What you need to do to change 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 citizenship or lawful status. Social Security does not change your name in their records until you give them official documents showing the change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. The card itself arrives by mail about two weeks after Social Security approves your process.

You do not need to change your name with Social Security before you change it anywhere else, but you should do it relatively soon after the legal change happens. The longer the gap between your legal name change and your Social Security update, the more confusion you may face with employers, banks, and government agencies that cross-check your name against Social Security records.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring Form SS-5 and original or certified copies of documents proving your legal name change to a Social Security office in person.
  • Acceptable proof of name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — the document must show both your old and new names.
  • You will also need to show proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of age and identity.
  • Social Security mails your new card to the address you provide, usually within two weeks of approval.
  • You cannot change your name by phone, mail, or online — you must appear in person at a Social Security office.

Documents you must bring to the Social Security office

Bring the original or a certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change. If you changed your name by marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed it by court order, bring the court order. If you changed it by divorce, bring the divorce decree. If you changed it by adoption, bring the adoption papers. Social Security will not accept a photocopy unless it is certified by the court or agency that issued it.

You also need proof of citizenship. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate all work. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a naturalization certificate, bring your passport and a green card or visa showing your lawful status.

Finally, bring a document that shows your current name and date of birth — a driver's license, state ID, passport, or employee badge. Social Security uses this to verify your identity before they process the name change.

How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment

Visit ssa.gov/locator to find the Social Security office nearest you. Type in your city and state, and the website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Many offices now require an appointment, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. You can schedule an appointment online through the same website, or call the office directly.

If you call, have your Social Security number ready. The office staff will ask you what you need and may be able to tell you over the phone whether you have all the documents required. If the office is very busy, they may offer you an appointment weeks out — that is normal. You can also walk in without an appointment at some offices, but calling ahead saves you a trip if the office is closed or has a long wait.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will review your documents at the office. If everything is in order, they will take your process and tell you when to expect your new card. The process usually takes about two weeks, though it can take longer if Social Security needs to verify your documents with another agency.

Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide on Form SS-5. You do not need to do anything else — Social Security will send it automatically. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call the Social Security office where you applied and give them your process receipt number (they will give you one when you leave).

Once you receive your new card, keep it in a safe place. You do not need to carry it with you every day. Social Security recommends storing it at home and bringing it only when you need to show it to an employer or financial institution.

What to do if Social Security rejects your documents

Social Security may reject your process if your documents do not clearly show both your old name and your new name, or if the document is not certified. For example, a photocopy of a marriage certificate that you made yourself will not work — you need an official copy from the county clerk's office or the court that issued it.

If your process is rejected, Social Security will tell you which documents are the problem and what you need to bring instead. You can then go back to the office with the correct documents. There is no fee to resubmit, and you do not have to fill out a new Form SS-5 — just bring the corrected documents and your original receipt.

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

If you have a green card or visa, you can change your name on your Social Security card using the same process. Bring Form SS-5, proof of your legal name change, your passport, and your green card or visa showing your current status. Social Security will update your name in their records and mail you a new card.

If you are in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and your name changed during naturalization, bring your naturalization certificate instead of a separate name-change document. The naturalization certificate serves as proof of both your citizenship and your name change.

Updating your name in other places after you receive your new card

Once you have your new Social Security card, you should update your name with your employer, your bank, and any government agencies that have your information on file. Your employer needs to know so they can report your earnings correctly to Social Security. Your bank needs to know so your accounts match your legal name. The IRS, your state's motor vehicle department, and your state's tax agency should all be notified as well.

You do not have to do all of these at once, but the sooner you do, the less chance of confusion or fraud. Start with your employer and bank, since those are the places that report information to government agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person at a local office with your original documents. You cannot submit Form SS-5 by mail or through the Social Security website. You must schedule an appointment or walk in during office hours.

How much does it cost to change your name on your Social Security card?

There is no fee. Social Security does not charge for name changes or for replacement cards. If someone tells you that you must pay to change your name with Social Security, that is a scam.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or court order?

Contact the county clerk's office or the court that issued the original document and request a certified copy. Most counties can mail you a certified copy within one to two weeks for a small fee, usually between five and twenty dollars. Bring that certified copy to Social Security.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I can change it with the DMV?

No. You can change your name with the DMV at the same time or before you change it with Social Security. However, Social Security recommends doing it soon after your legal name change so that your records stay in sync across agencies.

What if my name change was very recent and I do not have a certified copy yet?

Wait until you have the certified copy. Social Security will not process your process without official documentation of the name change. The wait is usually only a few weeks, and it is worth the delay to avoid having your process rejected.