What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card
To change your name on your Social Security card, 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 your identity. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee. You will receive a new card in the mail within one to two weeks, though timing varies by location and how busy your local office is.
The process itself is straightforward, but you must have the right documents in hand before you go. A name change is only official to Social Security once you have submitted the correct paperwork — straightforward using a new name does not update your record.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete Form SS-5 and bring it in person to a Social Security office, along with proof of your legal name change and a photo ID.
- Proof of legal name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — the document depends on why your name changed.
- You will need your current Social Security card or a record of your number, and one document proving your identity, such as a driver's license or passport.
- There is no fee to change your name on your Social Security card, and you should receive the new card within one to two weeks of submitting your process.
- You cannot change your name by mail or online; you must visit a Social Security office in person.
Documents You Must Bring to the Social Security Office
Social Security requires two categories of documents: proof that your name legally changed, and proof of your identity. You cannot submit these by mail — you must bring them in person.
For proof of legal name change, bring the document that made your name change official. If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you went through a court name change, bring the court order. If you were adopted, bring your adoption papers. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring one document with your photo and signature. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents without photos, such as a birth certificate and a bank statement with your name on it. Your current Social Security card alone is not enough to prove identity.
Bring your current Social Security card if you have it, or write down your Social Security number before you go. If you have lost your card and do not know your number, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to look it up before your visit.
How to Fill Out Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is a one-page process. You can fill it out at home before you go to the office, or you can fill it out when you arrive — Social Security staff can help you if you have questions. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, your place of birth, your mother's maiden name, and your Social Security number.
In the section marked "Reason for process," check the box for "Change of name." Do not leave this blank. Write your new name clearly in the space provided. If you are unsure about any field, ask the staff member at the office — they see this form every day and can walk you through it.
You do not need to sign the form before you arrive. Social Security will ask you to sign it in front of a staff member at the office. Bring a pen so you can sign it there.
Finding Your Local Social Security Office and What to Expect
Go to ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to make an appointment first. Call the office or use the online appointment tool on ssa.gov to schedule a time.
When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together. The wait time varies — some offices have short lines, others can be busy. Bring your phone or something to read. A staff member will call your name, check your documents, have you sign the form, and take your process. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Ask the staff member how long the new card will take to arrive. In most places it is one to two weeks, but some areas take longer. They will give you a receipt showing the date you applied.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
Social Security processes your process and mails your new card to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the card to arrive. If you have moved recently, make sure the address Social Security has is correct before you leave the office.
If your new card does not arrive within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them the receipt number from your visit. They can check the status of your card and remail it if needed.
Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card by cutting it in half. You do not need to return it to Social Security. Your new card has the same number as your old one — only the name changes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not try to mail in your process. Social Security requires you to appear in person with your original documents. Mailed applications will be returned to you.
Do not bring photocopies of your name-change document. Bring the original or a certified copy. A certified copy is a copy stamped and signed by the court or government office that issued the original. Your local courthouse can provide a certified copy if you need one.
Do not assume your old card is still valid while you wait for the new one. Your old card with your old name is still your Social Security card and still works for employment and banking purposes. You do not need to rush — use your old card until the new one arrives.
Do not forget to bring a photo ID. Without it, Social Security cannot process your process, and you will have to reschedule and come back.
If You Changed Your Name Through Marriage or Divorce
If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced and took back your maiden name or a different name, bring your divorce decree. These are the documents Social Security needs to see that your name change was legal.
If you married and then divorced and want to use your married name, bring the divorce decree. The decree shows that you were legally married, so your married name is a legal name you can use. Social Security will accept it.
If you are in the process of getting married or divorced but the paperwork is not final yet, wait until the process is complete. Social Security needs the final, signed document, not a draft or a pending case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card by mail or online?
No. Social Security requires you to visit an office in person with your original documents. You cannot submit Form SS-5 by mail or through the Social Security website. A staff member must see your documents and verify them before your process is processed.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?
Most people receive their new card within one to two weeks. Some areas take longer, depending on how busy the office is. Ask the staff member at your visit for a specific timeframe for your location. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
Do I need to change my name with other agencies after I change it on my Social Security card?
Yes. Changing your Social Security card is one step. You will also need to update your name with your employer, your bank, your insurance company, your state ID or driver's license, and any other organization that has your information on file. Social Security does not notify these organizations for you.
What if I do not have my original name-change document?
Contact the office that issued the document. If you married, contact the courthouse in the county where you were married. If you divorced, contact the courthouse where your divorce was finalized. If you had a court name change, contact that courthouse. They can issue you a certified copy for a small fee, usually between five and twenty dollars.
Can I use my old Social Security card while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old card is still valid and still works for employment, banking, and other purposes. You do not need to stop using it. Once your new card arrives, you can destroy the old one by cutting it in half.