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. Sean S.

    I want to set up an automated monthly payment of $30. Also please update my new address: 15 Sharlo Ct. Elk Grove, CA95758

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sean. 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 requests. 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. Additionally, 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. We hope this helps.

  2. Bryan R.

    In late November 2017 I started working at Amazon in the warehouse making less money than the monthly threshold for SSD Benefits and was collecting SSD checks. I started working at CenterLight Health System on October 10, 2018 making $85k annually, which is over the monthly threshold for SSD Benefits and I’m still collecting SSD checks. Can someone please call or email me to rectify my situation? My personal cell number is 516-984-4357. My email address is below. Thank you!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Bryan. 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. We hope this helps.

  3. Carie b.

    Im trying to order my daughter kira bunton a new ss card

    • A.C.

      Hi, Carie. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. Remember that knowing her number is what is important. You will rarely need to show her card, but if you need information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your daughter’s identity and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your child. Also keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use birth certificates to prove your her age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.

  4. Claudine E.

    I remarried 2 1/2.years ago. I changed.my namenon my social security card.imediately. it has never been changed.on my Medicare card. Or medicare records. I have called, gone.on line many times. Each time.i am told it has been taken care of. Well it has never been changed. I just.changed.my advantage program and Dr. I was told that it.is still under my maiden name. What doni do to get.this corrected.
    Thank you for your time
    Claudine Gloria Ellis Vail

    • V.V.

      Hi Claudine, we sincerely apologize for your inconvenience and we understand your frustration. We recommend that you continue to work with your local field office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation.

  5. Kathryn R.

    Please tell me how to get a appointment at the Palm Springs SS office????? Yikes this is so silly time consuming. Want a name change for both my ss and medicare. Have all needed docs. thanks Kay

    • L.A.

      Hi Kathryn. Thank you for your question. To find the address and other information for your nearest Social Security office, click here. We hope this helps.

  6. Michael C.

    My brother just recently went to his Social Security office and found out that his father was listed incorrectly. How can I check my file to make sure my correct father is listed as well?

  7. Hakeem

    On 5/06/2019 after 2 PM I have been waiting for over 55 minutes on the phone and still no answer. The links to change your name article is not working (https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01981) along with other links.

  8. Tabatha L.

    I came in the office on the week of April 15 to get a replacement social security card for my Granddaughter, Khloe Lewis *** – ** – *** my name Tabatha Lewis and as of today it still have not came in the mail.

  9. Nathalie

    Hi, what if we live abroad and require a name change? I got married recently and move to Germany, I need to change my last name.

  10. Anna G.

    Where do I change my address for my mail?

Comments are closed.