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. Maeretta

    I need a application so that I can change my last name because I got married

    • Kenny O.

      Hi Maeretta, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. The Social Security Offices are currently closed 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.

  2. Jennifer N.

    I am having a problem finding the application SS5 for my name change. Marriage.

    • Kenny O.

      Hi Jennifer, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. The Social Security Offices are currently closed 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.

  3. Gaelle S.

    I just got divorced and would like to change my last name to my maiden name. Which online should I complete? Can I do it in-person in Dallas?

    • Kenny O.

      Hi Gaelle, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. The Social Security Offices are currently closed 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.

  4. Clare t.

    I am divorced and I have the divorce documents and would like to Charge back to my birth name! Should I just come in to the office to do that?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Clare, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. The Social Security Offices are currently closed 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.

      • Debbie

        When are the offices scheduled to reopen?

  5. Annette M.

    Can you send me the link to the form I need to fill out for my last name. i am going back to my maiden name!
    Thank you!

    Annette Parker

  6. Ellen G.

    It says that a “marriage document” is required for a name change due to marriage. Does this mean a marriage license or certificate or both?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Ellen, thanks for using our blog. For a US Ceremonial Marriage, “marriage document” refers to the means by which a marriage record is documented. Marriage certificates, souvenir certificates, and certified copies of marriage records are considered marriage documents and acceptable evidence of a name change. We hope this helps!

  7. Belle

    Hi, Do I really need to go to SSA to prove my citizenship acquired from naturalization recently? If so, what should I bring with me? Is there any way that it can be done online since this pandemic is still ongoing?

    • Vonda V.

      Congratulations, Belle! You will need to update your Social Security record by showing us your Certificate of Naturalization and completing an application for a replacement card. All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. 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.

      Visit our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on requesting a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card.

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  10. Katherine t.

    How do i get a replacement Social Security card

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Katherine, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you may be able to apply online. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. If you are unable to apply online and you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. You can also call your local office and see if they will mail you an SSN printout instead of a replacement Social Security card. We are unable to process replacement Social Security card requests by phone at this time. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.

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