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. Meriam

    Im meriam makilala.. I want to ask if i can change my surename to maiden name.. When im still married ?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Meriam, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.

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  3. Kelly R.

    Hi…I need to update my date of birth information please.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Kelly, thank you for your question. To correct your date of birth on your Social Security record, you will need to apply for a replacement Social Security card and provide the required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. You will need to provide evidence of your age (for example, a U.S. public birth certificate) and current documentation for evidence of identity. Social Security Offices are closed to the public for face-to-face service during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.

      See Learn What Documents You Need for a list of acceptable identity documents.

  4. Michelle A.

    How do I do this while the office is still on shut down

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Michelle, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.

  5. Frank L.

    I received my replacement social security card and my middle name was left off. I use it with all my signatures. It is also on my drivers license. Do I need it?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Frank, thank you for using our blog. Your Social Security number is most important as it helps us identify and accurately record your covered wages or self-employment earnings. We also use it to monitor your record once you start getting benefits. You do not need your middle name on your card. We hope this helps!

      • Frank C.

        Thank You

  6. Jill I.

    I was married march 28,2020. How can I get a new social security card in my married name when all offices are closed due to covid-19?

  7. Lubov B.

    I got married and want to change my last name on my social security card.
    From the website I gathered what documents I need to present but please let me know where do I need to go to present them, what’s the address?
    Do i need an appointment or just walk in? What are the hours?
    Are there any restrictions I need to be aware of due to the corona virus?

    We live in Yukon, Oklahoma. Is there a social security office for each county or I could come to the Oklahoma City one?

    I am a permanent resident with a green card. Do I need to change my name on my card first or does it matter?

    Thank you for helping me in that matter

    Lubov Beckner

    • Vonda V.

      Hi there, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. Our offices are currently closed. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.

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