Bring your Social Security card, government ID, and proof of the name change

When you visit a Social Security office to change the name on your account, you need three categories of documents: your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID that matches your current name, and official proof that your name has legally changed. The office will not process your request without all three. Bring originals, not copies — the staff will examine them in front of you and return them.

The specific documents that count as proof of name change depend on why your name changed. A court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree are the most common forms. If you changed your name through a court process, bring the certified court order. If you married, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you divorced and took back a former name, bring the divorce decree showing the name change.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Social Security card, a government photo ID with your current name, and one official document proving the name change.
  • A court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree are the documents Social Security accepts as proof of a legal name change.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.
  • You do not need to make an appointment at most Social Security offices, but calling ahead to confirm hours saves a trip.

What counts as government-issued photo ID

Your photo ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. A military ID, tribal ID, or foreign passport also counts. The name on the ID must match the name you currently use, even if it is not yet legally changed on other documents.

If you do not have a photo ID with your current name, you will need to get one first — Social Security will not accept a photo ID with your old name. Visit your state's DMV or equivalent office to update your driver's license or state ID before you go to Social Security.

Original documents versus certified copies

Social Security accepts originals or certified copies of your proof documents. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — usually the court clerk, vital records office, or county recorder. You can order certified copies from the office that issued the document, and they typically cost between five and twenty dollars depending on the state.

Do not bring notarized copies. A notary stamp does not make a document certified in the way Social Security requires. If you have only a notarized copy, contact the issuing office to request a certified copy instead.

Documents for marriage-based name changes

If you changed your name because you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your old name and your new name. Some states issue a short-form marriage certificate that does not include full names — if yours does, request the long-form certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you married.

If you married outside the United States, bring the original marriage certificate and an English translation certified by a translator. Social Security will keep the translation on file.

Documents for court-ordered name changes

If you went through a court process to change your name, bring the certified court order. This is the final order signed by the judge, not a petition or process. The order must show your old name, your new name, and the judge's signature and seal. If the court gave you multiple copies, bring one of them — Social Security will keep it.

If you lost your copy of the court order, contact the court clerk in the county where you filed. They can issue a certified copy, usually within one to two weeks.

Documents for divorce-based name changes

If you are changing your name back after a divorce, bring the certified divorce decree. The decree must show that the name change was part of the divorce settlement. Some divorce decrees do not mention a name change — if yours does not, you will need a separate court order for the name change, or you can file a new petition with the court to add the name change to your existing decree.

If you remarried and took your new spouse's name, bring the marriage certificate showing the new name, not the divorce decree.

What to bring in addition to documents

Bring the completed Form SS-5, which is the process for a Social Security card. You can fill it out at home before you go, or the office staff will give you one to complete there. Bring a pen. If you are under eighteen, bring a parent or guardian with you — they will need to sign the form.

Bring your Social Security number if you know it. If you do not, the office can look it up using your name and date of birth. Bring any other documents that show your address, such as a utility bill or lease, if the office asks for proof of residence — most do not require this for a name change, but some do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment?

Most Social Security offices do not require appointments for name changes, but you can call ahead to confirm hours and wait times. Some offices in large cities ask you to book a time slot online or by phone. Check the Social Security website for your local office's policy before you go.

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

Contact the vital records office in the county where you married and request a certified copy. You can usually order by mail, phone, or online. Processing takes one to three weeks depending on the state. If you need the change quickly, some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

Can I bring a photocopy instead of the original?

No. Social Security requires originals or certified copies. A regular photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. If you have only a photocopy, contact the issuing office to request a certified copy.

What if my name change document is from another country?

Bring the original document and an English translation certified by a professional translator. Social Security will keep both on file. The translator does not need to be certified by the government — any professional translator can provide the certification.

How long does the name change take after I submit my documents?

Social Security typically mails your new card within two weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming the name change before the card arrives. If you need the change sooner, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary document you can use while you wait for the card.