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.

    Hi, i am a recent victim of equifax/ eqperian data breach & i would like information on how to replace my social security number.

    • V.V.

      Hello Robert, thanks for using our blog. If you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page about this topic. Thanks!

  2. peter w.

    I have no middle name so can not access the web site

    • V.V.

      Hi Peter, thank you for your question. You are not required to have a middle initial when creating a my Social Security account.

      If you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or
      contact your local Social Security office.

  3. Cynthia A.

    I need to start Income Tax Withholding from my monthly check. How can I do that?

    • V.V.

      Hi Cynthia, that you for using our blog to ask your question. To sign up to have federal taxes withheld from your benefits, you need to complete form W-4V. You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for more information.

  4. C N.

    Hello,
    I was wondering if my name change will be made public record and will be posted on the internet? I have a stalker who I do not want knowing my new information and am seeking to avoid my new information ending up public record on the internet.

    Any information or advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated!

    • V.V.

      Hi there. As a Federal agency, the Privacy Act of 1974 requires us to protect the information we collect from you. We respect your right to privacy and will protect it when you visit our website. We have always treated the privacy of our customers with utmost importance. Check out our Privacy Policy which explains our online information practices. Of course, our policy does not apply to third-party websites or other search engines that may be used prior to accessing Social Security’s site.

  5. Kimmy J.

    I have put into search multiple times with NOTHING coming up even close to what my question is!!!! What is the address I send a request for replacement SS CARD form into?????? I have it ready to go but no address searched an searched and COntact found but states NO FORMS to be sent Please Help

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kimmy. We are sorry to hear about your frustration. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or 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. You mail your completed application with your documents to your local office or visit your local office. 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.

  6. Mary L.

    My social security card has my whole name on it … is there anyway that my whole name can be on my medicare card? I have a first name that consists of two words and by phone SS agent said they will only use one word and middle initial. I’m almost 65 and still struggling with people who call my by part of my first name. It’s not a lengthy name by any means and putting my name on my medicare card just like it is on my social security card should not be impossible.

  7. Daniel S.

    To whom it may concern;I need to make same changes on my social security card my parents didn’t put Jr. on my card how should I handle this?

  8. Joseph H.

    I can’t seem to find my card, do you offer something better than just a cheap cardboard copy? The wear out so quickly in a wallet, and they do not stand up well in a washing machine either.

  9. Gillian M.

    I have moved to Sequim, WA> How do I change my address? Thank you.

  10. Rex B.

    Why can’t I get an password reset – four or five attempts and not a damn thing via the USPS?

Comments are closed.