You need a certified court order, your Social Security card, and a photo ID to change your name with Social Security

Social Security will not change your name based on a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or any other document alone. You must have a certified court order that shows a judge approved your name change. This order is the document Social Security actually looks at. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, you still need the court order — the marriage or divorce certificate is not enough by itself, even though some states issue them automatically.

You will also bring your current Social Security card and a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Social Security uses these to confirm you are who you say you are. If you do not have your card, you can still explore, but the process takes longer because Social Security has to search their records.

Key Takeaways

  • A certified court order is required — marriage certificates and divorce decrees alone will not work, even in states that issue them automatically.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and the certified court order to your local Social Security office in person.
  • Some states issue certified court orders at no cost when you get divorced or change your name; others charge a fee to request a certified copy later.
  • Social Security processes name changes at the office, and you receive a new card in the mail within two to four weeks.
  • If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, check your state's court website to see whether you need to request a certified order or if one was issued automatically.

How to get a certified court order in your state

A certified court order is a copy of the judge's decision, stamped and signed by the court clerk to prove it is authentic. If you went through a court process to change your name — whether by petition, divorce, or marriage — the court issued one. The question is whether you still have it or need to request a new copy.

If you changed your name through divorce or marriage, check your state's court website or call the courthouse in the county where the divorce or marriage was finalized. Ask whether a certified order was issued automatically and, if so, whether they mailed it to you. If you never received it or lost it, you can request a certified copy from the court clerk. Most courts charge between $5 and $25 per copy, though some states provide one free copy with the original judgment.

If you petitioned the court directly for a name change (not through marriage or divorce), you should have received the certified order when the judge approved your petition. If you cannot find it, contact the courthouse in the county where you filed the petition and request a certified copy of the name change order.

What to bring to your local Social Security office

Bring the certified court order, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. If you do not have your card, bring two other documents that show your name and date of birth — a birth certificate and a driver's license work, or a passport and a utility bill. Social Security needs these to confirm your identity before they change your name in their system.

Do not mail these documents. You must go to your local Social Security office in person. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Social Security website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online to see what your office does.

Timeline for receiving your new card

Social Security processes the name change at the office while you wait. They will give you a receipt showing that your name change request was submitted. Your new Social Security card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. The card will show your new name and the same Social Security number.

During those two to four weeks, your name in Social Security's system has already changed, even though you do not have the new card yet. If you need to prove your new name to an employer or bank before the card arrives, you can show them the receipt Social Security gave you at the office, along with your court order.

Changing your name with other agencies after Social Security

Once Social Security has your new name, you should update it with your employer, bank, insurance company, and the IRS. You do not need to wait for the new card to arrive — you can use the receipt and court order to show these organizations that your name has changed.

Your driver's license and state ID are separate from Social Security. You will need to go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with your certified court order and new Social Security card (or the receipt) to update your license. Some states allow you to update your license before the Social Security card arrives if you bring the court order and receipt.

If you lost your court order and cannot get another copy

If the courthouse says they have no record of your order or cannot issue a certified copy, you have two options. First, ask the courthouse whether they can issue a certified statement saying that your name change was approved — some courts will do this even if the original order is lost. Second, you can petition the court again for a new certified order. This is usually faster and cheaper than going through a full name change petition again, but it does require going back to court.

Contact a legal aid organization in your county if you cannot afford to file a new petition. Many provide free help with name change paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name with Social Security by mail?

No. You must go to your local Social Security office in person with your certified court order, Social Security card, and photo ID. Social Security does not process name changes by mail or online.

Do I need a certified copy or will a regular photocopy of my court order work?

You need a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. A certified copy has the court clerk's seal and signature on it. If you have only a photocopy, contact the courthouse and request a certified copy.

What if I changed my name through marriage but never got a court order?

Contact the courthouse in the county where you were married. Ask whether a certified order was issued with your marriage license or whether you need to request one. If no order exists, you may need to file a name change petition with the court, which requires a judge's approval.

Can I use my marriage certificate or divorce decree instead of a court order?

No. Social Security requires a certified court order specifically approving your name change. A marriage or divorce certificate is not the same thing. However, you can bring your marriage or divorce certificate along with the court order to help Social Security understand the context of your name change.

How long does it take to get a certified copy of my court order from the courthouse?

Most courthouses issue certified copies within one to two weeks if you request them in person or by mail. Some offer expedited service for an extra fee. Call your local courthouse to ask how long it will take and whether they offer rush processing.