Get a replacement card by mail through the Social Security Administration

You update your Social Security card by submitting Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office or by mail. The SSA will issue a new card with your updated name at no cost. The process takes about two to four weeks if you mail it, or a few days if you explore in person at an office.

You do not need to change your Social Security number itself — only the name printed on the card. Your number stays the same for your entire life, even after a legal name change.

Before you start, gather the documents you will need: your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your legal name change. Proof of name change means a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers — whichever document made the name change official.

Key Takeaways

  • You must show proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate or court order, before the SSA will issue a new card.
  • Form SS-5 is the only form you need; you can submit it by mail or in person at a Social Security office.
  • Mailing your process takes two to four weeks; explore in person at an office is faster but requires an appointment in most locations.
  • Your Social Security number does not change — only the name on the card is updated.
  • You will receive your new card by mail; the SSA does not issue cards on the spot during in-person visits.

Gather your documents before you explore

The SSA requires three types of documents: identity proof, your current Social Security card, and proof of your name change. For identity proof, bring an original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport all work. A photocopy is not acceptable unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

For proof of your name change, the SSA accepts a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. "Certified copy" means a copy issued by the court, vital records office, or government agency that made the change official — not a photocopy you made yourself. If you changed your name through marriage, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. If you changed it through a court order, request a certified copy from the court that issued the order.

Bring your current Social Security card with you, even if it is damaged or worn. If you have lost it, tell the SSA when you explore — they will still issue a replacement.

explore by mail or visit a Social Security office

read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov), or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a copy by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current name, new name, date of birth, and the reason for the change. Make copies of your identity document and name-change proof, but do not send originals — the SSA will ask you to bring originals if they need to verify them.

Mail your completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions. Mail takes two to four weeks; use certified mail if you want proof of delivery.

If you prefer to explore in person, locate your nearest Social Security office on ssa.gov and call ahead to schedule an appointment. Most offices now require appointments rather than walk-ins. Bring the originals of your identity document, current Social Security card, and name-change proof. The office staff will review your documents, make copies, and submit your process. You will still receive your new card by mail within two to four weeks.

What happens after you submit your process

The SSA will review your documents and contact you if anything is missing or unclear. If your documents are in order, they will process your process and mail your new card to the address you provided on the form. The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your process.

You can check the status of your process by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call. If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received your card, contact the SSA to find out what is causing the delay.

Update other government records after you receive your new card

Once your new Social Security card arrives, you will need to update your name with other agencies and organizations. Start with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license or state ID. Most states allow you to update your name by mail or online if you submit a certified copy of your name-change document.

Update your name with your employer's payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, and the IRS. For the IRS, file Form 8822-B (Change of Address) or contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. If you have a passport, explore for a replacement with your new name at your local passport acceptance facility. Each organization has its own process, so contact them directly to learn what documents they need.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not send original documents by mail — always send copies and bring originals only if the SSA asks you to visit in person. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and you may need them to update other records. Do not assume your name has been updated everywhere once you receive your new Social Security card; each organization maintains its own records and requires a separate update.

Do not delay updating your name with your employer and the IRS. Mismatched names between your Social Security card and your tax records can cause problems with your earnings record and future benefits. If you are married and taking your spouse's last name, make sure your marriage certificate is certified by the vital records office — a photocopy or the certificate you received at the wedding ceremony will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

By mail, the process takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. If you explore in person at a Social Security office, the office will submit your process the same day, but you will still receive your new card by mail within two to four weeks. There is no way to receive the card faster or pick it up in person.

Do I need to change my Social Security number when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name printed on your card is updated. You do not need to notify anyone that your number has stayed the same — employers, banks, and other organizations understand that name changes do not affect the number.

What if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. You can usually order one by mail, phone, or online. The office will mail it to you within one to two weeks. Some counties charge a small fee, usually between five and twenty dollars. You must have a certified copy before the SSA will issue your new card.

Can I use a photocopy of my driver's license as proof of identity?

No. The SSA requires an original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID. A photocopy is not acceptable unless it is certified by the agency that issued the ID. If your driver's license is damaged or expired, bring it anyway — the SSA will still accept it as long as it is the original document.

What if the SSA lost my process or documents?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about the status of your process. If the SSA cannot locate it, they will ask you to resubmit. Always use certified mail when mailing important documents so you have proof of delivery. If you applied in person, the office should have a record of your visit and submission date.