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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Alana H.
I am looking to change my name. I got married in the Bahamas. I applied for the marriage license and the marriage certificate is from the Bahamas. Is this ok to bring?
L.A.
Hi Alana. Thanks for your question and congratulations on your marriage! 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 your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. You can find out which documents you may need here. Or you can go to your local Social Security office to make the changes.
Emily E.
Emily Elizabeth Tripoli, please send me my social security card. 30323 PO BOX PHOENIX,AZ85046.Thank you.
Emily E.Tripoli.
L.A.
Hi Emily. Good news! First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you may be able to request it using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Cyndi
marriage name change
How much does that cost in the state of New Mexico?
Kathy H.
I have left a prior job in May 2019 where I have reached the maximum income for SS withholding. I have just started another job in July. How do I prevent SS withholding for the remainder of the calendar year?
Rosemary W.
My name’s Rosemary Wisniewski my daughter’s last name is misspelled by 1 letter and social security made the error now she has license that have expired wonts to get them renewed but can’t cause she needs a social security card can’t get social security card with out valid license so what does she do help
Elizabeth B.
After my husband died in 1988 I resumed the use of my maiden name. I have my birth certificate, marriage certificate, and husband’s death certificate. I also have a valid current US passport in my maiden name, a valid current drivers license in my maiden name, federal and state tax returns for the last several years filed under my maiden name. I was fingerprinted for a New York State job under my maiden name. I also have a Social Security card with my maiden name on it. It is ridiculous that I must get a court order for over $400 in order for Social security to recognize my maiden name as legal. Can you help me? Thank you.
JASMINE V.
ONLY 18 CHARATERS ARE ALLOWED ON LINE 1 OF THE FORM; WHAT IF MY FULL MIDDLE NAME IS LONGER?
Victoria
I live and work in two different states. Would I need to use a social security office in my home state, or could I use one in the state which I work to do a name change after a divorce?
Deborah D.
I have misplaced my ssc years ago. I also never had my married name put on it How do I proceed for a new card with my married name and addres on it? I tried filling the form out with my maiden name and it wont take it s then tried my married name but it kicked me off for 24 hours
Adam L.
I am trying to obtain proof of by grandmother’s name change 1934 or 1935 when she married my grandfather. Since we cannot locate her marriage license on county records, I am assuming there may be information that SS has that could help. Both have been deceased a long time. Please advise