What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card
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. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee. You will receive a new card in the mail within 1 to 2 weeks in most cases, though timing varies by location and how busy your local office is.
You must have a legal name change first — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — before Social Security will update your record. You cannot change your name through Social Security; you can only update their records after the change is official somewhere else.
Key Takeaways
- You need a legal document proving your name change, such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, before you contact Social Security.
- Form SS-5 is the official process you submit in person at your local Social Security office; you cannot do this by mail or online.
- Bring your legal name-change document, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to your appointment.
- There is no fee to change your name on your Social Security card, and you should receive the new card within 1 to 2 weeks.
- You will need to update your name with other agencies separately — Social Security does not notify your bank, employer, or government programs automatically.
What legal documents count as proof of a name change
Social Security accepts a limited set of documents as proof that your name change is legal. A marriage certificate is the most common; if you married and took your spouse's name, bring the original or a certified copy. A divorce decree works if it shows your new name. A court order for a legal name change (sometimes called a petition for name change) is required if you are changing your name for any reason other than marriage or divorce.
The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy or a document you printed from an online court database will not be accepted. If your document is in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator. Social Security will keep the original document you bring, so if you need it for other purposes, make a certified copy first and bring that instead.
Documents to bring to your Social Security office appointment
Gather these documents before you go:
- Your legal name-change document (original or certified copy)
- A photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency — a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or immigration document
- Your current Social Security card (if you have one)
If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security has a list of other documents they will accept in its place, but calling ahead to confirm what your local office takes is faster than showing up unprepared. The same applies if you do not have a birth certificate or passport — some offices accept alternatives, and availability varies.
How to schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office
Call Social Security's main number, 1-800-772-1213, to schedule an in-person appointment. You can also visit ssa.gov and use their online appointment scheduler. Have your current Social Security number ready when you call or book online.
Wait times to get an appointment vary widely depending on where you live. In some areas you can get in within a week; in others it may take several weeks. If you need the change urgently — for example, because you are starting a new job — mention that when you call, though Social Security cannot always accommodate rush requests. Walk-in appointments are available at some offices, but you may wait several hours, so calling ahead is usually faster.
What happens at your appointment
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. The Social Security representative will review your name-change document, check your photo ID, and verify your citizenship or residency status. They will fill out Form SS-5 with you or have you complete it yourself. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The representative will tell you when to expect your new card. In most cases it arrives within 1 to 2 weeks, but if there is a delay in processing or mail delivery, it may take longer. You do not need to do anything else — Social Security will mail the card to the address on file.
Updating your name with other agencies and organizations
Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically update your name anywhere else. You will need to notify your employer, bank, insurance company, doctor's office, and any government programs you receive benefits from separately. Start with your employer and your bank, since those affect your paycheck and access to money.
For government benefits — Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, or any other program — contact the agency directly. Some allow you to update your name online through their portal; others require a phone call or a form. Your new Social Security card will help you prove the name change when you contact these organizations.
If you lost your Social Security card or it was stolen
If your card is lost or stolen but your name has not changed, you can request a replacement card using the same process: Form SS-5, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or residency. You do not need a legal name-change document. The replacement card will have the same number as your original card.
If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You can do this by phone or online. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card by mail or online?
No. You must explore in person at your local Social Security office. You cannot submit Form SS-5 by mail or through the Social Security website. An in-person appointment is required so a representative can verify your identity and your legal name-change document.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?
Most people receive their new card within 1 to 2 weeks. Timing depends on how busy your local office is and how long mail delivery takes to your address. If you do not receive your card within 3 weeks, call Social Security to check the status.
Do I need to change my Social Security number when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only the name on the card changes. You keep the same number for your entire life in almost all cases.
What if my name-change document is from another country?
Social Security will accept a foreign name-change document if it is an original or certified copy and you bring an English translation certified by a professional translator. The translator's certification must state that the translation is accurate and complete.
Can I get a temporary Social Security card while I wait for the new one?
Social Security does not issue temporary cards. If you need to prove your name change before the new card arrives, ask your employer or bank whether they will accept a letter from Social Security confirming the name change. You can request this letter at your appointment or by calling your local office.