What you need to do to change your name with Social Security

To change the name on your Social Security record, 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. Social Security updates your record based on what the government has on file — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. You do not need to change your name with Social Security before you change it with other agencies, but your Social Security record should match your legal name so that your earnings record stays accurate.

The process takes about two weeks once Social Security receives your documents. You will receive a new card in the mail. If you need the card faster, some Social Security offices offer in-person service that produces a replacement card the same day, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form SS-5 in person at a Social Security office or by mail, along with an original or certified copy of your legal name-change document and a photo ID.
  • Social Security accepts marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders, and amended birth certificates as proof of a legal name change.
  • Your new card arrives by mail in about two weeks; some offices can issue a replacement card on the spot if you visit in person.
  • Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically update your name with your employer, bank, or other agencies — you must contact them separately.

Documents you need to bring or send

You need three things: Form SS-5, proof of your legal name change, and proof of your identity. Form SS-5 is available on the Social Security website or at any Social Security office. You can fill it out before you go, which speeds up the process.

For proof of your legal name change, bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order approving a name change, or an amended birth certificate. A photocopy is not enough — Social Security needs the original or a certified copy with the official seal. If you obtained your name change through marriage or divorce, the certificate from the vital records office in the state where the event occurred works. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order itself.

For proof of identity, bring a 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 combination of documents like a birth certificate, medical records, or school records. Ask your local Social Security office which documents they accept before you visit.

How to submit your documents in person

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Call ahead or check the office's page to see if you need to schedule a time.

Bring Form SS-5 (completed), your original or certified name-change document, your photo ID, and your current Social Security card if you have one. Hand these to the clerk at the window. They will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is in order, they will submit your process and give you a receipt. Your new card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Some Social Security offices can issue a replacement card when ready if you visit in person and all your documents are correct. This is not may provide at every location, so ask the clerk whether your office offers same-day service. If it does and you need the card quickly, request it.

How to submit your documents by mail

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your documents to your local Social Security office. Send a completed Form SS-5, a certified copy of your name-change document, and a copy of your photo ID. Do not send original documents by mail — use certified copies only. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number so the office can match your process to your record.

Mail your packet to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address on ssa.gov using the office locator. Processing takes about two weeks from the date Social Security receives your mail. Send your documents by certified mail with return receipt if you want proof they arrived.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will review your documents and update your record. If your documents are complete and correct, your process will be approved. You will receive a new Social Security card by mail at the address on file with Social Security. The card shows your new legal name and your same Social Security number.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by mail. This usually means a document was unclear or missing. Respond as soon as you can so your process does not stall. If there is a problem with your documents that cannot be fixed by mail, Social Security may ask you to visit an office in person.

Updating your name with other agencies and employers

Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically change your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, or government agencies like the IRS or your state's motor vehicle department. You must contact each organization separately and provide proof of your legal name change.

Start with your employer's human resources or payroll department — they need to update your W-4 form and earnings record so your income is credited correctly. Contact your bank and credit card companies to update your accounts. Notify your insurance providers (health, auto, home). If you have a driver's license or state ID, visit your state's motor vehicle department to update that record. If you file taxes, notify the IRS. The order does not matter, but doing these updates within a few weeks of your name change prevents confusion with your earnings record and tax filings.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is sending a photocopy instead of a certified copy of your name-change document. Social Security will not accept a photocopy — it must be an original or a certified copy with the official seal from the vital records office or court. If you are unsure whether your copy is certified, call your local Social Security office and ask before you mail it.

Another mistake is assuming your name has been changed everywhere once you change it with Social Security. Your employer, bank, and other agencies do not receive automatic updates. You must contact each one. This is especially important for your employer, because if your name does not match your Social Security record, your earnings may not be credited correctly.

Do not delay updating your name with your employer if you have recently married or divorced. The sooner your W-4 and payroll records match your Social Security record, the fewer problems you will have at tax time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I submit my process?

A new card usually arrives by mail in about two weeks. If your local Social Security office offers same-day service and your documents are complete, you can receive a replacement card when ready when you visit in person. Call your local office to ask whether they provide same-day cards.

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

No. You can change your name with your employer first, then update Social Security, or do both at the same time. However, your Social Security record should match your legal name so your earnings are credited correctly. Update both within a few weeks of your legal name change.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where the event occurred and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some vital records offices allow you to order online or by phone. You can also ask the court that issued your divorce decree for a certified copy.

Can I change my Social Security name if I changed my name by common law?

Social Security requires a legal document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. A common-law name change (using a new name without a legal document) is not enough. You would need to file a court petition for a legal name change in your state and bring the court order to Social Security.

What if my name change document is from another country?

Social Security may accept foreign documents, but they must be official documents from the government that issued them. You may need to provide an English translation certified by a translator. Call your local Social Security office and describe your document before you visit or mail it, so they can tell you whether it will be accepted.