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

Comments

  1. Amon

    I did not have a court order but was able to change my birth name at the SSA field office in the state that I was residing in. This was done with a form which the SSA personnel provided for me and also by my presenting them with my original issued Social Security Card and copy of my birth certificate.

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  3. Viswanath.ashok

    I want to give my new address

    • A.C.

      Hi, Viswanath. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.

  4. taniallala

    How I can get This card

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  5. Ana D.

    I have a baby but I didn’t receive his social security card. how can I get his social security card?

  6. Dalila E.

    I change my last name to my husband last name. I’m about to Join the military and would like to add my fathers last name (Santana-Claudio, like this). Is there a way I can do that?

    • L.A.

      Hi, Dalila. 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 check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  7. Ann M.

    Hi,
    I am changing my name due to marriage and the form request my Parents SSN#. I do not have that and they are both deceased, what do I put there?

    • L.A.

      Hi Ann. Thanks for your questions and congratulations on your marriage! We need you to write your parents’ name, but if you do not know your parents’ Social Security number, you may leave that question blank. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps.

  8. Barbara B.

    Where is the closest SS office near me
    02459

    • A.C.

      Hi, Barbara. To find the location of your local Social Security office, visit here. We hope this helps.

  9. Pattie

    If I changed my name due to marriage, then I get divorced and change my name back to my maiden name, can I get a new SSN card or do I have to use my original card with my maiden name prior to marriage?

    • L.A.

      Thanks for your question, Patti. 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. Should you lose, misplace, or destroy your original card, you can request a corrected Social Security card. 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.

  10. Natasha e.

    Been married 3 years now. And will. Love to change. My lod last name to new o and

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