Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

Need to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card?

October 9, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

A stack of social security cardsAre 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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Related Articles

Replacement or Corrected Social Security Cards during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Take Control with Social Security Online

Guard Your Card: Protect What’s Important to You

You and Your Family May Be Eligible for Increased Benefits

Comments

  1. Robb B.

    Can I choose to have Fed & State income tax withheld from my monthly check?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Robb. Social Security does not withhold state taxes from benefits. In order to have federal 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.

  2. Jean R.

    How do I change my email address?

    • L.A.

      Thank you for your question, Jean. Good news! You can change your email address using your personal my Social Security account. Log in to your account and go to “My Profile” tab to change or update your contact information. That’s it!

  3. Paul L.

    How do i changw my home, mailing address

    • L.A.

      Thank you for your question, Paul. Good news! You can change your home mailing address using your personal my Social Security account. Log in to your account and go to “My Profile” tab to change or update your contact information. That’s it!

  4. ANDREW K.

    PLEASE SEND ME THE PHONE NUMBER FOR SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT AT A SSA OFFICE IN SAN ANTONIO, TX 78214

    • A.C.

      Hi, Andrew. You do not have to make an appointment to come in to our offices, but with an appointment, you will be helped before our walk-in customers. You can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a representative will assist you. In most cases, you can handle your business by phone. Thanks!

  5. rubens v.

    hi my name is rubens vieux i lost my social security card a week ago i would like to trade this number please help me

  6. STEPHANIE C.

    I am a law librarian and have a question from a patron. The name on the issued card does not match the documentation provided to the Social Security office. The documentation was a court order. Do they need to resubmit to correct this error?

  7. Roberta G.

    I need to have taxes taken out of my Social Security check and can never get anyone on the phone. Can I do it on line?

  8. William L.

    Ho
    w do I change my address?

    • A.C.

      Hi, William. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local Social Security office immediately. We hope this helps.

  9. Torika U.

    I Torika Uluiviti,would like a new card for my new name on It. Am not a US citizen I came back to Fiji as a voluntary departure.I have all the documents required.I want to know how will I get them to your office

    • A.C.

      Hi, Torika. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must 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), and another identity document with your new name. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity. Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). Keep in mind you may not need to get a replacement card, knowing your Social Security number is what’s important. Generally, you will have to show us proof of your current immigration status. For assistance outside of the U.S., please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit. We hope this helps.

  10. Rachel E.

    Rachel Elysia Starks Is not her true idenity from her mother Anabelle Inez Trujillio of New Mexico Alberque Rachel E Starks real father has been idtified as Mr.Kennith Elliot of Chino Hills California .The Real Name for Ms.Rachel E Starks will change by Law to Rachel Samatha Elliot. I prefered the truth since i eas kidnapped from Saint Francis Hospital of Lynwood California in 1972.

Comments are closed.