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) and send it to your local Social Security office along with proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. Social Security does not change your name on their records until you show them official documentation—a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers—that proves the change is legal.

The process takes about two weeks if you mail it in, though it can vary depending on how busy your local office is. You cannot change your name online or by phone; you must appear in person at a Social Security office or, in some cases, at a participating state ID office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring Form SS-5, proof of your legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and a government-issued ID to a Social Security office in person.
  • Social Security will not process a name change without official documentation showing the name change is legal.
  • Processing takes roughly two weeks, though timing varies by location and how busy the office is.
  • You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail once the change is approved; the old card becomes invalid.
  • If you have already changed your name with other agencies (driver's license, passport, employer), bring those documents as additional proof of identity.

Documents you must bring to the Social Security office

Bring the original or certified copy of your legal name change document. For marriage, that is your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree or final judgment. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order itself. For adoption, bring the adoption decree. Social Security will not accept photocopies or notarized copies unless the original is not available; if that is the case, call ahead to ask what they will accept.

You also need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one, bring two other documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate, school records, or a utility bill with your current address.

Bring Form SS-5 filled out completely. You can read it from ssa.gov or pick up a copy at the Social Security office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form and bring their own ID.

Where to go and how to schedule an appointment

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator and entering your zip code. Most offices now require you to schedule an appointment in advance rather than walk in. You can book an appointment online through the same locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule by phone.

Wait times vary widely by location. Urban offices tend to be busier and may have longer waits even with an appointment. If your local office is extremely backed up, you can ask whether a nearby office has shorter wait times and whether you can go there instead.

Some states allow you to change your name at a participating Department of Motor Vehicles or state ID office instead of going to Social Security directly. Call Social Security to ask whether your state offers this option.

What happens after you submit your documents

The Social Security employee will review your documents, make sure Form SS-5 is complete, and take your process. They will give you a receipt showing the date you applied. Do not throw this away—keep it in case there are questions later.

Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file, usually within two weeks. The old card is no longer valid once the new one arrives. If you need to use your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can ask the office for a printout showing your number and the name change has been processed.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by mail at the address you provided. Check your mail regularly during the two weeks after you explore.

Name changes due to marriage or divorce

If you are changing your name because of marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. You do not need a court order—the marriage certificate is your legal proof. Some people change their name at the courthouse when they get married; others change it afterward through Social Security. Either way, the marriage certificate is what you need.

If you are changing your name because of divorce, bring your divorce decree or final judgment. The document must show your old name and your new name clearly. If your divorce papers do not show the name change explicitly, ask the court clerk for a certified copy that does, or ask for a separate name change order.

Name changes due to court order

If you obtained a legal name change through the court (not through marriage or divorce), bring the court order. This is common when someone wants to change their name for personal reasons, to correct a name that was misspelled at birth, or for other circumstances. The court order must be a final order, not a petition or request—Social Security will not accept documents that are still pending.

Make sure the court order shows both your old name and your new name. If it is unclear, contact the court clerk and ask for a certified copy that explicitly states the name change.

If you have already changed your name elsewhere

If you have already changed your name on your driver's license, passport, or with your employer, bring those documents with you. They serve as additional proof of identity and show that your name change is official. Social Security still requires the original legal document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), but having other government or official records in your new name speeds up the process.

If you changed your name with your employer but not yet with your state, bring your employment records showing your new name. This helps Social Security see that the name change is real and documented in multiple places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on Social Security if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. Bring your legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) and two other forms of ID showing your name and date of birth, such as a school record, passport, or utility bill. Social Security does not require a birth certificate specifically.

What if my marriage certificate or court order is from another country?

You can use it, but Social Security may ask for a certified English translation. Contact your local Social Security office before you go to ask whether they need a translation and what form it should take. Some offices accept translations certified by a notary; others require a court-certified translation.

How long does it take to get the new card in the mail?

Usually two weeks, but it can take longer depending on how busy the office is and whether Social Security needs to verify your documents. If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Do I need to change my name with other agencies too?

Yes. You will also need to update your name with your state's DMV (for your driver's license or ID), the IRS (for tax purposes), your employer, your bank, and any other organization that has your Social Security number. Social Security only changes their records; they do not notify other agencies for you.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?

Contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where you were married or divorced and request a certified copy. This usually costs a small fee and takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the office. You can often order online or by mail. Bring the certified copy to Social Security.