What You Need to Do 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 will not process a name change 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 help you complete it.

The name change itself must come from a legal document first — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate. Social Security cannot change your name based on your word alone. You bring that document to prove the change is official.

Processing usually takes one to two weeks. Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provide. You do not pay a fee for the first replacement card, but you will pay $1.25 for each additional card you request in the same year after the first one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and proof of your legal name change — mail and phone requests are not accepted.
  • Your legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate) must be an original or certified copy.
  • Bring a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency along with your name change document.
  • Your new Social Security card arrives by mail within one to two weeks at no cost for your first replacement.
  • Update your name with other agencies (IRS, state DMV, employer, bank) separately — Social Security does not notify them automatically.

What Documents to Bring to the Social Security Office

Bring three categories of documents: proof of your legal name change, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For the name change itself, bring an original or certified copy of the document that made the change official. A court order from a name-change proceeding, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree showing your new name, or an amended birth certificate all work. A photocopy is not enough — it must be an original or certified by the issuing agency.

For identity, bring a current photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill or bank statement in your name.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring your U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States and do not have these documents, ask your local Social Security office which documents they will accept — the rules vary slightly by office.

Finding Your Local Social Security Office and Making an Appointment

Use the Social Security office locator at ssa.gov to find the office nearest you. Enter your city and state, and the website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Many offices now require an appointment, though some still accept walk-ins during certain hours. Call ahead or check the office's page on the website to see whether you need to schedule.

If you call to make an appointment, have your Social Security number ready. The office will ask you what you need (a name change) and may ask for your current name and the name you are changing to. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, so call early if you need to change your name by a specific date.

If you cannot reach your local office by phone, you can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov and message the office through your account. Response times vary, but this method works if you prefer not to call.

What Happens During Your Office Visit

Arrive with all your documents and Form SS-5 filled out, or arrive early and fill it out at the office — staff can help you. The Social Security representative will review your documents, ask you to verify your current name and Social Security number, and confirm the new name you want on your card. They will take your documents and make copies for the file.

The representative will also ask whether you want a replacement card mailed to your current address or a different address. If your address has changed, update it now. You will receive a receipt showing that you applied, and the office will tell you when to expect your new card in the mail — usually within one to two weeks.

You do not need to do anything else at Social Security after your visit. Your new card will arrive automatically. Do not call or visit again unless two weeks pass and you have not received it.

Updating Your Name Elsewhere After Social Security Approves It

Social Security does not notify other agencies or organizations when you change your name. You must update your name separately with each one. Start with your employer and your bank, since they use your Social Security number to match records and a mismatch can cause problems with paychecks and account access.

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license or state ID. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person. You will need to show your new Social Security card or a certified copy of your legal name change document.

Update the IRS if you file taxes. You can do this by mail using Form 8822-B or through your online IRS account if you have one. Update your health insurance, life insurance, and any retirement accounts (401k, IRA) by contacting the plan administrator or insurance company directly. Update your voter registration through your local election office.

If You Have a Criminal Record or Immigration Issues

A criminal record does not prevent you from changing your name with Social Security. Social Security does not check criminal history. However, if you are changing your name to evade law enforcement or court orders, that is illegal, and Social Security may be required to report it. Be honest with the Social Security representative about why you are changing your name if asked.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still change your name with Social Security if you have a valid visa, work permit, or green card. Bring your immigration document as proof of legal residency. If your immigration status is pending or uncertain, ask your local Social Security office which documents they will accept before you visit.

What to Do If Your Name Change Is Denied or Delayed

Social Security rarely denies a name change if your documents are in order. The most common reason for delay is missing or unclear documents. If the office tells you your documents are not acceptable, ask what specific document they need instead. For example, if your certified copy of a court order is unclear, they may ask you to get a new certified copy from the court.

If you believe your name change was wrongly denied, ask to speak with a supervisor at the office. You can also call Social Security's main customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to file a complaint. Have your Social Security number and the date you visited the office ready.

If your new card does not arrive within three weeks, call your local office or the main customer service line. Provide the date you applied and ask them to check the status. They can reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Social Security requires you to visit an office in person with original or certified documents. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or through an online account. An in-person visit is the only way.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my driver's license?

No. You can change them in any order. However, many people change Social Security first because your Social Security card is often easier to update and serves as proof of your legal name change when you update other documents.

What if I lost my legal name change document?

Contact the agency that issued it. If it was a court order, contact the court clerk's office. If it was a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were married. They can issue a certified copy, which Social Security will accept. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Will changing my name with Social Security affect my benefits or work history?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. All your earnings history and any benefits you receive remain attached to that number, regardless of the name on your card. The name change is purely administrative.

How much does it cost to change my name with Social Security?

There is no fee for your first replacement card. If you request additional cards in the same year, you pay $1.25 per card. You do not pay anything to change your name itself.