What You Need to Do at Social Security

Social Security does not automatically update your name when you marry. You must contact them directly with proof of your legal name change. The fastest way is to visit your local Social Security office in person with your marriage certificate and current ID — they can often process the change the same day and issue a new Social Security card within one to two weeks.

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your documents to Social Security, but this takes longer — typically three to four weeks. You will need to fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), include a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and send both to your nearest Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which office serves your address and whether they accept mail-in requests.

Do not wait to update Social Security. Your old name and new name will not match on tax forms, bank statements, and employer records, which can delay refunds, cause payment problems, and create confusion with government agencies. The sooner you change it, the fewer documents you will need to fix later.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your local Social Security office with your marriage certificate and current ID to change your name in person, which usually takes one to two weeks for your new card to arrive.
  • If you mail your request, include Form SS-5 and a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and expect the process to take three to four weeks.
  • Your marriage certificate must be a certified copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office where you were married — a photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted.
  • Update Social Security before you change your name with your employer, bank, or other institutions, so your records match when they report to the government.

Documents You Need to Bring or Mail

Social Security requires two things: proof of your legal name change and proof of your identity. For a name change through marriage, your certified marriage certificate is your proof of the legal change. This must be an official copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office in the county where you were married — not a photocopy, not the ceremonial copy you received at your wedding, and not a document you printed yourself.

For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you have already changed your name on your driver's license, that counts as proof of identity. If you have not yet changed your license, bring your current one along with the marriage certificate.

If you are explore by mail, you will also need to complete Form SS-5, which you can read from ssa.gov or request by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Do not send original documents — Social Security will not return them. Make copies of your marriage certificate and ID, and mail those instead. Keep the originals for your own records and for updating other agencies.

How to Get a Certified Marriage Certificate

A certified marriage certificate comes from the county clerk or vital records office in the county where you were married. Call that office directly or visit their website to order one — most counties allow you to order by mail, phone, or in person. The cost varies by county, usually between $10 and $30 per copy.

Order at least one extra copy. You will need a certified copy for Social Security, and you will likely need additional copies when you update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and other institutions. Having extras on hand saves you from ordering again later.

If you were married outside the United States, contact the vital records office or government agency in that country or region. Some countries issue marriage certificates in English; others require an official English translation. Social Security will tell you what form they need when you call or visit.

Visiting a Social Security Office in Person

Bring your marriage certificate, your current ID, and your Social Security card if you have it. Walk in during business hours — you do not need an appointment, though some offices allow you to schedule one online or by phone. Arrive early in the day if possible; offices are typically less crowded in the morning.

Tell the staff member at the desk that you need to change your name due to marriage. They will give you Form SS-5 to fill out, review your documents, and submit your request. If everything is in order, they will tell you when to expect your new card. Most new cards arrive within one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You do not need to do anything else while you wait. Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file. If you have moved recently, update your address with Social Security before you explore, or tell the staff member at the office so they can note it in your file.

Mailing Your Request to Social Security

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your old name, new name, date of birth, and current address. Make a photocopy of your marriage certificate and your ID — do not send originals. Include a note with your phone number in case Social Security needs to contact you with questions.

Mail everything to the Social Security office that serves your area. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the correct mailing address. Use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof that Social Security received your documents. Keep copies of everything you send.

Processing by mail takes three to four weeks, sometimes longer. If you do not receive your new card after four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

What Happens After Your Name Changes

Once Social Security updates your name, you will receive a new card in the mail. Your Social Security number stays the same — only your name changes. Start using your new name on all documents and with all institutions that report to the government, including your employer, bank, and insurance companies.

Update your employer's payroll system right away so your W-2 form matches your Social Security record. If your name on your W-2 does not match Social Security's record, the IRS may delay your tax refund or send notices asking you to clarify. Give your employer a copy of your new Social Security card or a letter from Social Security confirming the name change.

You do not have to update Social Security again if you change your name for other reasons in the future — for example, if you remarry or legally change your name through a court order. You will need to update those other agencies, but Social Security only needs to know about the current legal name you use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send an uncertified copy of your marriage certificate. Social Security will reject it and return your process, which delays everything by another three to four weeks. Order a certified copy from the county clerk before you explore.

Do not assume your name has already changed with Social Security just because you changed it with your employer or bank. Those institutions do not automatically notify Social Security. You must contact Social Security directly.

Do not send original documents by mail. Social Security will not return them, and you will need copies for other agencies anyway. Make photocopies and mail those instead.

Do not wait until you need your Social Security card for something urgent. If there is a mismatch between your name and Social Security's record, it can hold up a job offer, a loan, or a tax refund. Change it as soon as you have your marriage certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name at Social Security before I change it with my employer?

Yes. In fact, it is better to change it with Social Security first, then give your employer a copy of your new card. That way your W-2 will match Social Security's record from the start of the year.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Contact the county clerk or vital records office in the county where you were married and order a new certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. You cannot proceed with Social Security until you have it.

Do I need to change my Social Security name if I kept my maiden name?

No. If you did not legally change your name, your Social Security record stays as is. You do not need to contact Social Security.

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

If you explore in person at an office, your new card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you mail your process, expect three to four weeks. During busy periods, it can take longer.

Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only your name on the card changes.