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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Mary M.
How can I have federal tax withheld from my monthly Social Security deposit?
Mary Melroe
22752 Dunvilla Drive
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
218-863-5567
AGNES T.
Wrong social security number used to report wages to SSA on W-2 form. How should this be corrected by the employer? How will SSA correct the employees wage record if a wrong SSN was used to report wages for several years?
Larry T.
I wish to replace my lost social security card.
Ada P.
If my husband expire will I receive his SS check
Susan H.
I recently moved and need to change my mailing address, where do I go to change it please?
A.C.
Hi, Susan. Thanks for your question. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Linda P.
My daughter was married recently in the Bahamas and has filed her marriage certificate with the County Courthouse in the County where she lives in Idaho.
Can she use her marriage certificate from the Bahamas to get her name changed on her social security card?
Donna M.
We are moving to a new location on April 4, 2019. My new address will be 4 Boxwood Court E, Homosassa, Florida 34446. Please send me confirmation that my address has been updated.
Meghan O.
Hi,
I am changing my last name to my married name. I have two questions:
Do I need to make an appointment with the Social Security Office in Freeport?
How long will it take to get my new social security card if I go in person?
A.C.
Hi, Meghan. Thanks for your question. Generally, appointments are not needed to apply for Social Security cards. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Keep in mind all submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
Ricardo S.
Dear Social Security Administration, when I naturalized as a U.S. Citizen there was an error in my date of birth. I did not think at the time that it was important but now that I am close to retirement it is very relevant that I correct my date of birth.
Can you give advice as to how to accomplish the change?
Sincerely,
Ricardo
A.C.
Hi, Ricardo. Thank you for your question. You will need to visit the local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area, complete an application and submit evidence of age and evidence of identity to support the change. We’ll need to see a certified copy of your birth certificate to correct your date of birth on our records. Your valid State ID or Driver’s License or your U.S. passport can be used as proof of identification. We hope this helps.
Sandra
I need income verification letter
A.C.
Hi, Sandra. Good news! If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!