You'll need to visit Social Security in person with proof of your new name and identity

Changing your name on your Social Security card requires you to go to a Social Security office with specific documents. You cannot change your name by mail or online. Social Security does not issue the card itself — they maintain the record — but the card reflects that record, so updating one means updating the other.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but it does take a trip to your local office. Most people complete it in one visit, though processing the new card itself takes one to two weeks after you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with an original or certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your current Social Security card or a record of your number.
  • You do not pay a fee to change your name on your Social Security record.
  • Your new card arrives by mail within one to two weeks; Social Security will give you a receipt showing your updated number while you wait.
  • If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the vital records office in the state where the event occurred can issue certified copies if you need them.

What documents prove your legal name change

Social Security accepts different documents depending on how your name changed. A marriage certificate (original or certified copy) is the most common. A divorce decree or court order showing your new name works if you changed it through divorce or a legal name-change petition. Some people use a passport or naturalization certificate if the name on those documents reflects the change.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the event happened. For a marriage, that is usually the county clerk's office where you got married. For a divorce, it is the court that issued the decree. For a legal name change, it is the court that approved the petition.

Social Security will not accept a name change based on a driver's license alone, even if your license shows the new name. The license itself is not proof of the legal change — it is proof that you showed proof to the DMV.

What to bring to your Social Security office visit

Bring three things: your proof of name change (the document above), a government-issued photo ID, and your current Social Security card or your number written down. The photo ID must be current or recently expired — a driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If you do not have your card, you can still visit; just know your number or bring a document that shows it, like a tax return or a letter from Social Security.

If you are changing your name for the first time and do not yet have a Social Security card, bring your proof of name change, your photo ID, and proof of your citizenship or immigration status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The process is the same, but you will receive your first card instead of a replacement.

How to find your local Social Security office

Visit ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the site 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. A few offices close for lunch.

You can call ahead to confirm they have received your documents or to ask whether you need an appointment. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to schedule. The phone number on the locator page will tell you which your office does. If you call, have your Social Security number ready.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). Social Security staff will review your documents, check that your proof of name change is valid, and verify your identity using your photo ID. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. They will ask you to sign the form and will give you a receipt showing your updated Social Security number and the date your new card was ordered.

You do not need to do anything else. Your new card will be mailed to the address Social Security has on file. If you need to update your address at the same time, tell the staff member before you leave — they can change it while you are there.

When your new card arrives and what to do with the old one

Your new card typically arrives within one to two weeks. Once it arrives, destroy your old card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole, as the number can still be read. You do not need to return it to Social Security.

If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and give them the receipt number from your visit. They can check the status and reorder if needed.

Changing your name if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you have a Social Security number but are not a U.S. citizen, you can still change your name on your record. Bring the same documents — proof of your legal name change and a government-issued photo ID — plus your proof of immigration status (visa, green card, work permit, or other document showing your status). The process is identical to the one for citizens.

If you are not yet a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get one solely to change a name. Social Security numbers are issued for work, tax, or benefit purposes. If you are working and need a number, you can explore for one at the same time you change your name, but you will need to show that you have work authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on your local office. Call the number on ssa.gov/locator for your office to find out. Some take walk-ins during certain hours; others require appointments. If your office requires an appointment and you show up without one, you may be turned away.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where the event happened. For a marriage, call the county clerk's office where you were married. For a divorce, contact the court that issued the decree. Both can issue certified copies for a small fee, usually between $10 and $25. Ask how long it takes — some offices mail copies within days; others take weeks.

Can I change my name on Social Security if I changed it through a different state?

Yes. Bring your proof of name change (the document from that state) and your photo ID to your local Social Security office. Social Security recognizes legal name changes from any state. The document must still be an original or certified copy.

How long does it take to get my new card after I visit the office?

One to two weeks is typical. Social Security will give you a receipt with your updated number on the day of your visit, so you can use that number for work or other purposes while you wait for the card. If it takes longer than three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Do I have to change my name on other documents too?

Changing your Social Security record does not automatically change your name anywhere else. You will need to update your driver's license or state ID at the DMV, your passport at the State Department, your bank accounts, your employer's records, and any other organization that has your name on file. Social Security's change is just one piece.