What you need to do to update your name with Social Security
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 proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. Social Security does not change your name based on what you tell them — they change it based on documents that show a court or government agency has already changed it legally. This means you typically need to change your name through your state first (usually in family court or vital records), then update Social Security afterward.
The process takes about two weeks once Social Security receives your complete process, though it can take longer if documents are missing or unclear. You cannot change your name online or by phone — you must appear in person at a Social Security office with original documents or certified copies.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal name change document from a court or government agency before Social Security will change your card — a new name alone is not enough.
- Form SS-5 and proof documents must be brought in person to a Social Security office; you cannot mail them or submit them online.
- Acceptable proof of legal name change includes a court order, divorce decree, marriage certificate, or amended birth certificate, depending on why your name changed.
- You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail within two weeks if your process is complete and correct.
- Bring a current photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) along with your name change document to prove your identity.
What documents you need to bring
You need three categories of documents: proof of legal name change, proof of identity, and your current Social Security card (if you have one). For proof of legal name change, bring the original or a certified copy of the document that shows your name was legally changed. This might be a court order from a name change petition, a divorce decree showing your new married name, a marriage certificate, an amended birth certificate, or a naturalization certificate if you changed your name during citizenship.
For proof of identity, bring a current photo ID issued by a government agency — a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card all work. The ID must not be expired, though Social Security may accept an ID that expired recently if the photo still looks like you. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or medical record with your current name and address on it.
Bring your current Social Security card if you still have it. If you have lost it or it was destroyed, tell the Social Security office staff when you arrive — you can still get a new card with the updated name, but the process may take slightly longer.
How to get your legal name change first
Before you go to Social Security, you need a legal document showing your name has been changed. The way you get this document depends on why your name is changing. If you are getting married or divorced, your marriage certificate or divorce decree serves as your legal name change document — you do not need a separate court order. If you are changing your name for any other reason (not related to marriage or divorce), you typically need to file a petition for name change in your state's family court or district court.
A name change petition requires you to fill out a form specific to your state, file it with the court, pay a filing fee (which varies by state), and sometimes appear before a judge. Some states allow you to do this without a lawyer, though the process and cost vary widely. Once the court approves your petition, you receive a court order showing your new legal name. You can then take that order to Social Security. If you are unsure how to start a name change petition in your state, contact your county courthouse or your state's vital records office — they can direct you to the right form and office.
Where to go and how to make an appointment
Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also search "Social Security office near me" online. When you call or visit the office, ask to schedule an appointment for a name change on your Social Security card. Many offices now require appointments rather than accepting walk-ins, though some still take walk-in visitors during certain hours.
If you schedule an appointment, you will be told what day and time to come in and what documents to bring. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait longer, but staff can still help you if you have all your documents. Bring everything listed above — original documents or certified copies, your photo ID, and your current Social Security card if you have it. Do not mail documents to Social Security; they must be presented in person at the office.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you hand in your completed Form SS-5 and documents, Social Security staff will review them on the spot to make sure nothing is missing. If everything is in order, they will take your documents, give you a receipt, and tell you when to expect your new card. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to fix before they can process your process.
Your new Social Security card will be mailed to the address on file with Social Security, usually within two weeks. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive. If more than three weeks pass and you have not received your card, call 1-800-772-1213 to check on the status. Keep your receipt from the office in case you need to reference your process number.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
If you are changing your name because you got married, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. Social Security accepts the marriage certificate as proof of your legal name change — you do not need a separate court order. The same applies if you are changing your name back after a divorce: bring your original divorce decree or a certified copy showing your new name.
If your marriage certificate or divorce decree does not show the name you want on your Social Security card (for example, if you want to use a different middle name or spelling), you may need a court order clarifying your legal name. Ask the Social Security office staff whether your document is clear enough, or contact your county courthouse before you go to Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card without going to an office in person?
No. Social Security requires you to appear in person at a local office with original documents or certified copies. You cannot mail in your process, submit it online, or use a representative to submit it for you, though you can bring someone with you to the office if you need help.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?
Most people receive their new card within two weeks of submitting a complete process. If documents are unclear or missing, the process may take longer. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you have not received your card after three weeks.
What if my state has not issued my legal name change document yet?
You cannot change your Social Security card until you have the legal document in hand. Contact your state court or vital records office to find out how long the name change process takes in your state. Once you receive the document, you can go to Social Security.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it with other agencies?
No. You can change your name with other agencies (like your driver's license, bank, or employer) at the same time or before you change it with Social Security. However, Social Security requires proof that your name has already been legally changed, so you cannot change it with Social Security first.
What if I lost my current Social Security card?
You can still get a new card with your updated name. Tell the Social Security office staff that your card was lost, and bring your legal name change document and photo ID. The office will issue a replacement card with your new name.