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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KL
I am an adult and recently got married. I am trying to change my name with SSA. The SSA form asks for my parents’ social security numbers. The instructions state that including this information is required “[i]f you are applying for an original Social Security card for a child under 18.” Are the parents’ social security numbers required if I am an adult?
L.A.
Hi KL. The Social Security number requirement for the parents is only applicable if the person is applying for the Social Security card for the very first time. In your case, you are requesting a name change, therefore, you need to write your parents’ names but do not need to know or write your parents’ Social Security numbers on the application. You can find what documents you need to present with your application here. We hope this helps.
Sherri W.
I have ben married a few times since my card has been changed. I am getting married again soon. I haven’t changed the name on my card since 1976. I can access the marriage and divorce papers online through the Oklahoma court system but one marriage was done in Arkansas and I don’t have access to any of the original papers. How do I get this solved so I can get my new SS card with my new name? Ive never had a problem with my tax returns I just put both names. Until a few years ago, it took me longer because the names did not match. I should have done it then but just didn’t. I really want to resolve this and have my card with my real name on it. I can print off the documentsand bring them all in to the office with me except for the marriage license in Arkansas.
A.C.
Hi, Sherri. Thanks for your question and congratulations on your upcoming marriage! 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 your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. Or you can go to your local office to make the changes when the time comes. We hope this helps.
Richard R.
My card is incorrect my last name is mispelled
.rogers is my name and card left the s off reading roger..
A.C.
Hi, Richard. For information on how to correct your name on your Social Security card, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!
rdf
nice
Patricia M.
I need to change the middle initial on my social security card and my Medicare card. Recently I applied for a new federal drivers license and found that the Middle name did not agree with my middle name that I have used for 82 years. My birth cert. has Eleanor on it and I have used Mary all my life,as my late mother had told me. I need help on how to change this. Please respond
Batta
is my birth certificate with my new name an option for verifying that my name was legally changed?
A.C.
Hi, Batta. 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). To see the list of acceptable documents, please visit here. We hope this helps.
Corean S.
I need to change address for social security and Medicare.
Megarojgar
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K.F.
Dear representative,
I must change my social security number and my name.
I have been identity theft and I need to hire a lawyer to do this for me,
Please if you or you know of an expert attorney to do this please advise.
Regards.
L.A.
Hi K.F. Thank you for your question. We do not routinely assign new Social Security numbers. If you suspect that someone is using your Social Security number, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) here or call 1-877-322-8228. For more information, you may want to read our publication titled “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number.” We hope this helps.
Angela E.
Hello!
I do not need to change my name. I just need to include my maiden name. I have been divorced wince for 40 years plus. I did have a Social Security Card with my maiden name in it. I do not know why it was dropped. I need it corrected back to that. So from just Angela ONeill, it should be Angela V. Eleazar (ONeill).
This how I write it now everywhere and everytime.
Thank you.