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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  7. Andrea B.

    Our local social security office is closed. I just got married over the weekend and need to do a name change. Can this be done in the mail? Certified copies cost an arm and a leg, can we do photocopies???
    Thank You

    • A.C.

      Hi, Andrea. 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). It is the identity document (also known as your ID) that we will accept if it has expired; however, we still will need to see proof (legal document) of the name change. We offer the option for you to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. For more information about how and what to submit, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  8. don c.

    How can I have Jr. added to my SS card

    • K.O.

      Hi Don, thank you for the question. As long as you have proper documentation, you can apply for a replacement Social Security card and add the suffix to your name. See Learn What Documents You Need to find out what documents you will have to show.

  9. Cristina R.

    My name is Cristina Ramirez. I got married yesterday, Jan 28, 2020 to Vanik Shirvanian. I did not intend to take my (now) husband’s last name when we applied for our marriage license, but I have had a change of heart. Instead of keeping my maiden name of Cristina Ramirez, I would like to now be Cristina Ramirez-Shirvanian.

    Do I need a court order to add my husband’s last name to mine if my marriage license has only my maiden name of Ramirez? Or is there an easier way to take his name? Please advise. Thank you.

  10. Debbie

    My father passed one day before his check arrived in mail. How can I deposit it into his acct.

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