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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Marilou B.
do I need to send social security my new address?
Donniyan
nice post, thanks for sharing with Us Arenajackpot
cara p.
If my social security card name is different then my birth certificate what one should I change to make the other match ?
A.C.
Hi, Cara. 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. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Carolyn D.
Can I make an appointment with my local SSA office to apply for a new SS card and change my name
A.C.
Hi, Carolyn. Generally, appointments are not needed to apply for Social Security cards. 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!
Kristine P.
Was wondering how much it cost to change name? I did get a divorce. And taking my maiden name back.
A.C.
Hi, Kristine. 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!
elizabeth e.
How can I insure these original documents will be returned to me ?
Patti C.
I need to change my Social Security Card name due to new regulations for flying. My Drivers License name is Patti Conner Reynolds and my Social Security card is Patti C. Reynolds. What is my next step to correct this.
A.C.
Hi, Patti. 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 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!
Jennifer R.
I would like to correct my name on aocial security card. I do not have a middle name but when I was 5 or 6 I lived with my Grandmother and she somehow got my social security card with Mary as my middle name. So I have lived with it, but would like to correct it now. My birth certificate shows I do not have a middle name. Can I show my birth certificate and have it corrected?
A.C.
Hi, Jennifer. 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. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!
Jessie T.
where can I go to make changes to my social security card?
A.C.
Hi, Jessie. In order to correct or 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!
Jeffery D.
I just created my new SSA account.
While I was reviewing my past and current years of information, I noticed that my first name is spelled incorrectly in your system.
It is currently displayed as Jeffrey.
It should be displayed as Jeffery.
I am unable to request a new copy my SSN card until this is corrected, please?
Thank you and Best regards.
A.C.
Hi, Jeffery. For information about how to correct your name, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.