You need to contact Social Security directly and provide proof of your legal name change
Social Security does not change your name on their records automatically, even if you have changed it legally through a court order, marriage, or divorce. You must tell them yourself. The process involves submitting documents that prove your legal name change, waiting for Social Security to update their system, and then receiving a replacement card in the mail. Most people complete this in four to six weeks, though the timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and how busy your local Social Security office is.
You cannot change your name online or by phone. You must visit a Social Security office in person or mail documents to them. Visiting in person is faster — you can hand over your documents and leave, rather than waiting for mail to arrive and be processed. Either way, you will need to bring specific documents that prove both your identity and your legal name change.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Social Security office in person or mail documents to request a name change — there is no online or phone option.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and the legal document showing your name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree).
- Social Security will issue you a new card, but the card itself takes one to two weeks to arrive after your name is updated in their system.
- Changing your name at Social Security does not automatically update your name at other agencies like the DMV or IRS — you must contact each one separately.
- If you have already worked under a different name, Social Security can link your old name to your new one so your earnings history stays intact.
Documents you need to bring or mail
Social Security requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your legal name change. You cannot use a photocopy or a photo of a document — originals or certified copies are required. If you mail documents, send them by certified mail so you have proof they arrived.
For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts other documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. For proof of citizenship, bring your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you will also need to bring a passport or naturalization document. For proof of your legal name change, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified copy from the court — not a photocopy you made yourself.
If you have already worked under your old name and want Social Security to keep that earnings record linked to you, tell the staff member or include a note with your documents. Social Security can merge your old name and new name in their system so you do not lose credit for years you worked.
How to visit a Social Security office in person
Find your nearest Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Call ahead or check the office's page on the Social Security website to see whether you need to schedule a time. Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your Social Security card if you still have it.
Arrive early in the day if you can — offices are usually less crowded in the morning. Tell the staff member at the front desk that you want to change your name. They will give you a form to fill out (Form SS-5, process for a Social Security Card) and take your documents. The staff member will verify your documents and submit your request. You will receive a receipt showing that your process was received. Your new card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
How to mail your documents to Social Security
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your documents to your local Social Security office. First, fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), which you can read from ssa.gov or request by calling 1-800-772-1213. Include a note explaining that you want to change your name and why (marriage, divorce, court order, etc.). Make copies of all your documents for your own records, then mail the originals or certified copies by certified mail with return receipt requested.
Address your envelope to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Processing by mail takes longer than visiting in person — typically three to four weeks from the time Social Security receives your envelope. Once your name is updated, they will mail your new card to the address on file. If your address has changed since you last contacted Social Security, update it before you mail your documents or tell them the new address in your note.
What happens after Social Security updates your name
Once Social Security processes your request, they will update your name in their system and mail you a new card. The card itself takes one to two weeks to arrive. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just watch for it in the mail. If you do not receive your card within three weeks of your visit or four weeks of mailing your documents, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
Your new card will have the same Social Security number as your old card. You can start using your new name with employers, banks, and other organizations right away, even before the card arrives. However, you should carry your old card or a copy of your receipt from Social Security until the new card arrives, in case anyone asks for proof.
Updating your name at other agencies
Changing your name at Social Security does not automatically update your name anywhere else. You must contact each agency or organization separately. The most important ones are the Department of Motor Vehicles (for your driver's license or state ID), the IRS (for your tax records), your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, and any government benefits programs you receive. Each one has its own process and its own documents they require.
Start with your state's DMV, since a driver's license is the most common form of ID. Then contact the IRS by mail or through your online account at irs.gov. For your employer, contact your human resources department. For your bank and insurance companies, call or visit in person with your new Social Security card or a copy of your court order. If you receive benefits from programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or veterans' benefits, contact those programs to update your name as well.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not send original documents by regular mail — use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof they arrived. Do not assume that Social Security will contact other agencies on your behalf — you must do that yourself. Do not throw away your old Social Security card until your new one arrives; keep it in case you need to prove your identity while the change is being processed.
Do not wait to update your name at other agencies. The longer you wait, the more confusion you may create with your records. For example, if you change your name at Social Security but not at your employer, your paychecks and tax forms may not match your Social Security records, which can cause problems when you file taxes or explore for benefits later. Update your name everywhere as soon as your new card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name at Social Security if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport, naturalization papers, or other documents that prove citizenship. Social Security accepts multiple forms of proof. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents they will accept in your specific situation before you visit or mail anything.
Will changing my name at Social Security affect my earnings record or benefits?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same, and all your earnings history stays linked to you. If you have already worked under your old name, tell Social Security and they will merge your records so you do not lose credit for those years. This is especially important if you are close to retirement age.
How long does it take to get my new Social Security card?
If you visit an office in person, the card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you mail your documents, it takes three to four weeks for Social Security to process them, plus one to two weeks for the card to arrive in the mail. In total, mailing takes about four to six weeks.
What if I changed my name but Social Security still has my old name?
Call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your request. If your name has not been updated after six weeks, visit your local office in person with your receipt and documents. Bring your old and new Social Security cards if you have them.
Do I need to change my Social Security name if I only changed it legally but do not use the new name?
No. You only need to change your name at Social Security if you want to use the new name for work, benefits, or official documents. If you have a legal name change but do not use it, you can leave your Social Security records as they are.