Bring These Documents to Your Social Security Office Visit

You will need to bring three types of documents: proof of your new legal name, proof of your identity, and your Social Security card. The Social Security Administration requires originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Bring more than one form of ID if you have it, because the office staff may ask to see multiple documents before processing your request.

Plan to visit in person. You cannot change your name by mail or phone. Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday, and many locations now let you schedule an appointment online or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bringing the right documents the first time means you will not have to make a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring the legal document that shows your new name — usually a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — plus the original or a certified copy.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card to prove who you are.
  • Bring your Social Security card itself, even though you are changing the name on it.
  • Photocopies are not accepted; Social Security staff must see originals or certified copies from the court or issuing agency.
  • Schedule an appointment ahead of time to avoid long waits, though walk-ins are usually accepted during office hours.

Proof of Your New Legal Name

The document you bring must show that your name change is legal and official. A court order is the most common proof — this is the document a judge signed when your name change was finalized. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree that lists your new name.

Some people change their name through other legal processes, such as adoption or gender marker change. Bring whatever court document or official record shows the change. The Social Security office staff will tell you if the document you have is acceptable. If you do not have the original, request a certified copy from the court that issued it — certified copies have an official seal and signature and cost between $5 and $25 depending on the court.

Government-Issued Photo Identification

You must bring at least one form of government photo ID to prove you are who you say you are. A driver's license or state ID card is the easiest option. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. The ID does not have to show your new name yet — Social Security staff understand that you are in the process of updating your records across multiple agencies.

If you do not have a current government photo ID, bring two other forms of identification instead. These can include a birth certificate, a utility bill with your current address, a bank statement, or a lease. The Social Security office will tell you which combinations they will accept if you are unsure.

Your Current Social Security Card

Bring the Social Security card itself, even though you are there to change the name on it. The card shows your Social Security number, which the office staff will need to look up your account and process the change. If you have lost your card, tell the office when you arrive — they can still process your name change, but you will need to provide your Social Security number from memory or from another document such as a tax return or bank statement.

If you cannot find your card before your appointment, do not delay your visit. The office staff can look up your number using your name and date of birth. Having the card makes the process faster, but a missing card will not stop you from changing your name.

What Happens at Your Appointment

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are there to change your name. They will ask you to fill out Form SS-5, which is the official process for a Social Security card. You will list your old name and your new name, and explain the reason for the change. The staff member will look at your documents, copy the information, and keep your process.

You will receive a receipt showing that your process was received. A new Social Security card with your new name will be mailed to you within two weeks in most cases, though it can take longer if the office needs to verify your documents. You do not need to do anything else — Social Security will update your records automatically once your card is issued.

If You Are Changing Your Name for the First Time

If you have never changed your name before, the process is straightforward. Bring your court order or marriage certificate, your photo ID, and your Social Security card. The office staff will process your process the same way they do for anyone else.

If you have changed your name multiple times in the past, Social Security may ask you to explain the history. Bring documentation for each name change if you have it. This is not common, but it can happen if the office wants to verify that all your name changes were legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name by mail instead of going to the office?

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person with original documents or certified copies. You cannot complete a name change by mail, phone, or online. You must visit a Social Security office during business hours.

Do I need to bring certified copies or can I bring the originals?

Either originals or certified copies work. If you bring originals, Social Security will copy them and return them to you. If you bring certified copies, you can leave them with Social Security. Photocopies from your home printer are not accepted.

What if my court order is from another state?

A court order from any state is valid. Bring the original or a certified copy from the court that issued it. Social Security accepts name change documents from all U.S. states and territories.

How long does it take to get my new card after my appointment?

Most new cards arrive within two weeks. During busy periods or if Social Security needs to verify your documents, it can take up to four weeks. You will receive a receipt at your appointment showing the date you applied.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not remember my number?

You can still change your name. Tell the office staff that you lost your card. Bring your court order or marriage certificate and your photo ID. If you have your number written down anywhere — on a tax return, W-2, or bank statement — bring that too. The office can look up your number using your name and date of birth.