Need to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Are you changing your name? If so, let Social Security know so we can update your information, send you a corrected card, and make sure you get the benefits you’ve earned.
To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies.
To prove your legal name change, you must show one of the following documents:
- Marriage document.
- Divorce decree.
- Certificate of naturalization showing a new name.
- Court order for a name change.
To prove your identity, you must show an unexpired document showing your name, identifying information, and photograph, such as one of the following:
- U.S. driver’s license.
- State-issued non-driver’s identification card.
- U.S. passport.
If you don’t have one of those documents available, we may be able to accept your:
- Employer identification card.
- School identification card.
- Health insurance card.
- U.S. military identification card.
To prove your U.S. citizenship, you must show one of the following documents:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- U.S. passport (unexpired).
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Certificate of Citizenship.
Whatever your reason for your name change, Social Security is here to help you with the new… you! Fill out the form online and follow the instructions to ensure your Social Security card is delivered in a timely manner. You can also locate your local field office so you can apply for your updated card and show your required documents in person.
For complete instructions, visit our Social Security Number and Card page, which includes information for non-citizens. And remember, if you simply need to replace a lost Social Security card, but don’t need to change your name, you can — in most states — request your replacement card online using your personal my Social Security account.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security card, SSN
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Paulo D.
My social security card has a typo on it. My middle name (mothers maiden name) was — hyphanated jointly with my last name and is giving me problems now. How can I get this rectified?
V.V.
Hi Paulo, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.
Kwanisha
Do I need to send in my actual DL for proof of identification, or can I send in a copy?
V.V.
Hi Kwanisha, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number.
All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents will be returned to you. We hope this helps!
Lisa D.
My Daughter lives in Japan and has recently gotten married. I had sent in the name change for her over 2 months ago. A message was left on my phone about 3 weeks ago asking for a local address to send the new card. I have left messages with no reply. I am waiting to send in her taxes so that the name matches with social Security. I would love to get this taken care of expeditiously. I have sent in the forms and documents, like her Passport that already has her name changed on it. Can someone please advise?
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Alexi R.
Hello, I am also submitting for a new card with name change due to marriage. This is during COVID so I have to mail everything.
I will send the marriage license. Can I send just the marriage license with the application… or do I need to send a photocopy of the passport of driver’s license also?
Kelly s.
Did you get an answer on this? I am trying to do the same but no one seems to know what I have to do. The website is no help and to talk to someone you have e to be on hold for hours
.
Sierra
I spoke with someone on the phone today and they said a print-out of your medical history from your doctor works fine.
Kay
When signing the “change name form”, do i sign with my married last name, or my name currently (before the name change is completed)
V.V.
Hi Kay, congratulations on your marriage! The signature in item 17 of the Social Security card application should agree with the name that you want to be shown on your Social Security card. We hope this helps!
Doreen A.
My minor Grand daughter needs her name changed on her Soc. Sec. card. How do we go about doing this. Thank you
V.V.
Hi Doreen, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.
Cynthia L.
Hi, my son who is 16 years old. He was born in Hong Kong. I would like to get his name changed on his social security card. Here are the documents I may present for such request. And, I used the same documents below to change his name on his US passport.
– My Divorce Decree
– Deed Poll issued by Hong Kong Solicitor (this was used for changing his surname on old US passport)
– US Passport (with new name)
– US passport (with old name)
– Consular Report of Birth Aboard (old name)
– Birth Certificate (issued by Hong Kong gov’t with old name, and surname may not be changed)
– My Birth Certificate (issued by Hong Kong gov’t)
– My Driver’s License
– Social Security Card (with old name)
Please advise if the above documents are accepted by your office to change his name on social security card.
Thank you.
V.V.
Hi Cynthia, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.