What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card
To change your name on your Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), provide proof of your new legal name, and submit it to your local Social Security office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. The Social Security Administration does not issue a new card with your old name on it — the card itself is replaced with one bearing your new name.
The process takes about two weeks from the day you submit your documents, though this varies by office and how busy they are. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide. You do not need to have changed your name with your state first, but you do need to show proof that your legal name has changed — usually a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Social Security office with Form SS-5 and proof of your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or state-issued ID showing your new name.
- Bring your current Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
- Your new card arrives by mail within about two weeks, and you cannot request expedited processing.
- You should also update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and state driver's license separately.
Documents you must bring to the Social Security office
Bring your current Social Security card, even if it is damaged or you no longer have it (you can explain this to the office). You also need a photo ID issued by a government agency — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
You must prove your citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate works. If you were born outside the U.S. and are a permanent resident, bring your green card or I-94 arrival record. A state-issued ID or driver's license can also serve as proof of residency if it shows your current address.
Finally, bring proof of your legal name change. A court order is the strongest proof — this is what you receive if you changed your name through the court system. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back or to a different name as part of the divorce. Some offices also accept a state ID or driver's license showing your new name, though a court order is preferred.
How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment
Visit the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you the nearest office, its hours, and its phone number. You can call the office directly to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment.
Most Social Security offices now require appointments. You can schedule one by calling the office or, in some cases, through the ssa.gov website. If you call, have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you need to change your name on your card and ask what documents they want you to bring — some offices have slightly different requirements, though the basics are the same everywhere.
If you cannot reach your local office or it has a long wait, you can call the national Social Security phone line at 1-800-772-1213. They can help you schedule an appointment or answer questions about what to bring. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
What happens at your appointment
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. A representative will review your Form SS-5 and your proof of name change. They will ask you to sign the form in front of them — you cannot sign it ahead of time. They will take your documents, make copies, and return the originals to you.
The representative will tell you when to expect your new card. They will give you a receipt showing your process was received. Keep this receipt until your new card arrives. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call the office or the national line to check on it.
What to do after you receive your new card
Once your new card arrives, you should update your name with other organizations that have your Social Security number on file. Contact your employer's human resources or payroll department and give them your new card. Update your bank and any investment accounts. Call your insurance companies — health, auto, home, and life — and ask them to update their records.
You will also need to change your name with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to get a new driver's license or state ID. This is a separate process from the Social Security card change and has its own requirements. Some states let you do this by mail; others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the steps.
Update your name with the IRS if you file taxes. You can do this by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by including a note with your next tax return. If you have a passport, explore for a new one with your new name through the State Department.
If you lost your Social Security card or it was stolen
You can still change your name even if you no longer have your card. Tell the representative at your appointment that your card is lost or stolen. Bring all the other documents listed above. The Social Security office will note in their system that your old card is no longer valid, and your new card will be issued with your new name.
If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place one by calling any of the three bureaus; they will notify the others.
Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court petition, bring the court order. All three documents must show your old name and your new name clearly.
Some people change their name multiple times — for example, taking a spouse's name at marriage and then changing it again after divorce. You can change your Social Security card name each time, but you will need proof of each legal change. The Social Security Administration keeps a record of all your name changes, which can be useful if you need to prove your identity history later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Social Security card name by mail or online?
No. The Social Security Administration requires you to explore in person at a local office with Form SS-5 and your documents. You cannot mail in the process or use their website to request a name change.
How long does it take to get my new card?
Most new cards arrive within two weeks of your appointment. The Social Security Administration does not offer expedited processing, so you cannot pay extra to get it faster. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact your local office.
Do I need to change my name with the state first before I change my Social Security card?
No. You can change your Social Security card name before or after you change your state ID or driver's license. However, it is often easier to do them in the same order you did the legal name change — for example, if you got a court order, use that to change both documents.
What if my proof of name change is from another country?
If you changed your name outside the United States, bring the original document or a certified copy. The Social Security office may ask you to have it translated into English by a certified translator. Call your local office before your appointment to ask what they need.
Will changing my name on my Social Security card affect my benefits or work history?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same. All your earnings history, benefits, and work record remain linked to that number, regardless of what name appears on your card. The name change is purely administrative.