What you need to do to change your name at Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not change your name on its own. You must request the change yourself by submitting Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) along with proof that your legal name has changed. The SSA will not process a name change based on a phone call, email, or online account update — you must mail or deliver the form in person to a Social Security office.

Your legal name change must come from an official source first: a court order (from divorce, adoption, or legal name change proceedings), a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. The SSA will not accept a name change without one of these documents. Once you have the correct paperwork, the process typically takes two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form SS-5 in person or by mail to your local Social Security office; online requests are not available for name changes.
  • You need an official document proving your legal name changed: a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
  • Bring or mail your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks, and you will receive a new card by mail at the address you provide.
  • If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, you may also need to update your name with your employer, bank, and insurance companies separately.

Documents you must bring or mail

The SSA requires three categories of documents: proof of your legal name change, proof of your identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Do not send original documents — bring copies or certified copies, as the SSA will not return them.

For proof of name change, bring a certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you are changing your name through marriage, the marriage certificate itself serves this purpose. If you are changing your name through court order or divorce, you need the official court document, not a letter from an attorney.

For proof of identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The SSA will not accept a Social Security card as proof of identity. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two other documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill in your name.

For proof of citizenship or legal residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card or other immigration authorization document.

How to submit Form SS-5

You have two options: mail the form and documents to your local Social Security office, or deliver them in person. Mailing takes longer because of postal delays, but you do not have to take time off work. Delivering in person is faster and lets you confirm the SSA received everything correctly.

To find your local Social Security office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name. The office listing will show the address, phone number, and hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm they accept walk-ins or if you need to schedule an appointment — some offices require appointments for name changes.

If you mail the form, send it to the address listed on the Form SS-5 instructions, not to a general SSA address. Include a copy of your name-change document and copies of your identity and citizenship documents. Keep copies for your records. The SSA recommends using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the office received your package.

If you deliver the form in person, bring the original documents or certified copies. The office staff will review them on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. You will receive a receipt showing the date you submitted your process.

What happens after you submit your form

The SSA will process your name change and mail a new Social Security card to the address you listed on Form SS-5. This usually takes two to four weeks. You do not need to do anything else while you wait — the SSA will contact you only if they need more information.

If the SSA needs additional documents or has questions about your process, they will send you a letter at your mailing address. Check your mail regularly. If you do not respond within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days), the SSA may deny your request and you will have to resubmit.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card by cutting it in half and throwing it away. Do not keep the old card. You do not need to do anything with your Social Security number — it stays the same. Only your name on the card changes.

Updating your name elsewhere after Social Security approves it

Changing your name at Social Security does not automatically change it anywhere else. You will need to update your name separately with your employer, bank, insurance companies, credit card companies, and any government agencies that have your information on file.

Start with your employer's human resources or payroll department. Bring your new Social Security card and ask them to update their records. This ensures your W-2 forms and tax records match your name. If you do not update your employer, your tax filings may not match your Social Security record, which can cause problems when you file taxes.

Contact your bank and ask to update your name on your checking and savings accounts. Bring your new Social Security card and a photo ID. Update your name with your credit card companies, mortgage lender, and auto insurance company. These updates usually take a few business days.

If you receive benefits from any government program (unemployment, disability, Medicare, Medicaid, or veterans benefits), contact that agency to update your name. You can usually do this by phone or mail, but some agencies require you to visit an office in person.

Changing your name if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you have a green card or other immigration authorization, you can change your name at Social Security using the same process as a U.S. citizen. Bring your immigration documents along with your other required paperwork. The SSA will update your name on file, but your immigration status does not change.

If you change your name, you should also update your name with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so your immigration documents match your Social Security record. Contact USCIS or visit your local USCIS office to find out how to update your name on your green card or other immigration documents. This is a separate process from updating Social Security.

What to do if the SSA denies your request

The SSA may deny your name-change request if your documents do not prove a legal name change, if your identity documents do not match the name on your process, or if you did not provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. If this happens, the SSA will send you a letter explaining why.

Read the letter carefully to see what documents are missing or what does not match. Gather the correct documents and resubmit Form SS-5 with the new paperwork. If you believe the SSA made a mistake, you can call your local Social Security office and ask to speak with a supervisor, or you can visit the office in person to discuss the denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name online at Social Security?

No. The SSA does not offer online name changes. You must submit Form SS-5 by mail or in person at a Social Security office. You can create a my Social Security account online to view your earnings record and other information, but you cannot request a name change through that account.

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I change my name?

The SSA typically mails your new card within two to four weeks of receiving your completed process. Mailing time varies by location. If you do not receive your card within six weeks, call your local Social Security office to check the status of your process.

Do I need a court order to change my name at Social Security if I got married?

No. If you changed your name through marriage, your marriage certificate is enough. You do not need a separate court order. If you changed your name through divorce or legal name change proceedings, you do need the court order.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. There is usually a fee (typically $10 to $25). The clerk's office can mail it to you or you can pick it up in person. Once you have the certified copy, submit it with Form SS-5 to the SSA.

Will changing my name at Social Security affect my credit score or credit history?

Changing your name at Social Security should not affect your credit score. Your Social Security number stays the same, so your credit history remains linked to you. However, you should update your name with credit card companies and lenders so your accounts match your new name. Mismatched names can cause confusion when you explore for loans or credit.