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. Courtney

    Hello,

    do i have to get my name changed on my Drivers License before i can get it changed on my social security card?

    • L.A.

      Hi, Courtney. Thanks for your questions. 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 document showing your “new” name. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  2. Caroline (.

    My legal birth name on birth certificate is Caroline but I have always used Carrie. My social security card is Carrie Kleinschmit even though legally my birth certificate is Caroline. Do I need to change my name on card before I retire to draw my social security ?

  3. Myrna d.

    Moved. Change my address to. 5474. Altamaha drive. 29420.

    • L.A.

      Hi Myrna. If you are not yet receiving benefits, you don’t need to change your address with us at this time. If you do receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can change your address using your personal my Social Security account. You may also update your address with us by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Lastly, you may also update your address by visiting your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  4. Frances J.

    Need address for inmate to mail for social security card in VA

  5. John M.

    I have hospital coverage from my spouses insurance plan…I was grandfathered in…I would like to know if I could cancel Part B of the medicare plan?

    • L.A.

      Hi, John. Thanks for your question. If your spouse is still working and you are covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you don’t need Medicare Part B until she stops working or drops your health care coverage. However, she should speak to her personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan to see what’s best for you. To read more about whether you need Medicare Part B, click here.

      If you wish to terminate your enrollment in Part B, a signed request for termination and a personal interview is required. You will have to go to your local Social Security office. We Hope this helps.

  6. Daphne S.

    If I change my name to a boyfriends last name without marriage, will my social security be in jeopardy?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Daphne. Legally changing your name does not affect your benefits. If you marry, your benefits could be affected. If you receive retirement or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, your marriage will not affect your benefit. If you are receiving SSI, widow or widower’s benefits, your marriage may affect your benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!

  7. IRENE D.

    I need new driver license and my social security card has old name of
    Irene W Carlson. John S. Danks and I were married 1/1/2011. I was able to get my passport with Irene Danks on it. Please send new card with corrected name of Irene Danks.
    Same address:
    2550 Woodhill Way
    Pocatello, ID 83201

  8. sharleen l.

    this is as clear as mud. what offices in az can i change my name at after divorce

    • L.A.

      Hi Sharleen. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name changed after your divorce. 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. We hope this helps.

  9. William R.

    Hello, My name is William Ronald Thomas. My social security number was applied for by my mother years ago, (DOB: 2/14/43) in the name of Ronny Thomas. This is my nickname. How do I apply for a correction? My name on my Birth Certificate, Drivers License & Passport are William Ronald Thomas. Is this enough documentation to request the change.

  10. Nancy S.

    Need to change deposit account for SSI benefits, same bank (B/A).

    Thank you.

Comments are closed.