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.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Robert M.

    I got a call from a 903-246-4485 out of Texas saying I was about to be prosecuted for fraudulent activity on my SSN number and I better call them. Is this a scam?

  2. José A.

    I need,,new,and,correct,social,security,card,

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jose. If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card.
      You can show whichever name you would like on your social security card, as long as you have evidence of your legal name change by showing us documentation of your old and new names. We offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local office or visit your local Social Security office. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to determine which documents you may need. Thanks.

  3. Edward J.

    Need my pass word and user ID…..unable to sign in

    • A.C.

      Hi, Edward. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  4. Darlene M.

    Need to change address for Darlene D Madden to
    963 Golden Aspen Place, Ashland, Oregon 97520
    SS# is *** – ** – ***

    Also for Richard H Madden. My spouse
    963 Golden Aspen Place, Ashland, Oregon 97520
    His SS # is *** – ** – ***

    Thank you

    • A.C.

      Hi, Darlene. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. 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 office immediately. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.

  5. richard j.

    can you change my e-mail address to grizrick1977@outlook.com

  6. Diane R.

    Changing my name on my card wasn’t enough – I am still getting Social Security mail and forms addressed to my old name. Is there any way to correct this besides driving an hour to the closest office and waiting in line an hour?

  7. Mark D.

    The day of my birth is not correct on my Social Security
    Statement.
    It is listed as 4-23-1954
    The correct date is 4-27-1954.
    How can I get it corrected.
    Thank You

  8. Pauline

    I

  9. Bette B.

    How do I get my check transfer to an bank

    • V.V.

      Hi Bette. Thanks for the question. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), you can start or update your direct deposit information by using your personal my Social Security account.

      If receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or unable to conduct business online, you can start or update your direct deposit by contacting the bank, credit union, or savings and loan association or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

      Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.

  10. Rocio V.

    I need to change my address:
    from: , CA 91324
    To: , CA 91505

    • V.V.

      Hi Rocio. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.

      If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

      If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.

Comments are closed.