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. Joanne P.

    my ex died several years ago we were married for 13 yrs I never collected on his ss I would like to return to my maiden name before I die I am nearly 80 yrs young . I was married before this one for 5 yrs when I was a kid so without having to go thru lawyers which on my tiny ss retrement I don’t have extra money how can I get last name back I was born with thank you

    • A.C.

      Hi, Joanne. Thanks for your question. 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.

      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).

      We offer the option to mail or bring your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  2. april g.

    I recently got married, I have changed my name on my drivers licence, I have my marriage licence and I have completed you application for name change, but it does not tell me where to mail it or how much I send with the app.
    Please advise
    Thank you,
    April Gowen
    April Ables

    • A.C.

      Hi, April. 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 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!

  3. Patricia F.

    Can I change my address on line?

  4. Janet L.

    Can the initial on my Social Security card be removed without going through the whole name change process? I need to have it removed to match my passport for my Real I.D.

  5. Catherine

    I had a court ordered name change and needed to get my card changed, so I sent in a courthouse certified copy of the change order and my passport along with the proper Form. I later got a call from the SS office, which I missed – I tried numerous times to return the call, and left a message, but no one contacted me again. This week, I received my documents back, addressed with the correct name and a letter stating I would get the card soon. Today I got the card, with the old name, unchanged, uncorrected. Is there someone who will actually call me back who can fix this? Going to an SS office isn’t practical as the nearest one is 40 miles away and they close at 4pm.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Catherine. We are sorry to hear about your experience. 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.

    • Mandy

      I am curious if you got the situation resolved.

  6. Supra4D

    thank you, useful info

  7. Rene' T.

    I’m having trouble logging into my online account. I believe it’s locked as i failed to login as i forgot my password. Would you please reset it for me and let me know when it’s unlocked?

    Thanks

    • A.C.

      Hi, Rene. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. 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.

  8. Gypsy B.

    It would be nice to be able to go back the the name on the birth certificate without paying the courts to do it!

  9. Nameless

    I want my maiden name back. Why must I pay for a court ordered name change simply to use the name I was born with, that is on my birth certificate, that I had when I first applied for my SS card years ago?

  10. Joyce G.

    i’m just trying to change the address so I can receive my new SS card and number.

Comments are closed.