You need to request a replacement card from Social Security, not change your existing one

Social Security does not update names on cards in place. Instead, you request a new card with your current legal name. The process involves filling out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), providing proof of your legal name change, and submitting it to your local Social Security office or by mail. Social Security will then issue you a replacement card at no cost.

The card itself is not the official record — your Social Security number stays the same. What changes is the name printed on the card to match your legal documents. This matters because employers, banks, and government agencies check that your name matches your Social Security record when you start a job, open an account, or file taxes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form SS-5 and bring or mail it with proof of your legal name change to a Social Security office.
  • Acceptable proof of a legal name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate, depending on why your name changed.
  • You will need to show your current identification document (driver's license, passport, or state ID) even though you are changing your name.
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in some offices if you explore in person with all required documents.
  • Your Social Security number does not change — only the name printed on your card updates.

What documents prove your legal name change

Social Security requires original or certified copies of documents that show your name legally changed. The document you need depends on why your name changed. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or court order shows a name change through divorce or legal name change petition. An amended birth certificate works if your state issued one after a legal name change. A court order for name change is the document you receive if you petitioned the court directly to change your name.

Certified copies are official copies stamped by the issuing agency — not photocopies you make yourself. You can request certified copies from the county clerk's office (for court orders and divorce decrees), the vital records office (for birth certificates), or the county recorder (for marriage certificates). Each state has different offices, so call your county clerk or search "[your state] vital records" to find the right agency.

If you do not have a certified copy, bring the original document to the Social Security office and ask whether they can accept it. Some offices will photocopy it in front of you. If you cannot locate the original, the Social Security office can sometimes help you understand what alternatives they accept, though this varies by location.

How to fill out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is a one-page process available on the Social Security website or at any Social Security office. You can print it, fill it by hand in black or blue ink, or complete it online and print it. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, your place of birth, your mother's maiden name, and your Social Security number.

In the section marked "Reason for process," select "Replacement card — name change" or similar wording (the exact options vary slightly by form version). Sign and date the form. You do not need to notarize it. Bring the completed form, your proof of name change, and your current identification to a Social Security office, or mail all three to your local office.

Where to submit your request

You can explore in person at any Social Security office or by mail. To find your local office, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," and enter your zip code. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether you need an appointment — some offices require one, others do not.

If you explore in person with all required documents, you may receive your new card the same day or within one to two weeks. If you mail your process, allow two to three weeks for processing. Include a cover letter with your mailing address and phone number so Social Security can contact you if they have questions.

Do not mail your original documents — send certified copies only. Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records.

What to bring if you explore in person

Bring three things: your completed Form SS-5, your proof of legal name change (certified copy or original), and a current identification document. Your ID must be issued by a government agency and show your photo — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. A school ID, library card, or work badge does not count.

If your current ID still shows your old name, that is fine — Social Security expects that. Bring the ID you have now. If you do not have any government-issued photo ID, ask the Social Security office what documents they accept as alternatives, as policies vary slightly by location.

After you receive your new card

Once you have your new card, update your name with your employer, your bank, the IRS, and any other organization that has your Social Security information on file. Your employer needs the update to match your name to your Social Security record for tax withholding. Your bank needs it to prevent fraud alerts when your name does not match your account. The IRS needs it so your tax returns match your Social Security record.

You do not have to return your old card — Social Security does not ask for it back. You can destroy it or keep it. Your old card is no longer valid, but your Social Security number remains the same, so there is no security risk in keeping it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Social Security card without a court order?

It depends on why your name changed. If you married or divorced, your marriage certificate or divorce decree is enough — you do not need a separate court order. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you will need a court order from a name change petition. Contact your county clerk to learn how to file a petition in your state.

What if I lost my birth certificate or marriage certificate?

Request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born (for a birth certificate) or where you were married (for a marriage certificate). You can usually request one by mail, phone, or online. It takes one to four weeks depending on the office. Some Social Security offices will accept a letter from the vital records office stating that a certified copy is on the way.

Do I have to go to Social Security in person or can I do this entirely by mail?

You can do it entirely by mail. Print Form SS-5, include a certified copy of your proof of name change, and mail both to your local Social Security office. Include a cover letter with your phone number. Processing takes longer by mail — usually two to three weeks — but you do not have to visit an office.

Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name printed on your card changes. Your employers, banks, and the IRS will still recognize you by your number, but you need to tell them your name changed so their records match.

How much does it cost to get a new card with my new name?

There is no cost. Social Security issues replacement cards for free. If someone offers to charge you a fee to change your name on your Social Security card, that is a scam.