The Basic Process for a Name Change
To change your last name on your Social Security card, you need to visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. Social Security does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online. The office will take your process, verify your documents, and issue you a new card — usually within two weeks, though it can take longer depending on your local office's workload.
You cannot use your new Social Security card until you receive it in the mail. During the wait, you may need to show both your old card and your legal name-change document (such as a court order or marriage certificate) to employers, banks, or other organizations.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Social Security office in person with original or certified copies of your legal name-change document and a government-issued photo ID.
- Social Security accepts name changes from marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — the document proving the change is what matters.
- Bring form SS-5 (the official process) or ask the office staff to provide one when you arrive; either way works.
- Your new card typically arrives within two weeks, but check your local office's current processing time before you visit.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Bring an original or certified copy of the document that legally changed your name. For marriage, that is your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree or final divorce judgment. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order. For other situations — such as a name change through a state vital records office — bring whatever document your state issued that shows the legal change.
You also need a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The name on this ID does not have to match your new name yet — Social Security accepts it as proof of who you are, not proof of your current legal name.
Bring your current Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required. If you have lost it, tell the office staff when you arrive.
How to Find Your Local Social Security Office
Go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. The website will show you the office nearest you, its hours, and its phone number. Call ahead if you want to confirm current wait times or ask whether the office is accepting walk-ins. Some offices require you to make an appointment; others take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you cannot visit in person due to illness or disability, call your local office to ask whether they can send someone to your home or whether they offer any other options. This is rare but worth asking about.
What Happens at Your Appointment
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are there to change your name on your Social Security card. They will give you form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) if you do not already have one, or you can bring a completed copy. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, your place of birth, and your mother's maiden name.
The staff member will review your name-change document and your ID, make copies, and submit your process. They will tell you how long the card typically takes to arrive at your address. Ask them for a receipt or confirmation number so you have a record of your visit.
Timeline and What to Do While You Wait
Most new Social Security cards arrive within two weeks. Some offices process them faster; others take three to four weeks. The staff member at your visit can tell you the typical wait for your specific office.
While you wait, you may need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and other organizations. You can show them your old Social Security card plus your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) as proof of the change. Many organizations will accept this combination and update their records before your new card arrives.
If you need a replacement card before the new one arrives — for example, because your employer requires it — you can visit the Social Security office again and request an expedited replacement, though this is uncommon.
Name Changes from Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order
Social Security treats all legal name changes the same way: you need the document that proves the change happened. If you married and took your spouse's last name, your marriage certificate is that document. If you divorced and returned to a former name or took a new name, your divorce decree is that document. If you went through the court system to change your name for any other reason, your court order is that document.
The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy is not enough. If your marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another country, you may need to bring a certified English translation as well. Ask your local Social Security office whether they need a translation before you visit.
What Happens If You Have Lost Your Name-Change Document
If you cannot find your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, contact the office that issued it. For a marriage certificate or divorce decree, that is usually your county clerk's office or vital records office. For a court order, contact the courthouse where the order was issued. These offices can issue you a certified copy, which costs a fee that varies by location — typically between $10 and $30.
You can usually request a certified copy by mail, in person, or online through your county or state's website. Ask how long it takes; some offices mail copies within a week, while others take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on Social Security without going to the office in person?
No. Social Security requires you to visit an office in person with original or certified documents. They do not process name changes by mail, phone, email, or online.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it with other organizations?
No. You can update your name with your employer, bank, or other organizations using your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) while you wait for your new Social Security card to arrive. Many organizations will accept the old card plus the name-change document as proof.
What if my name-change document is from another country?
Social Security may ask for a certified English translation. Call your local office before you visit to ask whether they need one. If they do, you can hire a professional translator or contact your county clerk's office for guidance on where to get a translation.
How much does it cost to change my name on my Social Security card?
There is no fee to change your name on your Social Security card. However, if you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, that office will charge a fee — usually $10 to $30 depending on your location.
What if I have not received my new card after four weeks?
Call your local Social Security office and give them the confirmation number or receipt from your visit. They can check the status of your process and tell you whether the card is still being processed or whether there is a problem.