. Go to ssa.gov, click "Schedule an Appointment," and select your state and the office nearest you. You can choose a date and time that works for your schedule. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, offices typically serve people on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times can be long.
To find your nearest office without scheduling online, search "Social Security office near me" or call 1-800-772-1213. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A representative can tell you the office address, hours, and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if you have an appointment. If you are bringing someone to help you — a family member or advocate — they can come with you, though Social Security will still need to speak with you directly.
Changing your name by mail or phone
If you live far from a Social Security office or cannot visit in person, you can request a name change by mail. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to be mailed to you. Fill it out, attach a photocopy of your legal name change document and a photocopy of your ID, and mail the packet back to the address on the form. Include a note asking them to return your original documents.
Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. Do not mail your original documents unless Social Security specifically instructs you to — photocopies are acceptable for mail requests.
For certain situations, you may be able to handle the name change over the phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether your situation qualifies. This is rare and usually only available if you have already had a previous name change processed with Social Security and are making a follow-up change. Most people will need to visit an office or mail in their request.
What happens after you submit your documents
A Social Security representative will review your documents on the spot if you visit an office. If everything is in order, they will take your information and issue you a receipt. Your new Social Security card will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You do not pay a fee for this service.
If your documents are incomplete or unclear, the representative will tell you what is missing and give you a chance to provide it. If you cannot provide it that day, they will explain what you need to bring back. Do not leave without understanding what step comes next.
Once your card arrives, check it when ready to make sure your name is spelled correctly and your Social Security number is right. If there is an error, call 1-800-772-1213 right away and explain the mistake. Social Security will issue a corrected card at no cost.
Updating your name with employers and financial institutions
Changing your name at Social Security does not automatically update your name anywhere else. You will need to contact each organization separately. Start with your employer's human resources or payroll department — they need your new name to file taxes correctly and update your W-2 forms.
Contact your bank and credit card companies next. Bring your new Social Security card and a photo ID with your new name if you have one. Banks can usually update your account in one visit. Ask them to send you new debit and credit cards with your new name.
Notify your insurance companies — health, auto, home, and life insurance. Call the customer service number on your policy and ask how to update your name. Some will mail you new documents; others will update your account over the phone. Keep records of when you called and who you spoke with.
Update your driver's license or state ID at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Requirements vary by state, but you will typically need your new Social Security card, a birth certificate, and proof of address. Some states allow you to update your name online; others require an in-person visit.
What to do if your documents are lost or damaged
If you lost your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you can request a replacement from the court or vital records office that issued it. Contact the courthouse in the county where your name change was finalized, or the vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced. They will charge a fee — usually $10 to $30 — and mail you a certified copy within one to three weeks.
If you do not remember which court handled your name change, start by calling the courthouse in the county where you lived when the change occurred. The clerk's office can search their records by your old name and the approximate year. If you cannot locate the original document, ask Social Security whether they will accept a certified letter from the court stating that the name change was finalized.
If your Social Security card itself is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement at the same time you request a name change. Bring the same documents and tell the representative that you also need a replacement card. Social Security will issue both your new card with your new name and a replacement for any lost or damaged card at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name at Social Security if I do not have a court order?
Social Security requires an official document showing your legal name change. A court order is the most common, but a marriage certificate or divorce decree also works. If you changed your name through a court and lost the paperwork, contact the courthouse to request a certified copy. Social Security will not accept a notarized statement or a letter from you alone.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I change my name?
If you change your name in person at an office, your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you mail in your request, allow three to four weeks. Social Security will mail the card to the address on file, so make sure your current address is correct before you explore.
Do I need to change my name at Social Security before I can change my driver's license?
No. You can change your driver's license and your Social Security name in either order. However, many people change Social Security first because the card is easier to obtain and serves as proof of your legal name change when you explore for a new driver's license. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents they require.
What if I changed my name years ago but never updated Social Security?
You can update your name at any time, even if the name change happened years ago. Bring your original court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree along with your ID and proof of citizenship. Social Security will process it the same way as a recent name change. Your new card will arrive within one to two weeks.
Will changing my name at Social Security affect my benefits or work history?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same; only your name changes on the record. All your earnings history, benefits, and work credits remain attached to that number. If you are receiving benefits, your payments will continue without interruption under your new name.