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 do this by mail or online. The process takes about two weeks once the office receives your documents, though it can be longer if the office is backlogged.

You will need to bring three things: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), a photo ID that shows your current legal name, and proof of the name change itself. The proof of name change depends on why your name changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. If you do not have a photo ID yet under your new name, you can bring a state ID or driver's license process receipt as a temporary substitute.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and original or certified copies of your proof documents — the office will not accept photocopies.
  • Proof of name change means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers, depending on why your name changed.
  • Bring a photo ID showing your current legal name; if you do not have one yet, bring your state ID process receipt.
  • The Social Security office will not mail you a new card — you pick it up at the office or it arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • You do not need to change your name with Social Security before changing it with your state's DMV, but doing so first makes the DMV process smoother.

Finding your local Social Security office and making an appointment

Go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code to find the office nearest you. Call that office directly — the number will be on the locator page. You can make an appointment over the phone, and the office will tell you what day and time to come in.

Walk-ins are allowed at most offices, but you may wait several hours. Making an appointment is faster. Tell the office staff on the phone that you are changing your name so they know what documents to expect. Some offices have longer waits than others depending on how busy they are; if your local office has a long wait, ask whether a nearby office has shorter appointment times.

What documents to bring and how to prepare them

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies will not work. If you have the originals, bring those. If you do not, order certified copies from the agency that issued the document. For a birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office (search "[your state] vital records" online). For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk where you were married. For a divorce decree or court order, contact the court that issued it.

Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 depending on the state and document type. Order them at least two weeks before your appointment so they arrive in time. Bring the originals or certified copies in an envelope or folder — do not fold or damage them.

For your photo ID, bring a current driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If your name has already changed on your driver's license or state ID, bring that. If not, bring your old ID and your process receipt from the DMV showing you have applied for a new one under your new name. The Social Security office will accept the receipt as temporary proof.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. A staff member will review your documents, check that they are originals or certified copies, and verify that your proof of name change matches the name you want on your new card. They will ask you to sign Form SS-5 in front of them — you cannot sign it beforehand.

The office will keep your documents and send them to a processing center. You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Ask the staff member whether your new card will be mailed to you or whether you need to pick it up at the office. Most offices mail cards, but some require you to pick them up.

How long the process takes and what to expect after

Processing usually takes two weeks from the day the office receives your documents. You will not hear from Social Security unless there is a problem — if your documents are incomplete or unclear, the office will call you. If you do not hear anything within three weeks, call the office and give them your process number from your receipt.

Your new card will arrive by mail or be ready for pickup within two to four weeks. The card itself looks the same as your old one, but it will show your new legal name. Keep your old card until the new one arrives, in case you need to prove your Social Security number before the new card shows up.

Changing your name with other agencies after Social Security

Once you have your new Social Security card, update your name with your state's DMV (for your driver's license or state ID), your bank, your employer, and the IRS. You do not have to do these in any particular order, but doing the DMV next is usually easiest because you can bring your new Social Security card as proof of the name change.

For your employer and bank, bring your new Social Security card and a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The IRS does not require you to visit an office — you can update your name by mail or through your online account at irs.gov if you have one.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Social Security does not allow you to change your name by mail or online. If you are homebound or unable to travel, you can ask the office whether a staff member can visit you at home. Call your local office and explain your situation — not all offices offer this service, but some do.

If you are outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can help you submit your documents and may be able to process your name change request, though it will take longer than visiting a domestic office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it with the DMV?

No, but it is easier if you do. Once you have your new Social Security card, you can bring it to the DMV as proof of your name change. If you change your name at the DMV first, you will need to bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to Social Security instead.

What if I lost my birth certificate or marriage certificate?

Order a certified copy from the agency that issued it. For a birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk where you were married. Certified copies usually arrive within one to two weeks and cost $10 to $30.

Can I change my name on my Social Security card if I have a court order but no marriage certificate?

Yes. A court order is sufficient proof of a legal name change. Bring the original or certified copy of the court order to your appointment. You do not need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or any other document if the court order shows your new legal name.

What if the Social Security office says my documents are not acceptable?

Ask the staff member which document is the problem and what type of document they will accept instead. If you disagree, ask to speak with a supervisor. You can also call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about document requirements before your appointment.

Will I get a new Social Security number when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only the name printed on your card changes. Your number is tied to your work history and benefits, so Social Security does not issue a new one when your name changes.