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. TLotto

    Hi! What form do I need to complete to update my date of birth? I made the name change and in doing so, Social Security re-entered wrong date. I need to correct this (I was on the phone earlier to verify this). I was told SS5 Form, is this the correct one? Just want to make sure before I mail out.

    Also, I will be sending original documents: current DL, certified birth certificate. Thank you!!

    • V.V.

      Hi Terri, 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 with 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. See Learn What Documents You Need for a list of acceptable identity documents.

      Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on how to get a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card.

  2. Vivian L.

    I married Henry Sims in 1971 and never applied for a change of name on my S.S. card. I need a card that has my correct married name.
    Vivian Lee Starnes – Former Name
    Vivian Lee Sims – since 9-5-71
    I have an active passport.that expires March 20, 2023

    • V.V.

      Hi Vivian, 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.

  3. Lailani B.

    I have sent in the information for a name change with the documents requested. How long will it take to hear back or receive my new SSCard? I need the new card to move forward for changing my name on other things, like my health insurance, work, etc.

    • V.V.

      Hi Lailani, thanks for using our blog. Please check with your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  4. Chelsea R.

    I need to sets of paper so I can change last names on social security cards. Woundering if the papers can be mailed to me?

    • V.V.

      Hi Chelsea, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. In addition, the Social Security Number and Card web page provides details related to the application process for new, replacement or corrected Social Security cards. 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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  6. Ahmed B.

    I need to correct my daughter name in SS card I already changed in birth certificate and I knew you are temporary closed so how can I do please

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  10. Brenda L.

    My current address is
    9555 East Raintree Dr. Unit 1049. I noticed SS is using 9555 east raintree RD. Unit 1049. Can I have this corrected?

    • V.V.

      Hi Brenda, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Change of Address web page for details. If unable to change your address online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

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