You cannot change your Social Security card name online

The Social Security Administration does not offer an online process for name changes. You must explore in person at a local Social Security office, by mail, or through an approved third-party service in a few states. The SSA requires you to show original documents proving your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate — and they will not process a request without them in hand.

The in-person route is fastest. You can walk into most Social Security offices without an appointment, though wait times vary by location. Mail takes longer because the SSA must verify your documents before issuing a replacement card, which typically takes two to four weeks after they receive your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security name changes require an in-person visit to a local office or a mailed process with original legal documents proving the name change.
  • You must bring your current Social Security card, a photo ID, and the original document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • In-person applications usually produce a replacement card within one to two weeks; mailed applications take two to four weeks from receipt.
  • A few states allow name changes through third-party services, but you still need the same documents and the SSA still verifies everything before issuing the card.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and the original document that proves your legal name change. That document is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will not accept photocopies or certified copies of most documents — they want the original.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring the original marriage certificate issued by the county clerk. If you changed it through divorce, bring the original divorce decree. If you changed it by court order, bring the original court order. Birth certificates work only if they show your new legal name and were issued after the name change took effect.

If you do not have the original document, you can request one from the county clerk or court that issued it. That process takes time and costs money, so start there before you go to the Social Security office.

Going to a Social Security office in person

Find your local office on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Most offices accept walk-ins, though some require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices have reduced schedules.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The staff will review them, take your process (Form SS-5), and tell you when to expect your new card. Most people receive a replacement card within one to two weeks, though the SSA warns that processing can take longer during busy periods.

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or a Social Security number — the SSA already has that information on file. Bring only what proves your name change and who you are.

explore by mail

read Form SS-5 from the SSA website or request one by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. The address depends on your state, so check the form before you send anything.

Do not mail original documents unless you are certain you can replace them. Instead, take the originals to a notary public and ask them to certify that your copies are true copies of the originals. The SSA will usually accept certified copies by mail, though some offices still prefer originals. Call your local office before you mail anything to confirm what they will take.

Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so budget at least four to six weeks total. You can track your process status by calling 1-800-772-1213 after two weeks.

Third-party services in some states

A small number of states allow you to explore for a Social Security name change through a third-party service — usually a driver's license office or state ID office. These services exist in Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The list changes, so check the SSA website to see if your state is included.

Even if your state offers this service, you still need the same documents: your current Social Security card, a photo ID, and the original document proving your name change. The third-party office will submit your process to the SSA on your behalf, but the SSA still verifies everything before issuing your card. The timeline is usually the same as in-person process at a Social Security office.

How long the new card takes to arrive

If you explore in person, the SSA usually mails your new card within one to two weeks. If you explore by mail, add two to four weeks for processing plus mail delivery time on both ends. The SSA will mail the card to the address you provide on your process.

You do not need the old card once the new one arrives. You can destroy it or keep it. The new card has the same Social Security number as the old one — only the name changes.

If your card does not arrive within the timeframe the SSA gave you, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

What happens if you lose your documents

If you cannot find your original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a replacement from the county clerk or court that issued it. Most counties charge a small fee and take one to two weeks to mail a replacement. Some counties offer expedited service for an extra fee.

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married, divorced, or where the court order was issued. They can tell you the cost and how long it takes. Once you have the replacement document, you can explore for your Social Security name change using the same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a certified copy of my marriage certificate instead of the original?

The SSA prefers originals but will usually accept certified copies by mail. If you are explore in person, call your local office first to confirm. A certified copy is one stamped and signed by the county clerk or a notary public stating it is a true copy of the original.

Do I need to change my name with the SSA before I change my driver's license?

No. You can change them in any order. Many people change their driver's license first because the DMV process is often faster. The SSA and your state's DMV do not share information, so you must explore to each separately.

What if I changed my name through a court order but I do not have a copy?

Contact the court that issued the order. The court clerk can provide a certified copy for a fee, usually between $5 and $25. Call the court's main number and ask for the clerk's office. Have the case number or your old and new names ready.

Will I get a new Social Security number when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only the name on your card changes. The SSA issues a new card with your new name and the same number.

How much does it cost to change my Social Security card name?

There is no fee to change your name on your Social Security card. The SSA does not charge for replacement cards due to a legal name change. You may pay a fee to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate or other legal document, but that fee goes to the county or court, not the SSA.