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

When you visit a Social Security office to update your name, you need three categories of documents: your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID that shows your current name, and official proof that your name has legally changed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not process your request without all three. You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours — but bringing the right documents the first time means you will not have to return.

The specific documents that count as proof of a legal name change depend on why your name changed. A court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree each tells a different story and each one is acceptable. The SSA accepts originals or certified copies. If you bring originals, the office will make copies for your file and return them to you. Certified copies — the kind with a raised seal or official stamp — are safer to bring because you can leave them with the SSA if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Social Security card, a government photo ID with your current name, and one official document proving the name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree).
  • Certified copies of your proof document are safer than originals because you can leave them with the SSA without risk of loss.
  • A marriage certificate or divorce decree counts as proof of a legal name change and does not require a separate court order.
  • Most Social Security offices accept walk-ins during business hours, so you do not need to schedule an appointment in advance.
  • The SSA will issue a new Social Security card with your updated name within two to four weeks after your visit.

What counts as proof of a legal name change

The SSA accepts four main types of documents as proof that your name has legally changed. A court order is the most formal proof — this is a document signed by a judge that officially changes your name. A marriage certificate is acceptable if you took your spouse's name or changed your name as part of the marriage. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back or to a new name as part of the divorce. A certificate of naturalization is proof if you changed your name during the citizenship process.

The document must show your old name and your new name clearly. If you have a marriage certificate, it should list both spouses' names and the date of marriage. If you have a divorce decree, it should show the name change language. The SSA will not accept a photocopy unless it is a certified copy — that is, a copy issued by the court or vital records office with an official seal or stamp. You can request certified copies from the court that issued the order or from your state's vital records office.

Government ID requirements

You must bring a government-issued photo ID that shows your current name — the name you are using right now, before the change. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The SSA needs this to verify who you are and to confirm that you are the person named on the Social Security card you are bringing.

If your ID already shows your new name, you can still use it, but you will also need to bring a second document showing your old name — such as your current Social Security card or a utility bill in your old name. The goal is for the SSA to see proof that you are the same person as the one on the Social Security card you are updating.

Your current Social Security card

Bring the actual card itself, not a copy. The SSA needs to see the card to verify the number and the name currently on file. If you have lost your card, you can still visit the office and request a replacement with your new name at the same time, but you will need to explain what happened to the original. The office can look up your Social Security number in their system if you provide your name and date of birth.

If you have never received a Social Security card or you are not sure whether you have one, visit the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213 to check. The SSA can tell you whether a card was ever issued in your name and what number it carries.

What to bring if you were married or divorced

If you changed your name because of marriage, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. The certificate must be issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were married. If you do not have a copy, you can request one from that office — search online for "[your state] vital records" or "[your county] clerk of court" to find the right office.

If you changed your name because of divorce, bring your original divorce decree or a certified copy. This is the final court order that ended your marriage and should show any name change you requested. If your divorce papers do not mention a name change, you may need a separate court order from the judge. Contact the court that handled your divorce to ask whether you need an additional order or whether the decree alone is enough.

What to bring if you have a court order

If you obtained a legal name change through the court — not through marriage or divorce — bring the court order itself. This is a document signed by a judge that officially changes your name. It will show your old name, your new name, the date the change became effective, and the court's seal or stamp. Bring the original or a certified copy.

If you have lost the original order, contact the court that issued it and request a certified copy. You will need to know the county and state where the case was filed. If you are not sure which court handled your case, ask the vital records office in your state — they sometimes keep copies of name change orders on file.

What to bring if you became a U.S. citizen

If you changed your name as part of the naturalization process, bring your certificate of naturalization. This is the official document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you became a citizen. It shows your name at the time of naturalization and may show a name change if one was granted during the ceremony. If your certificate shows your new name, that is all the SSA needs as proof of the change.

If you have lost your certificate of naturalization, you can request a replacement from USCIS before you visit the Social Security office. Go to the USCIS website or call 1-800-375-5283 to start the replacement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment at the Social Security office?

Most Social Security offices accept walk-ins during business hours, so you do not need an appointment. However, some offices in busy areas may have a wait. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, or visit the SSA office locator on their website to see if your local office offers online appointment scheduling.

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I visit?

The SSA typically mails a new card within two to four weeks. You will receive it at the address you provide at the office. If you need the card sooner, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary document you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another country?

The SSA accepts foreign documents if they are official copies issued by the government office that keeps vital records in that country. You may need to provide an English translation certified by a professional translator. Contact your local Social Security office to ask what translation format they require before you visit.

Can I change my name at the Social Security office without a court order?

No. The SSA requires official proof that your name has legally changed. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all count as legal proof. A letter from your employer, a utility bill, or a personal statement do not. The name change must be recognized by law before the SSA will update your record.

What if I lost my original documents and cannot get certified copies?

Contact the office that issued the original document — the court, vital records office, or USCIS — and explain that you need a certified copy. Most offices can issue replacements for a small fee, usually between $10 and $30. The SSA cannot process your name change without official proof, so getting a certified copy is necessary.