What You Need to Do

To change your name on your Social Security card after marriage, 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. The Social Security Administration does not process name changes by mail or online. You will need to bring your current Social Security card, a marriage certificate, and a photo ID showing your new name — or a photo ID showing your old name plus the marriage certificate as proof of the change.

The process takes about two weeks from the date you submit your documents. You do not need to change your Social Security card before you change your driver's license or other documents, though many people do it first because the Social Security card is the foundation for updating your name everywhere else.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5, your current Social Security card, your marriage certificate, and a photo ID.
  • Bring either a photo ID that already shows your new name, or a photo ID with your old name plus the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.
  • Processing takes about two weeks, and you will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide.
  • You do not need an appointment at most Social Security offices — walk in during business hours, though arriving early reduces wait times.
  • After you receive your new Social Security card, use it to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and state ID office.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring your current Social Security card and a photo ID. If your photo ID already shows your new married name, that is all you need for ID proof. If your photo ID still shows your maiden name, bring the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate along with that ID.

The marriage certificate must be an official document issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married — not a photocopy you made yourself, and not a printed copy from an online service. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you married. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

You will also need to complete Form SS-5 before you go to the office, though you can pick one up there and fill it out if you prefer. The form asks for your current name, your new name, date of birth, place of birth, and the reason for the change (you will check "marriage"). You do not need to sign it before you arrive — the Social Security representative will watch you sign it.

Finding Your Local Social Security Office

Go to ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you by entering your zip code. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office accepts walk-ins. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have reduced hours on certain days.

Call ahead if you want to confirm the office is open or ask whether they are experiencing delays. Some offices have longer wait times than others depending on how busy they are. Arriving in the first hour after opening usually means a shorter wait.

What Happens at the Social Security Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the representative you are there to change your name on your Social Security card. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, bring your documents to the window.

The representative will review your documents, ask you to sign Form SS-5 in front of them, and take your current Social Security card. They will give you a receipt showing your case number and an expected delivery date for your new card. Keep this receipt — it shows you have a pending name change if anyone asks for proof while you wait for the new card.

You will not receive your new card that day. The Social Security Administration mails it to the address you provide, usually within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call the office using the case number on your receipt.

Updating Your Name After You Receive Your New Card

Once your new Social Security card arrives, use it to update your name with your employer's payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, and your state's motor vehicle office. Your employer needs the new card to update your tax records. Your bank needs it to match your account to your ID. Your insurance company needs it for your policy records.

You do not have to update everything at once. Start with your employer and bank, since those are tied to your financial records and taxes. Update your driver's license or state ID at your state's motor vehicle office — bring your new Social Security card and marriage certificate. After you have a new state ID with your married name, updating other documents becomes easier because most organizations accept a state ID as proof of your name change.

If You Changed Your Name Through a Court Order

If you changed your name through a legal court order rather than through marriage, the process is the same except you bring the court order instead of a marriage certificate. The court order must be certified or stamped as official by the court that issued it. Bring Form SS-5, your current Social Security card, a photo ID, and the certified court order to your local Social Security office.

Some people go through a court order even after marriage if they want to change their name to something other than their spouse's last name, or if they want to change their first or middle name as well. The Social Security Administration treats a court order the same way it treats a marriage certificate — as legal proof of your name change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate unless it is certified. The Social Security Administration will not accept a copy you made yourself or a printed copy from an online genealogy service. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the vital records office.

Do not assume you can mail in your documents or use an online service. The Social Security Administration requires you to appear in person at an office. If you are unable to visit an office yourself, you can authorize someone else to go on your behalf, but you must fill out Form SL-1 (Affidavit for Non-Applicant) and have it notarized.

Do not wait for your new Social Security card to arrive before you tell your employer about your name change. Give your employer your receipt from the Social Security office showing your case number — this proves you have filed for a name change. Your employer can update their records once you provide the new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Social Security card before I change my driver's license?

No, but many people do it first because the Social Security card is easier to change and serves as proof of your name for other documents. You can change them in any order. However, once you have a new driver's license with your married name, it becomes easier to update other documents because most organizations accept a state ID as proof of your name change.

What if I do not have my original marriage certificate?

Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were married. Call the county clerk's office or visit their website to find out how to order. Certified copies usually cost $10 to $25 and arrive by mail in one to two weeks. Do not bring a photocopy or a printed copy from an online service — the Social Security Administration will reject it.

Can someone else go to the Social Security office for me?

Yes, but you must fill out Form SL-1 (Affidavit for Non-Applicant), have it notarized, and give it to the person going on your behalf along with your documents. The person must also bring a photo ID. This is useful if you are unable to visit the office yourself, but it takes longer because the form must be notarized first.

How long does it take to get my new Social Security card?

The Social Security Administration mails your new card within two weeks of your visit. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call the office using the case number on your receipt. In rare cases, cards can take longer if there are delays in the mail or if the office needs to verify your documents.

Can I use my receipt as proof of my name change while I wait for the new card?

Yes. The receipt from the Social Security office shows your case number and pending name change. Some employers and banks will accept this as proof while you wait for the new card to arrive. Call ahead to ask whether the organization you need to update will accept a receipt or if they require the actual card.