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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kaitlyn
I changed my name today to my marriaged lastname but at the office they wouldn’t allow me to change my middle . name to what I wanted at the same time. I was only allowed to shorten my middlename to it’s initial, “E.”
Can you explain why your middle name can not be changed completely yet your lastname can?
Melissa J.
My SS card has been gone for years, I cannot recall my name when it was issued. Now, I need one. I’ve married three time. Maiden name Melissa Jane Harman, next name was Moneyhun , next was Pittman and now, Tindal. I am a widow, my husband was Joseph Edward Tindal and
I plan to keep his name. My ss# *** – ** – ***.
A.C.
Hi, Melissa. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
sandra s.
I was married but didn’t change my name – I was looking for a link that stated I do not need to change anything through SS office Correct?
You only answer questions for a name change.
A.C.
Hi, Sandra. Thanks for your question and congratulations on your marriage. Changing your name is a personal decision. When you marry, you are free to keep your own name or take your spouse’s name. There is no time limit or requirement for a name change after marriage. However, if you do decide to change your name on your Social Security card, you must complete an application for a corrected Social Security card and show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records). We hope this helps.
Carmen A.
No publicar
Elizabeth K.
Need to set up an appointment
V.V.
Hello Elizabeth. We currently do not have an online appointment scheduler. However you do not need an appointment to file for benefits or appeal a disability decision. You can file for the following benefits online:
•Retirement;
•Medicare; and
•Disability.
If you do not want to apply for benefits online, or you need to speak to us for any other reason, you can schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment by:
•Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; or
•Contacting your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Jumaada H.
i am divorced. was married to husband 29 years. now that he has retired will I be able to receive from his social security?
V.V.
Hi Jumaada, thank you for your question. If you are divorced and currently unmarried, you may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. For eligibility details, check out the Retirement Planner: If You’re Divorced.
For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. To inquire about potential benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, you will need to contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Jean B.
I requested federal income tax withholding last year with the form provided by the Charleston, SC Social Security office. You have NOT withheld any tax. What can I do to get that done?
V.V.
Hi Jean, sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having with Social Security. To sign up for voluntary tax withholding, you’ll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. Sign the form and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.
Nina J.
I lost ,my ,medicare card. Can I get it replaced at Social Security office?
V.V.
Hi Nina, 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. However, if you must get a replacement card, you may be able to apply online. If you do not qualify to apply online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
V.V.
For a replacement Medicare card, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Marty R.
I have a new email address
V.V.
Hi Marty. Thanks for using our blog. After you sign in to your my Social Security account, you can update your email address. After inputting your username and password, you will be at the security code screen. If you receive your security code via email only, then indicate that you cannot access the options listed above and need to reset where you receive security codes. We will then send you a letter with a reset code and instructions.
Robert D.
Can the tax with-holding / status be changed on-line?
A.C.
Hi, Robert. Tax withholding is not available at this time. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.