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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John J.
I’m inquiring on behalf of my sister. She has a dilemma. Apparently after 79 years she noticed that her name on her SS card read Cicily Caroline Castillo. However her checks read Cecilia Castillo Neuroth. She would like to have the name on her card switched to Cecilia. Her birth certificate has Cicily typed. Her baptismal certificate has Cecilia. Can you please advise us on how to proceed?
Michele A.
I need to obtain a name change history for my SSA account. Do I need to do this in person at my local office?
A.C.
Hi, Michele. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Marycel a.
question many years ago my social security card had my names as marycel joy rine. but in the last 20 years i only put mary. how can i put marycel back on social security card. instead of mary. ??
marycel is my true name but went by mary. i did put it as marycel at one time what do i do to get it to maryce linstead of mary. marycel is on my id
A.C.
Thanks for your question, Marycel. 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. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
terri a.
change my address live in canada
L.A.
Hi Terri. 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.
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janice P.
I have tried and tried to access my account. I waited for the mail to give my a code to reset my account and what I got was for something else. I tried the code it gave and my account got locked. I can’t remember my password and it won’t let me reset my account without it. I want to change the bank that my check is deposited in and that seems to be an impossibility!!!!!!!!!!!!
L.A.
Hi Janice. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another 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, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Susan b.
nice post, thanks for sharing with us iq option
danny
It’s 2019… why can’t we process SS card name changes due to marriage online or through an app? We can deposit checks by taking pictures of them and submitting through our banking apps, so why can’t a photo of a marriage certificate uploaded online or through a phone suffice? Besides, you can always call the issuing authority to verify!
Carol A.
Been a new Social Security Card .
My birth name was Carol Ann Thompson and my married name is Carol Ann Lutz .
My new address is 1985 Chapman Street pittsburgh 15215.
My phone no. Is 5706602435.
My email biti246@gmail.com
Carol A.
Been a new Social Security Card .
My birth name was Carol Ann Thompson and my married name is Carol Ann Lutz .
My new address is 1985 Chapman Street pittsburgh 15215.
My phone no. Is 5706602435.
A.C.
Hi, Carol Ann. 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. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.