You cannot change your Social Security name entirely online, but you can start the process by mail or in person at a Social Security office
The Social Security Administration does not offer a fully online name-change system. You must submit a paper process (Form SS-5) by mail or deliver it in person to a local Social Security office. Some offices accept applications by appointment, but you will need to provide original or certified documents in person — the SSA will not accept photocopies or digital images for a name change.
The process takes roughly two to four weeks once the SSA receives your completed form and documents. You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail at the address you provide. If you need the change faster, visiting an office in person typically moves your process to the front of the queue.
Key Takeaways
- You must file Form SS-5 in person or by mail; there is no online submission option for name changes.
- Original or certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order are required — photocopies will not be accepted.
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is needed to prove your identity.
- The process takes two to four weeks by mail, or you can visit a local office to submit documents in person and receive faster processing.
- You will receive your new Social Security card by mail; the SSA does not issue cards on the spot.
What documents you need to bring or mail
The SSA requires proof of your current legal name, proof of your new legal name, and proof of identity. For proof of current name, bring your current Social Security card or a document showing your name as it appears in Social Security records. For proof of your new name, you will need the document that legally changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers.
Your identity document must be a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The SSA will not accept school IDs, work badges, or library cards. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a utility bill and a bank statement, though a photo ID is strongly preferred.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. The SSA will not process photocopies, scans, or photos of documents, even if notarized. If you are mailing your process, the SSA recommends sending documents by certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.
How to submit by mail
read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov). Fill it out completely, sign it, and gather your documents. Make copies of your documents for your own records before mailing — do not send originals unless you are willing to lose them if they are misplaced.
Mail your completed form and documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Send everything by certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof the SSA received your process. The SSA will return your original documents by mail once they process your process.
After you mail your process, you can check the status by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number ready. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process.
How to submit in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office without an appointment during walk-in hours, or call ahead to schedule an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, especially in urban areas. Bring your completed Form SS-5, your original documents, and your photo ID.
The office staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is in order, they will keep your documents and send you a receipt. You do not need to leave originals — ask the staff if they can make copies and return your documents to you when ready. Some offices will do this; others will not, so confirm before handing over originals.
Processing is usually faster when you submit in person. Many applicants receive their new Social Security card within one to two weeks. The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide on the form.
What happens after you submit your process
Once the SSA receives your process, they will verify your documents and update their records. You will receive your new Social Security card by mail at the address you listed on Form SS-5. The card will show your new legal name and your same Social Security number.
Your old Social Security card becomes invalid once you receive the new one. You do not need to return the old card to the SSA — straightforward destroy it. If your new card does not arrive within four weeks, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
After you receive your new card, you will need to update your name with other agencies and organizations: your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the IRS, and any other institutions that have your Social Security number on file. The SSA does not notify these organizations automatically.
Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree showing your new name. If you obtained a court order for a legal name change, bring the certified copy of that order from the court.
These documents must show your new legal name clearly. If your marriage certificate or divorce decree does not show your new name (for example, if you took a different name than what the document lists), you will need a separate court order to change your name with Social Security.
If you changed your name but have no legal document
If you changed your name informally (without marriage, divorce, or a court order) and have no legal document to prove the change, the SSA will not process a name change on your Social Security record. You must obtain a court order for a legal name change from your state court first. Contact your local courthouse or your state's court website to learn how to file for a name change in your area.
The process and cost for obtaining a court order vary by state. Some states charge between $100 and $500; others charge less. Some states allow you to file the paperwork yourself; others require an attorney. Once you have the court order, you can then submit it to the SSA along with Form SS-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I change my name?
By mail, the process typically takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. If you submit in person at an office, many applicants receive their card within one to two weeks. If your card does not arrive within four weeks of submission, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Can I use my old Social Security card while I wait for the new one?
Yes, your old card remains valid until you receive your new one. Once your new card arrives, the old one is no longer valid and should be destroyed. You do not need to return it to the SSA.
Do I need to change my name with other organizations after I get my new Social Security card?
Yes. The SSA does not notify your employer, bank, insurance company, or government agencies of your name change. You must contact each organization separately and provide your new Social Security card as proof of the change.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married or divorced. They can issue a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree for a fee, usually between $10 and $30. You will need this certified copy to submit to the SSA.
Can I change my name on Social Security if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you can change your name on your Social Security record regardless of citizenship status, as long as you have a valid Social Security number and a legal document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).