You need Form SS-5 and proof of both your legal name change and your identity

To change the name on your Social Security card, you submit Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office, along with documents proving your legal name change and your current identity. The Social Security Administration does not change your name based on what you tell them — they need official paperwork showing a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document that records the change. You cannot do this online or by mail in most cases; you must appear in person.

The process takes about two weeks from the day you submit your documents, though it can stretch longer if the office is backed up or if your documents raise questions. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide. Your Social Security number stays the same — only the name printed on the card changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring Form SS-5, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), and a photo ID to your local Social Security office in person.
  • Your Social Security number does not change; only the name on your card is updated.
  • Processing takes roughly two weeks, and your new card arrives by mail.
  • If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you have the legal document needed; if you changed it informally, Social Security will not recognize the change.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies are not accepted.

What documents you need to bring

You need three categories of documents: the process form, proof of your legal name change, and proof of your identity. Form SS-5 is available on the Social Security Administration website or at your local office; you can fill it out before you go or at the office itself. Do not mail it in advance — bring it with you.

Proof of legal name change depends on why your name changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring the original or certified divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name through a court order (sometimes called a name change petition or decree), bring that court order. If you changed your name through a name change in a will or adoption, bring the court document. Social Security will not accept a name change that happened informally or by common use alone.

Proof of identity must be an original document or certified copy with your photo and signature. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together show your name, date of birth, and signature — such as a birth certificate plus a bank statement or utility bill in your name. Bring the originals; photocopies are not accepted.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now require you to make an appointment rather than walk in, so call ahead or check the website for your specific office. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — do not bring photocopies.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you are there to change the name on your Social Security card. They will review your documents, ask you to sign Form SS-5, and take your information. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing what you submitted. Keep this receipt until your new card arrives.

Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within two weeks. If you need the card sooner for a specific reason — such as starting a job — mention this to the staff member, though it does not always speed up processing. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call Social Security with your receipt number.

Name changes through marriage or divorce

If you married, your marriage certificate is your proof of legal name change. It must be an original or a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married — not a photocopy you made yourself. Some states issue certified copies automatically; others require you to request them. If you do not have your original certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

If you divorced and your divorce decree shows your new name, bring that decree. If your decree does not show a name change but you changed your name as part of the divorce, you may need a separate court order documenting the name change. Contact the court that handled your divorce to ask what document you need.

Name changes through court order

If you changed your name through a court petition (sometimes called a name change action or petition for name change), bring the court order or decree that was issued. This is different from a marriage or divorce — it is a separate legal action you filed with the court. The order must be an original or certified copy from the court clerk's office. If you no longer have it, contact the court clerk in the county where you filed the petition and request a certified copy.

Court-ordered name changes are common for people who want to change their name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. The process for obtaining the court order varies by state, but once you have it, the Social Security process is the same: bring it to your local office with Form SS-5 and your ID.

If you have already changed your name elsewhere

If you have already changed your name on your driver's license, passport, or other documents, you still need to change it with Social Security using the same process. Social Security does not automatically update when you change your name elsewhere. However, if you already have a new driver's license or passport in your new name, you can use that as your proof of identity when you explore to change your Social Security card.

It is often easier to change your Social Security card first, then use the new card to change your name on other documents. But the order does not matter legally — you just need the original legal document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) to prove the change happened.

What happens if documents are missing or unclear

If your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is missing, you will need to get a certified copy before Social Security can process your request. Contact the office that issued the original document: the county clerk for marriage certificates and divorce decrees, or the court clerk for court orders. Request a certified copy and explain that you need it for a Social Security card change. Most offices can mail it to you within one to three weeks.

If your document is in another language, bring it along with an English translation. The translation does not need to be certified, but it should be complete and clear. If Social Security has questions about your documents, they will contact you — usually by phone or mail — and ask you to provide more information or a different document. This can add one to two weeks to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Social Security card name by phone or online?

No. You must appear in person at a Social Security office with your original documents. Social Security does not process name changes by phone, mail, or online.

Do I need to change my Social Security card if I got married but kept my maiden name?

No. If your name did not change, your Social Security card does not need to change. You only need a new card if your legal name actually changed.

How long does it take to get my new card?

Processing usually takes about two weeks from the day you submit your documents. Your new card arrives by mail. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact Social Security with your receipt number.

Will my Social Security number change?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name printed on the card changes.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?

Contact the county clerk's office where you were married or divorced and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to three weeks by mail. You cannot proceed with your Social Security card change until you have this document.