What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card
To change the 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 citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of the legal name change. The Social Security Administration does not process name changes by mail or online — you must appear in person. The process takes about two weeks after you submit your documents, though this varies by location and how busy your local office is.
You will receive a new card in the mail once your process is approved. The card itself is free, but you may need to pay for certified copies of your legal name-change document if you do not already have them. Most people get their name changed through a court order (after marriage, divorce, or legal name change), and that court document is what Social Security needs to see.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5, a government-issued ID, proof of citizenship, and proof of your legal name change.
- The name-change document must be an official court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — a letter or informal document will not work.
- Processing takes roughly two weeks, and you will receive your new card by mail at no cost.
- If you lost your court order or name-change document, you can request a certified copy from the court that issued it, usually for a small fee.
- Changing your Social Security card name does not automatically update your driver's license, passport, or bank records — you will need to contact those agencies separately.
What documents to bring to the Social Security office
You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your legal name change. For identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts a non-photo ID like a birth certificate or employee badge, but you will also need to bring a second document that shows your name and address.
For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by the translator. For proof of the name change itself, bring the document that made the change official — a court order for a legal name change, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. This document must be an official certified copy or the original. A photocopy or a letter from the court is not enough.
If you have already changed your name with Social Security before and are changing it again, bring your current Social Security card. Bring your original documents or certified copies; Social Security will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or citizenship papers.
How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment
Use the Social Security office locator at ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your city and state or your ZIP code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each office in your area. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are often long — sometimes two to three hours. To save time, call your local office and ask if they take appointments. Many offices now use an online appointment system where you can book a time slot through ssa.gov. If your office does not offer online appointments, call the office directly and ask the staff to schedule one for you.
If you cannot reach your local office by phone, use the Social Security national customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. They can help you schedule an appointment or answer questions about what documents you need.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you hand in your Form SS-5 and documents, the Social Security staff will review them on the spot. If everything is in order, they will take your documents, give you a receipt, and tell you when to expect your new card. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to fix before they can process your process.
Your new card is mailed to the address you provide on the form. Standard delivery takes about two weeks, though it can take longer depending on mail delays in your area. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just watch for the card in your mailbox. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them your receipt number.
Once you have your new card, you will need to update your name with other agencies and organizations separately. This includes your driver's license or state ID (contact your state's DMV), your passport (contact the State Department), your bank and credit card companies, your employer, and any insurance providers. Social Security does not notify these organizations for you.
Getting a certified copy of your name-change document
If you do not have a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request one from the office that issued it. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the court clerk's office in the county where the divorce was finalized. For a legal name change, contact the court clerk in the county where you filed the petition.
You can usually request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. The cost varies by state and county — typically between $10 and $30 per copy. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee. Ask how long it takes to receive the copy; some offices mail them within a few days, while others take two to three weeks. Order at least one extra copy in case you need it for other purposes, such as updating your passport or driver's license.
If you cannot find the office that issued your document, search online for "[your state] vital records" or "[your county] court clerk" to find the correct contact information and mailing address.
Changing your name if you were married, divorced, or legally changed it
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. This is the official document Social Security needs; you do not need a separate court order. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. The decree must show your new name clearly — if it does not, you may need a separate court order from the judge confirming the name change.
If you legally changed your name through a court petition (not through marriage or divorce), bring the court order that granted the name change. This is the document the judge signed. If you lost the original, request a certified copy from the court clerk's office in the county where you filed the petition.
If you are changing your name for the second time — for example, you changed it after a marriage and now want to change it again after a divorce — bring both documents: the marriage certificate and the divorce decree. Social Security will use both to show the chain of name changes.
What to do if you cannot go to the office in person
Social Security requires you to appear in person to change your name on your card. There is no exception for mail-in applications or online processing. However, if you have a medical condition or disability that makes it difficult to travel, you can ask Social Security to send a representative to your home. Call your local office or the national customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. They will determine whether a home visit is possible in your area.
If you are out of the country, you can visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to submit your process. Contact the embassy or consulate in the country where you are located to find out their hours and what documents they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new Social Security number when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same. You are only changing the name associated with that number. Social Security does not issue new numbers for name changes unless there is fraud or identity theft involved.
How much does it cost to change the name on my Social Security card?
The card itself is free. You may need to pay for a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if you do not already have one. This cost varies by state and county, typically between $10 and $30 per copy.
Can I use my old Social Security card while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old card is still valid until you receive the new one. Once the new card arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it for your records — either way is fine.
What if my name change was through marriage but I do not have the marriage certificate?
Request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were married. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person. It usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks to arrive.
Will changing my Social Security card name update my driver's license and passport automatically?
No. You must contact each agency separately. Contact your state's DMV to update your driver's license, the State Department to update your passport, and your bank, employer, and insurance companies to update your records with them.