What you need to do to change the name on your Social Security card

To change your 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 on file until you show them official documentation — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document that shows your new name. You cannot change your name online or by phone; you must explore in person or by mail.

The process takes about two weeks if you explore in person at an office, or longer if you mail your process. Social Security will issue you a new card with your updated name, but your Social Security number stays the same. You will need this updated card to match your name with banks, employers, government agencies, and other organizations.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form SS-5 in person or by mail, along with proof of your legal name change and a government-issued ID.
  • Legal proof of name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — a name change alone is not enough.
  • Processing takes about two weeks in person or several weeks by mail; your Social Security number does not change.
  • You will need your updated card to change your name with your bank, employer, and other organizations that have your Social Security number on file.

Documents you need to bring or mail

Social Security requires two types of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of your identity. For proof of name change, bring the original or certified copy of one of these:

  • Court order showing your name change
  • Marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name)
  • Divorce decree or court order (if you changed your name back)
  • Adoption papers (if you were adopted and took a new name)
  • Certificate of naturalization (if you changed your name during citizenship)

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these:

  • Driver's license or state ID card
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Military ID
  • Tribal ID
  • School ID (if you are under 18)

If you do not have an original or certified copy, Social Security may accept a photocopy if a Social Security employee witnesses you sign a statement saying the copy is true and correct. If you are explore by mail, you must send certified copies, not photocopies.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5, proof of name change, and proof of identity. You can find your nearest office by going to ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do; call ahead to check.

Bring the original documents or certified copies. Social Security staff will review your documents, make copies if needed, and process your process on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your process was received. Your new card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you need your new card faster, ask the Social Security office whether they offer expedited processing. Some offices can issue a replacement card the same day in limited situations, but this is not standard.

explore by mail

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail Form SS-5 with your documents to your local Social Security office. You must send certified copies of your proof of name change and proof of identity — photocopies are not accepted by mail. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, phone number, and a brief explanation of why you are changing your name.

Mail your process to the address listed on Form SS-5 for your state. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person process — usually four to six weeks or more, depending on mail delivery and office workload. You will not receive a receipt showing your process was received, so consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the office got your documents.

Keep copies of everything you send. If your process gets lost in the mail, you will need those copies to resubmit or to prove you already sent them.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will review your documents and verify that your name change is legal. If everything is in order, they will update your name in their system and mail you a new card. Your Social Security number does not change — only your name on the card changes.

Once you receive your new card, you should notify other organizations that have your Social Security number on file. This includes your employer, bank, insurance company, mortgage lender, and any government agencies. Each organization has its own process for updating your name, and some may require you to show them your new Social Security card or other proof of name change.

Keep your old card until you receive the new one. Once the new card arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it for your records — Social Security does not require you to return it.

If Social Security denies your process

Social Security may deny your process if your documents do not prove a legal name change, if your identity documents are expired or invalid, or if there is a problem with your Social Security record. You will receive a letter explaining why your process was denied.

If your process is denied, you can reapply with corrected documents. If you believe Social Security made an error, you can ask to speak with a supervisor at your local office or call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss the denial. You can also file a written appeal, though Social Security does not have a formal appeal process for name changes — your only option is to reapply with better documentation or to contact your local office to discuss what went wrong.

Updating your name with other organizations

Changing your name with Social Security is only the first step. You will need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other organization that has your Social Security number or uses your name for identification. Each organization has different requirements and timelines.

Your employer will need to update your name in their payroll system so your W-2 and tax records match your Social Security record. Your bank will need to update your name on your account and any debit cards or checks. The IRS will need your updated name for tax returns. If you have a mortgage, car loan, or credit cards, those lenders will need to update your name as well.

Start with your employer and bank, since these affect your income and access to money. Then contact other organizations as needed. Keep your new Social Security card and any other proof of name change handy, as some organizations will ask to see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after I explore?

If you explore in person at a Social Security office, your new card usually arrives within two weeks. If you explore by mail, it takes four to six weeks or longer, depending on mail delivery and how busy your local office is. Processing times vary by location and time of year.

Do I need to change my Social Security number when I change my name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only your name on the card changes. You do not need a new number unless you have a specific reason — for example, if you are a victim of identity theft or if you have a religious or personal objection to your number.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy?

You can use other documents to prove your legal name change, such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you do not have a certified copy, Social Security may accept a photocopy if you sign a statement in front of a Social Security employee saying the copy is true. This works in person but not by mail.

Can I change my name on Social Security if I do not have a court order?

It depends on your situation. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or adoption, you can use the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers instead of a court order. If you want to change your name for other reasons, you will need a court order from a judge. Some states make court-ordered name changes easier and cheaper than others.

What if my name change documents are from another country?

Social Security will accept documents from other countries if they are certified copies and if you can provide an English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary. Contact your local Social Security office to ask what they need before you submit your process.