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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Donna S.
I’ve been married 23 years and never changed my name with social security department. Can I change it on line and provide marriage license photo.?
A.C.
Hi, Donna. You cannot apply for a replacement Social Security card online, when changing your name. 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!
Brenda L.
I m having a hard time logging into my Social Securty. I used it to sign up for Medicare and have not used it since
HELP
A.C.
Hi, Brenda. If you are still unable to access an 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. We hope this helps.
Michael S.
For several years I have been receiving spousal benefit payments. In April 2020 I will turn 70 years old and want to switch to my own personal monthly benefit. I cannot find anywhere a table/matrix which will show me what I can expect to receive. Can you send me a table/matrix that will show me my monthly check for each of the next 12 months in case I decide to take my full benefit sooner. Thanks you.
A.C.
Hi, Michael. Since you are currently receiving benefits, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Thanks.
Nikki
I got my daughter Social Security card in the mail and her name is spelled wrong (4mo.old).
She dose not have a photo ID (passport). What do I need to bring with me? I do have her birth certificate that has the right name.
Eldeana S.
After my husband’s death, I went to Social Security office on North Kelley, Oklahoma City, and filed everything related to his death. I was told that I would receive a one time death benefit but it has never come. It took me hours when I went to SSA before and it will be very difficult for me to go again. Will I have to go back in or is there some way internally it could be processed? He passed away January 26, 2019.
A.C.
We are sorry to hear about your loss, Eldeana. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next visit or call. We hope this is resolved soon.
Martha V.
My SS card only shows my initials followed by my last name ( married ). I would like it to show my first name and my middle name. How do I do this?
A.C.
Hi, Martha. 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). You can mail or bring 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!
Edna W.
Can SSA help me get my Birth Certisicate form another State.
A.C.
Hi, Edna. We cannot obtain your birth certificate. You will need to contact the appropriate state’s bureau of vital statistics for assistance. Thanks!
Alwin R.
So, screw the 14th Amendment & common law name changes?
melissa u.
I went to the DVM today to fill out paperwork for a Real ID compliant driver’s license. Unfortunately, the name on my birth certificate “Melissa Lynn Unger” is not the same as the one on my social security card “Melissa L Unger”….I was told to go to the nearest SS office and have my name changed on my SS card…What do I need to bring in addition to my birth certificate and current driver’s license (which reads Melissa L. Unger)? I can find no other documents with my full birth name on them aside from a variety of diplomas and old college transcripts.
V.V.
Hi Melissa, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to correct your name on your Social Security card.
stacie c.
does my drivers licenses or State-issued non-driver’s identification card got to be valid? and can I make a copy of my original birth certificate?
V.V.
Hi Stacie: If you’re asking about proper documentation for a Social Security card, you may be able to apply for your replacement card online. If you do not qualify to apply online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies and cannot be expired. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!