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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Theresa P.
Hello, my name is Theresa Prevosto and I cannot log into my account because I do not know my password.
Could you please email it to me?
A.C.
Hi, Theresa. Thanks for your question. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We offer a few different ways to reset your password. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. 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.
Frederick D.
Do I need to mail in the documents to change my name?
A.C.
Hi, Frederick. Thanks for your question. 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!
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Laura p.
I need to change my name I am divorce but only have a copy can I still do it
L.
All my life I have spelled my first name Leverne, even though my birth certificate is spelled Laverne. My driver’s license is spelled Leverne as are most of my documents, titles to autos and home, bank checks, debit card, tax returns, investments, etc. Recently I lost my Social Security card, which was spelled Leverne. I went to the SS office and applied for a replacement card. However, a relative said I should have it spelled as it is on my birth certificate. So the next day, I went back to SS office and told them I wanted it spelled as it was on my birth certificate, which they did. That evening, I knew I had made a huge mistake, so the next day I went back to the SS office and told them I wanted my name as on my original SS card. They tried, but the system wouldn’t let them. They said I need a really good reason to change it back. Can you help me and suggest what I should do? I’m in my 90’s.
and don’t get around well. Thank you.
A.C.
Hi. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to continue to 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 is resolved soon.
Sandra M.
My name is Sandra M Rutherford, I need a application for name change for divorce. Can you help me. My email address is rutherfordm1954@gmail.com.I have my divorce papers.
A.C.
Hi, Sandra. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps!
Surie B.
with ss-5 do i need to send copy of my marriage license?
A.C.
Hi, Surie. 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. 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.
Karissa
Does proof of identity such as my license need to have my new name before changing my social security card.
A.C.
Hi, Karissa. 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!
Pamela s.
I need a application to fill out so I can change my last namel
A.C.
Hi, Pamela. Thanks for your comment.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.