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

To change your name on your Social Security record, 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 once the office receives your documents, though it can take longer if they need to verify information with other agencies.

You do not need to change your name with Social Security before changing it with other agencies, but doing so first makes the rest easier. Your Social Security card is often the document other agencies ask to see as proof of your new name.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 is the only form Social Security accepts for a name change, and you must submit it in person at a local office or by mail.
  • You will need a certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.
  • You must also bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your Social Security number (your card, W-2, or tax return).
  • Processing takes roughly two weeks, but Social Security may contact you if they cannot verify your name change with the court or vital records office.

Documents you must bring to Social Security

Social Security requires three categories of documents: proof of your legal name change, proof of your identity, and proof of your Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of your legal name change, bring the document that created the new name. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order approving a name change. If you changed your name through a court petition, bring the court's final order. If you were born outside the United States and your name appears differently on your birth certificate than on your current documents, bring both the foreign birth certificate and your U.S. naturalization papers or green card.

For proof of identity, bring a current photo ID issued by a government agency — a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card. The ID must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security will accept a combination of documents such as a hospital record, school record, or insurance policy, but this takes longer to process.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement showing your number. If you have lost your card and do not have other documents with your number, tell the Social Security office when you arrive — they can look it up.

How to submit Form SS-5 in person or by mail

You can submit Form SS-5 either by visiting a Social Security office in person or by mailing it. Visiting in person is usually faster because the office can check your documents on the spot and tell you when ready if anything is missing. If you mail the form, Social Security may contact you by phone or mail if they need clarification.

To visit in person, find your local Social Security office on the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov). Click "Find a Social Security Office" and enter your zip code. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment first. Call the office before you go to confirm their hours and whether they are currently accepting visitors. Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus the completed Form SS-5.

To mail your documents, print Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. Do not send originals by mail — send certified copies. Include a cover letter with your current phone number and email address so Social Security can contact you if they have questions. Mail takes longer than in-person submission, usually three to four weeks total.

What happens after you submit your request

Once Social Security receives your Form SS-5, they verify your legal name change by contacting the court or vital records office that issued your document. This verification step usually takes one to two weeks. If the office can confirm your name change when ready, they process your new card and mail it to you within a few days.

If Social Security cannot reach the court or vital records office right away, or if there is a discrepancy in the documents you provided, they will contact you by phone or mail. They may ask you to provide additional documents or to clarify information on your form. If you do not respond within a certain timeframe, your request may be delayed or denied.

Your new Social Security card will arrive in the mail at the address you provided on Form SS-5. The card itself looks identical to your old one except for the name. Your Social Security number does not change — only the name printed on the card changes.

Updating your name with other agencies after Social Security

Once you have your new Social Security card, you should update your name with other agencies that use it. The order matters because each agency may ask to see your Social Security card as proof of your new name.

Start with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency to update your driver's license or state ID. Bring your new Social Security card and the document that shows your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Most states process this within a few days.

Next, update your name with the IRS if you file taxes. You do not need to visit an office — you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them your old name, new name, and Social Security number. They will update their records, and you should use your new name on all future tax returns.

Then update your name with your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, and any other organizations that have your Social Security number on file. Each will have its own process, but most accept a copy of your new Social Security card or your marriage certificate or court order as proof.

How long the entire process takes

The Social Security name change itself takes about two weeks from the day the office receives your Form SS-5. If you visit in person and all your documents are correct, the office may process it the same day and mail your card within a few days. If you mail your form, add one to two weeks for mail delivery and processing.

The total time to update your name everywhere — Social Security, driver's license, employer, bank, and other agencies — usually takes four to six weeks. Some agencies are faster than others. Your driver's license may arrive within a week, while your employer's payroll system may take longer to update.

If Social Security contacts you asking for more information, add one to two weeks to the timeline. If you do not respond promptly, the delay can stretch to several months.

What to do if Social Security denies your request

Social Security rarely denies a name change request if your documents are in order, but it can happen. The most common reason is that Social Security cannot verify your legal name change with the court or vital records office. This sometimes occurs if the court or office has not yet entered your name change into their system, or if there is a spelling discrepancy between documents.

If your request is denied, Social Security will send you a letter explaining why. The letter will tell you what additional documents or information they need. You can then submit Form SS-5 again with the new documents, or you can visit your local Social Security office in person to discuss the issue with a representative.

If the problem is that the court has not yet recorded your name change, contact the court directly and ask them to send a certified copy of the order to Social Security. Include the court's case number and the date of the order. Once the court confirms the change, Social Security can process your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, but it is usually easier to do Social Security first. Your Social Security card is one of the documents most agencies ask to see as proof of your new name, so having it updated first simplifies the rest of the process. However, you can do them in any order.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or court order?

Contact the court that issued the order or the vital records office in the county where you were married. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person. Most offices charge a small fee (usually five to twenty dollars) and process requests within one to two weeks. Some allow you to request copies online.

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

No. Social Security requires you to submit Form SS-5 in person at an office or by mail. You cannot complete a name change over the phone or through their website. You must provide original or certified copies of your documents, which is why in-person or mail submission is required.

What if my name change was approved by a court but I do not have a certified copy of the order?

Contact the court clerk's office in the county where your case was heard. Ask for a certified copy of the final order approving your name change. Bring the certified copy to Social Security along with your other documents. If the court is slow to respond, you can ask Social Security to contact the court directly — they sometimes do this if you explain the delay.

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

There is no fee to change your name on your Social Security record. Form SS-5 is free, and Social Security does not charge for processing. However, you may have to pay a fee to get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the court or vital records office.