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

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 proof of identity. Social Security does not change your name on their own—you must request it. The process takes about two weeks after Social Security receives your documents, though it can take longer if they need to verify information with other agencies.

You will receive a new card in the mail with your updated name. Your Social Security number stays the same; only the name printed on the card changes. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to confirm what documents they need can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form SS-5 in person at a Social Security office or by mail, and include proof of your legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree).
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and your current Social Security card, or a birth certificate if you do not have a card yet.
  • Processing takes roughly two weeks after Social Security receives your complete process, though verification with other agencies can extend this.
  • Your Social Security number does not change—only the name on your card and in Social Security's records is updated.
  • After you receive your new card, update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and other organizations that use your Social Security number.

Proof of Your Legal Name Change

Social Security requires official documentation showing that your name change is legal. What counts depends on why your name changed. A court order is the strongest proof and is required if you changed your name through a legal petition. A marriage certificate or certified copy counts if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or dissolution order counts if you changed your name as part of a divorce.

If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate showing your new name, or a naturalization certificate, can serve as proof. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photocopy usually will not work. If you do not have the original, ask the court, vital records office, or issuing agency for a certified copy before you go to Social Security.

Documents to Bring to the Social Security Office

Bring these items when you go in person:

  • Form SS-5, completed and signed (you can fill it out at home or at the office)
  • Your proof of legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or birth certificate)
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID)
  • Your current Social Security card, if you have one

If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, employee badge, or utility bill with your name on it. Social Security is flexible about this—call your local office to ask what they will accept if you are unsure.

Bring originals or certified copies. Social Security will not accept notarized copies of birth certificates or marriage certificates unless they are certified by the vital records office that issued them.

explore by Mail Instead of In Person

You can mail Form SS-5 and your documents to your local Social Security office instead of going in person. This takes longer—expect three to four weeks instead of two—because mail processing is slower. You must send certified copies of all documents, not originals, since you will not get them back when ready.

Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, phone number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting. Put everything in one envelope and send it to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Mailing is useful if you live far from an office, have limited hours, or prefer not to go in person. However, if Social Security needs to verify something, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time. Going in person is faster if you can.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security will review your documents to confirm your legal name change is valid. If everything is in order, they process your process and mail your new card within two weeks. You do not need to do anything while you wait—just watch for the card in the mail.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. This usually happens if your documents are unclear, if the name change was very recent, or if they need to verify the court order with the courthouse. Respond as soon as you can so your process does not sit in a queue.

Once you receive your new card, shred or destroy your old one. Then update your name with your employer's payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, and any other organization that has your Social Security number on file. This prevents confusion and ensures your records match across institutions.

Changing Your Name if You Do Not Have a Social Security Card Yet

If you have never had a Social Security card and are explore for one under your new legal name, bring Form SS-5, your proof of legal name change, your photo ID, and your birth certificate. The process is the same, and you will receive your first card in the mail.

If you are a non-citizen or immigrant, bring your passport or travel document along with your other papers. Social Security will verify your immigration status before issuing a card. This can take longer than two weeks if verification requires contacting immigration authorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring photocopies of your legal name change documents unless they are certified copies. Social Security will reject them and ask you to resubmit. Do not assume your employer or bank will update your name automatically once Social Security does—you have to tell them yourself.

Do not wait to change your name with Social Security if you have changed it legally. The longer you wait, the more institutions may have records under your old name, which creates confusion later. If you changed your name years ago and never updated Social Security, go in now; there is no time limit, but the sooner you do it, the sooner your records are consistent.

Do not throw away your old card before your new one arrives. Keep it until you have the new card in hand, in case Social Security needs to contact you about your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?

Social Security usually mails your new card within two weeks of receiving your complete process. If you explore in person, processing is faster than if you mail it in. If Social Security needs to verify your documents with a court or other agency, it can take three to four weeks or longer.

Do I need an appointment to go to a Social Security office?

Most Social Security offices do not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and ask what documents you need can save time. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so going early in the day or mid-week is often faster.

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

Bring the original document and an English translation certified by a professional translator. Social Security will accept foreign documents if they are official and translated into English. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call your local Social Security office before you go.

Can I change my name on Social Security if I do not have a court order?

A court order is required if you changed your name through a legal petition. However, if you changed your name through marriage or divorce, your marriage certificate or divorce decree counts as proof and you do not need a separate court order. If you changed your name informally without legal documentation, Social Security cannot process the change.

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

You can do both in one process. Submit Form SS-5 with your proof of legal name change and your photo ID. Social Security will issue a new card with your updated name. You do not need to report the lost card separately.