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. Stanley E.

    All I wish to do is change of address

  2. Blair S.

    How can I make an appointment to get a replacement social security card in my local Riverhead, NY office? I was told that I cannot do it on line when I tried to go that route.

  3. Linda S.

    MY SS CARD has my name with my middle name initial as follows:
    LINDA S. GLEASON
    My driver’s license has my name with my maiden name:
    LINDA GREGORY GLEASON
    My SS card is quite old and my questions is –
    should a new card have my maiden name as the middle or my real middle name as my middle name:
    My PASSPORT has my name with my maiden name as follows:
    LINDA GREGORY GLEASON
    I desire A NEW SS card but need to know how my name should be legally and for all purposes.
    Thank you,
    Linda Gleason
    DOB: 3-17-1952
    SS# *** – ** – ***

  4. Audrey R.

    I have recently reverted to my maiden name (legally). I am currently living in Australia. Do I have to travel to Sydney to present my original U.S. passport and documents?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Audrey. 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). Since you are living outside of the U.S. you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  5. Richard R.

    Name on Social Security card is backward. Last name is first, first name is last. It reads Rector Richard S.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Richard. We are sorry to hear that. Please contact the local office that processed your application to report the error and return the incorrect card.

  6. Jeri A.

    Name change- I have the official court document, is there anything I need to bring, besides the court document and my DL?
    Is there a way, I can sign in on line, if so where?
    Please advise
    Thanks

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jeri. 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 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!

  7. jack j.

    Thanks for sharing the information which helped a lot of people to change the name but now they can change it directly from digital marketing agency in london

  8. Joseph J.

    I need my account reset user and password cannot log on to my account. also I need a SS Card replacement

    • A.C.

      Hi, Joseph. We are sorry to hear you had difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. 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.

  9. Linda R.

    I forgot my password and username. Need to get into my account. I tried to establish a new account, but was not allowed to do so.

  10. Maria

    Hola mi Nombre es Maria Julia Solano, estoy casada hace 6 anos y nunca lleve el apellido de mi esposo, como hago y que necesito para llevar el apellido de mi esposo . Gracias.

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