What you need to do to update your Social Security card
You will need to visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of your new legal name and proof of citizenship. Social Security does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online. The office will take your old card, verify your documents, and mail you a new card with your married name within 1 to 2 weeks.
You cannot use your new Social Security card until it arrives. If you need to prove your new name before then—for a job, bank account, or driver's license—bring the documents you showed Social Security (your marriage certificate and ID) as temporary proof.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Social Security office in person; there is no online, mail, or phone option for name changes.
- Bring your marriage certificate (the official certified copy, not a photocopy), your current Social Security card, and a photo ID showing your current legal name.
- The office will keep your old card and mail your new one within 1 to 2 weeks.
- You do not need to change your Social Security name before changing your driver's license or other documents, though some people do it first for simplicity.
- If you changed your name through a court order rather than marriage, bring the court document instead of a marriage certificate.
Documents to bring to the Social Security office
Bring three things: your marriage certificate (an official certified copy from the county clerk, not a photocopy), your current Social Security card, and a photo ID that shows your current legal name. Your driver's license, passport, or state ID all work for the photo ID.
The marriage certificate must be a certified copy—a photocopy will not be accepted. If you do not have the certified copy yet, you can order it from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. This usually takes a few days to a week and costs between $10 and $25 depending on the county.
If your photo ID still shows your maiden name, that is fine. Social Security accepts it because it proves who you are. You do not need to change your driver's license first.
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. You can call that office directly to schedule an appointment, or you can walk in without one—most offices accept walk-ins, though wait times vary. Calling ahead usually means a shorter wait.
Bring all three documents with you. The appointment or walk-in visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The office staff will verify your documents, take your old card, and give you a receipt showing your new card is on the way.
If you cannot visit in person due to a disability or medical condition, you can request a home visit by calling your local office. Home visits are less common and may take longer to schedule, but Social Security does offer them.
What happens after you submit your documents
Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are delays in the mail system. You will receive only the card itself—no letter or notification comes with it.
Once your new card arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half. Do not throw it away whole, as your Social Security number can be read from it.
You do not need to notify your employer, bank, or other organizations that your Social Security card has been updated. Your Social Security number stays the same; only the name on the card changes. However, you will want to update your name with your employer's payroll department and with your bank so your accounts match your legal name.
Changing your name with other agencies at the same time
Many people change their name with multiple agencies around the same time. The order does not matter legally, but some people find it easier to change Social Security first because you can use your marriage certificate as proof of the name change for other agencies while you wait for your new card.
After you change your Social Security name, you can update your driver's license or state ID at your local DMV. Bring your marriage certificate and your receipt from Social Security showing you applied for the name change. Some states will issue a temporary ID while you wait for your new card to arrive.
You will also want to update your name with your bank, employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has your Social Security number on file. Each organization has its own process, but most accept a marriage certificate as proof.
If you changed your name through a court order instead of marriage
If you legally changed your name through a court petition rather than through marriage, bring the court order instead of a marriage certificate. The process is otherwise identical—visit your local Social Security office with the court order, your current card, and a photo ID.
Court orders are accepted the same way marriage certificates are, and your new card will be mailed within 1 to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my Social Security name before I change my driver's license?
No. You can change them in any order. Some people change their driver's license first because they use it as ID for other transactions. Others change Social Security first because the marriage certificate is accepted as proof of the name change everywhere. Neither order is required.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to a week. You cannot proceed with the Social Security name change until you have the certified copy in hand.
Can I change my name online or by mail?
No. Social Security requires you to visit an office in person. There is no online portal or mail-in option for name changes. You must bring your documents to a local Social Security office.
How long does it take to get my new card?
Usually 1 to 2 weeks from the day you submit your documents at the office. Mail delays can extend this. You will receive only the card; no letter comes with it, so check your mail regularly.
What if my name change was denied?
Social Security rarely denies name changes for marriage. If there is a problem, the office will tell you at your visit. Common issues are a missing certified copy of the marriage certificate or a photo ID that does not match your current legal name. Bring all three required documents to avoid delays.