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. jimy

    Thank you for sharing the information.

    Fortinet Certified Partner

    Certified Paloalto Partner

  2. Joseph

    Do I need to apply in person at a local
    Social Security office in order to hyphenate my last name after being married?

    • L.A.

      Hi Joseph. Thanks for your question. In order to change your last name on your Social Security card after getting married, 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 your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. Or you can go to your local Social Security office to make the changes when the time comes. Use this link to determine which documents you may need. We hope this helps.

  3. Niraj M.

    What happens with the name change – does the number stay the same, or does the individual get a new number?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Niraj. Only the name will change with proper documentation. The Social Security number will remain the same. Hope this helps.

  4. Ashley

    What is the fee with social security to change my name after marriage ?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ashley. Congratulations! You can change your name on your Social Security card for free. 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!

  5. James B.

    I tried signing into social security, I do have an account. I don’t get the code sent to me. Yes my number is the same, I have good internet and reception where I am at.

    • A.C.

      Hi, James. If you are unable to create 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.

  6. Helen

    OK, I have an online My Social Security account. I started an online application for Medicare yesterday and saved the application so that I could come back to it. When I tried to log back in today it asked me to find my “re-entry number” under the “My Benefit Applications” table. However, my SS online account has no “My benefit applications” table. What am I supposed to do?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Helen. If you are 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.

  7. Carie K.

    If I am a female and I get divorce, am I required to change the name on my social security card back to my madien name?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Carie. Thanks for your question. If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may delay your tax refund and prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.

      By the way, in case you ever have to request a replacement social security card (or a name change), we also offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  8. PaulaJackson

    I need to change my e mail address to Beaumontjava@gmail.com. Please contact me no later that 6/27/00. Thank you

    • J.Y.

      Thanks for your question. You can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.

      Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

  9. Jonathan V.

    I been living under my step fathers last name my whole life. But my birth certificate
    Has my biological fathers name.. My ssi#
    Is under my step name also.

  10. Clementina O.

    Hello I need to make an appointment for next week and I seem no to have that luck

Comments are closed.