What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card
To change your 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 your legal name change and proof of identity. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee. You will receive a new card in the mail within two to four weeks, though this timing varies by location and current processing volume.
The process itself is straightforward: you gather documents, fill out one form, and hand it to a Social Security employee or mail it in. The part that takes time is getting the legal name change document itself — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — because that comes from a different agency and is what Social Security actually verifies.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document proving your name change before Social Security will issue a new card — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
- Form SS-5 and your documents go to your local Social Security office in person or by mail; there is no online submission.
- You need one document proving your identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one proving your legal name change.
- Processing takes two to four weeks from the day Social Security receives your complete process, though some offices move faster or slower.
What legal documents Social Security accepts as proof of name change
Social Security recognizes a name change only if you have an official document from a court or government agency. A marriage certificate or divorce decree counts. A court order for a legal name change counts. A naturalization certificate or passport showing your new name counts. A document you printed yourself, an email, or a letter from your employer does not count.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed it through divorce, bring your divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed it through a court petition (sometimes called a "name change by petition" or "legal name change"), bring the court order. The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy is not enough.
Documents you need to bring or mail
Gather these items before you go to the Social Security office or prepare them for mailing:
- Form SS-5, completed and signed. You can read it from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local office.
- Your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) — original or certified copy.
- One form of identity: a valid driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID.
- Your current Social Security card, if you have it.
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, Social Security accepts other forms of ID depending on what your state issues. Call your local office to ask what they will take if you do not have a standard ID. Some offices are stricter than others about what counts.
How to submit your process in person or by mail
Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you go in person, bring all documents listed above, completed Form SS-5, and be ready to wait — bring a book or plan for an hour. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some now require one. Call ahead to check.
If you mail your documents, send them to your local Social Security office. Do not send them to the national office. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, phone number, and a brief note saying you are explore for a name change. Use certified mail with return receipt so you know when it arrives. Keep copies of everything you send.
Social Security will not accept documents by email or through an online portal. You must go in person or use the mail.
What happens after you submit your process
A Social Security employee will review your documents on the spot if you go in person, or within a few days if you mail them. They will check that your name change document is real, that your identity document is valid, and that the form is filled out correctly. If something is missing or wrong, they will tell you what to fix.
Once everything checks out, Social Security sends your information to the card printer. Your new card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. Some areas are faster; some take longer depending on how many applications the office is processing. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just watch your mail.
If you do not receive your card after five weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your Social Security number. They can tell you whether it was mailed and to what address.
What to do if you have already changed your name legally but do not have the document
If you were married decades ago and cannot find your marriage certificate, or if your court order got lost, you can request a replacement from the agency that issued it. Marriage certificates come from the county clerk or vital records office where you were married. Court orders come from the court that issued them. Divorce decrees come from the court that granted the divorce.
Contact the county clerk or court directly — do not go through Social Security. They will charge a fee (usually five to twenty dollars) and mail you a certified copy. This step takes one to three weeks depending on the office. Once you have the replacement document, you can submit your Social Security process.
Changing your name on other documents after you get your new card
Your Social Security card is one of many documents that will need updating. You will also need to change your name with your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, the DMV, and any government agencies you deal with. Start with your employer and bank because they affect your income and money. Then update your driver's license or state ID at the DMV — you will need your new Social Security card to do this.
Keep your new Social Security card in a safe place. You do not need to carry it every day. Most of the time, you will show your driver's license instead. Your Social Security number is sensitive information, so do not share it unless you are opening an account or dealing with a government agency that specifically asks for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?
Processing takes two to four weeks from the day Social Security receives your complete process. If you explore in person, they start processing when ready. If you mail it, add a few days for it to arrive. Some offices move faster than others, so your area might be quicker or slower than the stated timeframe.
Do I need an appointment to go to the Social Security office?
Most Social Security offices do not require an appointment, but some now do because of staffing or space limits. Call your local office or check ssa.gov before you go. If they require appointments, you can schedule one online or by phone.
What if my name change document is from another country?
Social Security will accept a foreign document if it is an official government record and you have it translated into English by a certified translator. Bring both the original and the certified English translation. Some offices may ask for additional proof that the document is real, so call ahead to ask what they need.
Can I change my name on my Social Security card without a legal document?
No. Social Security will not change your name based on a request alone. You must have an official document from a court or government agency proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This is a federal requirement, not a local office choice.
What if I lost my Social Security card and also need to change my name?
You can do both at the same time. Bring your legal name change document and your identity document to the Social Security office, fill out Form SS-5, and they will issue a new card with your new name. You do not need to find your old card first.