What You Need to Do to Change Your Name With Social Security

To change the name on your Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), mail it to your local Social Security office with proof documents, and wait for your new card to arrive by mail. The process takes about two weeks once Social Security receives your process. You do not need an appointment — you can mail everything in or walk into an office in person.

Social Security will issue a new card with your updated name at no cost. You will keep the same Social Security number. The card itself is not a legal document that proves your name change — you still need a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to show you legally changed your name. Social Security just updates their records to match.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 is the only form you need; you can get it from ssa.gov or pick one up at any Social Security office.
  • You must provide an original or certified copy of a document that proves your legal name change, such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
  • You also need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a photo ID showing your current name.
  • Mailing in your process takes about two weeks; walking into an office may be faster but requires finding your local office first.
  • Your Social Security number stays the same — only the name attached to it changes.

Gather Your Documents Before You Start

Social Security requires three types of documents: proof of your legal name change, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID. Do not send originals unless Social Security specifically asks — send certified copies instead, because originals can be lost in the mail.

For proof of your legal name change, bring one of these: a court order from a judge, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree. If you changed your name through a court, the order itself is your proof. If you married or divorced, the certificate or decree from the vital records office in the state where it happened is your proof. These documents must be recent enough that Social Security can verify them — usually within the last few months, though there is no hard important date.

For proof of citizenship, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate from your home country works only if it is certified by the vital records office there. For proof of identity, bring a photo ID that shows your current name — a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security will accept a combination of documents like a school ID plus a bank statement or utility bill in your name.

Fill Out Form SS-5 Correctly

Form SS-5 is a one-page form with sections for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You can fill it out by hand or print it from ssa.gov and type on it — either way is fine. Use black or blue ink if you write by hand, and print clearly so Social Security can read it.

In the section marked "Reason for this process," check the box for "Change of name." Do not leave this blank — Social Security uses it to route your form to the right department. Fill in your current legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, then fill in your new legal name exactly as it appears on your court order, marriage certificate, or other proof document. If the names do not match what you wrote on the form, Social Security will send it back and you will have to start over.

Sign and date the form in the spaces at the bottom. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign as well. You do not need to notarize it or have a witness sign it — Social Security does not require that.

Mail Your process or Visit an Office in Person

You have two options: mail your completed form and documents to your local Social Security office, or walk in with them. Mailing takes about two weeks from the day Social Security receives your envelope. Walking in is sometimes faster, but you have to find your office first and may wait in line.

To find your local office, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," and enter your zip code. The website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices are busier than others — if you call ahead, staff can tell you when it is least crowded. You do not need an appointment for a name change.

If you mail your process, send it to the address listed for your local office. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so Social Security can contact you if they have questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. Use regular mail or certified mail — certified mail costs a few dollars more but gives you proof that Social Security received it.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security will check that your documents are real and that your name change is legal. This usually takes one to two weeks. If everything is in order, they will print your new card and mail it to the address on your process. The whole process from mailing to receiving your card typically takes two to three weeks.

If Social Security needs more information, they will call or mail you. Make sure the phone number on your form is one they can reach you at. If they cannot reach you, your process will sit in a queue and take longer. If you do not hear anything after three weeks, call your local office to check the status.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it up or shredding it. Your new card has the same Social Security number but your updated name. You do not have to do anything else — Social Security automatically updates their records, and other government agencies like the IRS will eventually see the change.

Update Your Name With Other Agencies and Organizations

Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically change it everywhere else. You will need to update your name separately with your employer, your bank, your insurance company, the DMV, and any other organization that has your Social Security number on file.

Start with your employer's human resources or payroll department — they need to know so your W-2 matches your tax return. Then contact your bank and any credit card companies. The DMV is important too, because your driver's license should match your Social Security card. If you have a passport, you will need to renew it with the State Department. If you receive benefits from any government program, contact that agency to update your records there as well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is sending original documents instead of certified copies. Originals can get lost in the mail, and you will not be able to prove your name change to anyone else. Always send copies and keep the originals for yourself.

Another mistake is filling in your name differently on the form than it appears on your proof document. If your marriage certificate says "Jane Marie Smith" but you write "Jane Smith" on the form, Social Security will reject it. Copy the name exactly as it appears on your legal document.

A third mistake is not checking the "Change of name" box on the form. If you leave that blank or check the wrong box, Social Security may process it as a replacement card instead of a name change, and you will get a card with your old name on it.

Finally, do not expect your new card to arrive when ready. Social Security prints cards on a schedule, and mail takes time. If you need proof of your name change before your card arrives, you can ask Social Security for a letter stating that they have your new name on file — bring this to your bank or employer while you wait for the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a court order to change my name on Social Security?

Not always. If you married or divorced, your marriage certificate or divorce decree is enough — you do not need a separate court order. If you changed your name through a court (not through marriage or divorce), then yes, you need the court order. If you are unsure whether you have the right document, call your local Social Security office and describe what you have.

Can I change my name online or by phone?

No. Social Security requires you to mail in Form SS-5 with original or certified copies of your documents, or walk into an office in person. You cannot do it online or over the phone. This is because Social Security needs to verify your documents are real.

How long does it take to get my new card?

Usually two to three weeks from the day you mail your process, or one to two weeks if you walk into an office. The exact time depends on how busy your local office is. If you do not hear anything after three weeks, call to check on it.

What if I lost my birth certificate or other proof documents?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This takes a few days to a few weeks depending on where you order from. While you wait, you can start gathering your other documents so you are ready to submit everything to Social Security once the birth certificate arrives.

Will changing my name on Social Security affect my credit or taxes?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same, so your credit history and tax records stay linked to you. The IRS and credit bureaus will eventually see that your name changed, but there is no gap or problem. Make sure to update your name with your employer and bank so your W-2 and tax return match.