What You Need to Do to Change Your Name at Social Security

To change your name with Social Security, you must visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. Social Security does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online. You will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office, and a staff member will review your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, you will receive a new card in the mail within one to two weeks.

The key requirement is that you must have already changed your name legally — through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before Social Security will update their records. Social Security will not create the legal change for you; they only reflect what the court or vital records office has already done.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and documents proving both your legal name change and your identity.
  • Social Security requires proof that a court, vital records office, or government agency has already recognized your name change — they will not process a change based on your word alone.
  • Bring your original documents or certified copies; Social Security staff will examine them but you keep them and do not leave them with the office.
  • Your new Social Security card arrives by mail within one to two weeks, and you should update your name with your employer, bank, and other institutions afterward.

Documents You Must Bring to the Social Security Office

Bring one document that proves your legal name change. This is the single most important requirement. A court order for a name change, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, or a certified copy of your divorce decree all count. If you changed your name through a gender marker change, bring the court order or vital records document that shows the change. Social Security will not accept a letter from your doctor, a therapist, or an employer — only a document issued by a court or vital records office.

You also need one document that proves your identity and shows your current name. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. If your ID still shows your old name, that is acceptable — Social Security knows you are in the process of changing it. If you do not have a current ID, bring two documents that together prove who you are: a birth certificate plus a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your current name, for example.

Bring your Social Security card itself if you still have it. If you have lost it, tell the staff member when you arrive. You do not need to bring it to get a new one, but having it speeds up the process slightly.

How to Find Your Local Social Security Office and Make an Appointment

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 is currently accepting walk-ins or appointments only. Many offices now require appointments, especially after 2020, so call ahead or check the website before you go.

You can schedule an appointment by phone or through the website. When you call, tell the staff member you need to change your name and ask how long the appointment usually takes — most name change appointments last 10 to 15 minutes. If the office is not accepting appointments for several weeks, ask whether you can walk in during a specific time window; some offices reserve certain hours for walk-ins.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or separated. Social Security staff will handle them during your appointment, but you will take them home with you — they do not keep copies unless you ask them to make one.

What Happens During Your Appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are there for a name change. You will be called to a window or interview room, where a Social Security representative will ask you to show your documents. They will examine your proof of legal name change and your ID, and they may ask you questions about when the change happened and why.

The representative will then give you Form SS-5 to fill out. The form asks for your old name, your new name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and your address. If you are unsure how to fill out any part, ask the representative — they can help you. Once you have completed the form, the representative will review it, make copies of your documents if you request it, and submit your process on the spot.

You will not receive your new card when ready. The office will mail it to the address you provide, usually within one to two weeks. If you need the card urgently, ask the representative whether they can issue a temporary document or expedite the card; some offices can, but it depends on local policy.

What to Do After Your Name Change Is Processed

Once you receive your new Social Security card, update your name with your employer's human resources or payroll department. Give them a copy of your new card so they can update their records and may support your earnings are credited to the correct account. If you do not update your employer, your work history may be split between your old and new name, which can affect your future benefits.

Update your name with your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions. Contact them directly or visit a branch in person with your new Social Security card and ID. Update your name with your state's motor vehicle department if you have a driver's license or state ID — you may need to visit in person or mail in a form, depending on your state.

If you have a passport, update it with the U.S. State Department. If you have a professional license, teaching certificate, or other credential, contact the issuing body to update your name. These steps are not required by Social Security, but they prevent confusion and may support that your records match across institutions.

If Your Name Change Was Through Marriage or Divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. A certified copy is one issued by the vital records office in the county where you were married, not a photocopy you made yourself. Some states allow you to order certified copies online; others require you to visit the vital records office or mail in a request. Check your state's vital records website to find out how to order one.

If you changed your name through divorce, bring your certified divorce decree or a certified copy of the divorce judgment. The document must show your old name, your new name, and the date the divorce was finalized. If you have lost your copy, contact the court that issued the divorce or the vital records office in the county where the divorce was filed.

If you are changing your name back to a former name after divorce, Social Security treats this the same way — bring the divorce decree that shows the name change, and they will update your record.

If Your Name Change Was Through a Court Order

If you obtained a legal name change through a court petition (not marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order. This order must be signed by a judge and show both your old name and your new name. If you have lost your copy, contact the court clerk's office in the county where you filed the petition and request a certified copy.

Some states issue a separate document called a "Certificate of Name Change" after a court order is finalized. If your state does, bring that document instead of or in addition to the court order itself — Social Security accepts both. Check your state court's website or call the clerk's office to find out what document you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name with Social Security by mail or phone?

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person at a local office with original or certified documents. They do this to verify that your name change is legal and that you are who you say you are. There is no exception to this rule.

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

The card usually arrives within one to two weeks of your appointment. If you need it faster, ask the Social Security representative whether your office can expedite it or issue a temporary document. Some offices can, but policies vary by location.

What if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or court order?

Contact the vital records office or court that issued the document and request a certified copy. Most offices allow you to order by mail or online. You will need to pay a fee, usually between $10 and $25. Do not bring a photocopy or an uncertified copy — Social Security will not accept it.

Do I need to update my name everywhere once Social Security changes it?

You should update your name with your employer, bank, and any government agencies that have records under your old name. Social Security does not automatically notify other institutions, so you must contact them separately. Updating your employer is especially important so your work history stays connected to one name.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need to change my name at the same time?

You can do both in one appointment. Bring your proof of legal name change and your ID, and tell the Social Security representative that you have lost your card. They will issue a new card with your new name. You do not need to bring the old card.