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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security card, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Art M.
Need to know how to claim a death benefit. Please advise. Thanks.
Vernon J.
I have moved to the Philippines and need to cancel my medicade premium what do I do?
A.C.
Hi, Vernon. For assistance outside of the United States, please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit. You may also find our Office of Earnings & International Operations web page useful. We hope this helps.
Mike D.
I just got my Medicare card. I’m turning 65 next week. I discovered I misspelled my name when I first signed up for a SS card when I was 16. My name is Michael but I misspelled it with Micheal. My accountant says I should get it fixed asap. What should I do?
Eric W.
Today I received two recorded message stating this was from the Social Security office and there was legal enforcement action filed against me for fraudulent activity. It stated if I ignore this call, legal proceedings would commence against me. This call came from Boone, CA and the # is 707-901-7761. Can you please confirm to me if this is really coming from your office?
Thank you,
Eric W. Bjorklund,
Cell # 404-840-1425
.e
Peter
I applied for a social security card for my new born son. Unfortunately, his middle name was misspelled on the card. The only proof of identity and citizenship that he has is his birth certificate. Is that enough?
Kathryn A.
Good morning, I have a question. I was in the social security office to make a name change for a new social security card on yesterday. Is there anything I need to do to change my name for my social security benefits, medicare, additional insurance, and prescription insurance I applied for and my disabilty claim that is pending? I’m not sure if changing my name will take care of everything. I have changed my name on my social security card, deed to my home, driver’s license and bank account. I know I will need new cards from you for my medicare, anthem, and prescription insurance.
Old with new name is in the name block below. Please set an appointment is needed.
Thank you
Allen M.
It would be nice to make an appointment online at the local office without being put on hold for 4 or more hours.
Laurel E.
I have been unable to access my social security account on line. Even though I stopped in to a social security office (Oceanside CA), and was given a temporary password. I was still unable to access my account. Perhaps there is a number for technical support. Don’t tell me to call the same number I have called in the past, it’s a waste of the 45 minute hold time. Thank You.
Kathleen F.
All I have to do is take the middle initial out of my SS card to get my new Real ID card since it is not on my birth certificate.
Elizabeth A.
can I make an appointment at the local office to change my name on my social security card due to Divorce ?
A.C.
Hi, Elizabeth. Generally, appointments are not needed to apply for Social Security cards. 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).
We offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office or nearest Card Center in your area. We hope this helps!