What you need to do to change your last name on your Social Security card
To change your last name on your Social Security card, you must 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. You will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office, show your documents, and receive a new card in the mail within one to two weeks.
The key difference from other Social Security requests is that a name change requires you to prove the change was legal — through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Social Security will not accept a straightforward statement that you want a different name.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Social Security office in person; name changes cannot be done by mail, phone, or online.
- Bring an original or certified copy of the legal document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You will also need to show a photo ID or other identity document that Social Security accepts.
- Fill out Form SS-5 at the office, and your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the document from that event is your proof of the legal change.
What documents to bring to the Social Security office
You need two types of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of your identity. For proof of the name change, bring an original or certified copy of one of these:
- Marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's last name)
- Divorce decree or final divorce judgment (if you resumed a former name or took a new name)
- Court order approving a legal name change
- Adoption papers (if your name changed through adoption)
For proof of identity, Social Security accepts a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a bank statement with your name on it.
Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for the name-change document. You can get a certified copy from the court that issued the order, the vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced, or the agency that handled your adoption.
How to find and visit your local Social Security office
Go to ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your zip code, and the website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different schedules.
You can walk in during business hours, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is often faster. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online through the same locator tool. If you are over 75 or have a medical condition that makes travel difficult, ask whether the office offers in-home service when you call.
Bring all your documents with you. Do not mail them ahead — you must show them in person so Social Security can verify them before you leave.
What happens after you submit Form SS-5
The Social Security employee will review your documents, ask you to sign Form SS-5, and take your process. They will tell you when to expect your new card. In most cases, your new Social Security card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Your Social Security number does not change — only the name on the card changes. Once you receive the new card, keep it in a safe place. You do not need to do anything else with Social Security unless you want to update your name in other government records, such as Medicare or your driver's license.
If your new card does not arrive within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to check on it. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.
Name changes through marriage or divorce
If you changed your last name when you married, your marriage certificate is your proof of the legal change. Bring the original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were married.
If you divorced and want to change your name back or take a new name, bring your final divorce decree or judgment. Some states issue a separate document called a "Decree of Divorce" or "Judgment of Divorce" — either one works. If you are unsure which document to bring, call the court clerk's office in the county where your divorce was finalized and ask what document shows your name change.
If you remarried after a divorce and took your new spouse's last name, bring your current marriage certificate along with your divorce decree from the previous marriage. Social Security needs to see the chain of legal changes.
Name changes through court order
If you changed your name through a court petition (not through marriage or divorce), you need the original court order or a certified copy. This order will have a case number, the judge's signature, and the date the change became legal.
Get the certified copy from the clerk's office in the court that issued the order. Call the court ahead of time to ask how long it takes to receive a certified copy and what the fee is — fees vary by state and county, usually between $5 and $25.
Some courts allow you to request certified copies online or by mail. Others require you to visit in person. Ask when you call whether you can pick up the copy the same day or if you need to wait for it to be mailed to you.
What to do if you cannot visit the office in person
Social Security does not allow name changes by mail or phone. However, if you are homebound or unable to travel, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether the local office offers in-home service. Some offices will send an employee to your home to process the process, though this is not available everywhere.
If in-home service is not available in your area, ask whether a family member or trusted person can go to the office on your behalf. Social Security may allow this if you sign a power of attorney form, though policies vary by office. Call ahead to ask what form you need and what steps to take.
If you are in a nursing home or assisted living facility, ask the facility's social worker or administrative staff whether they can help you arrange a visit to Social Security or whether they have experience with in-home appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after a name change?
Your new card usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check on it. Processing time can be longer during busy periods or if Social Security needs to verify your documents with another agency.
Do I need to update my name with Medicare or other government programs?
Your Social Security name change does not automatically update your name in Medicare, your driver's license, or other programs. You will need to contact each program separately. Medicare allows you to update your name online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles handles driver's license updates.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced. You can request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. The office will ask for your name, your spouse's name (or ex-spouse's name), and the date of the marriage or divorce. Fees vary by state, usually between $10 and $30. Processing takes one to four weeks by mail.
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 card if you have a valid Social Security number and proof of a legal name change. Bring the same documents as anyone else — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — plus your identity document. Your immigration status does not affect this process.
What if my name change document is from another country?
Social Security will accept a name change document from another country if it is an official document from that country's government. Bring the original or a certified copy, plus an English translation if the document is not in English. The translation must be certified by a professional translator. Ask the Social Security office which translators they accept before you have the translation done.