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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  2. FLORINDA C.

    I already filed a change of name in April 2019 at the SSA Office on Mentor St, Pasadena, CA. The officer took a copy of my Divorce Degree and said my data has been updated. However, I have not received an SS Card with my corrected name yet. Now, because of the Pandemic, the office is closed. Do I need to resubmit this online?
    I am now, on my California Driver’s License, Florinda Guadalupe Castro, formerly, Florinda Guadalupe Castro Madlangsakay.

  3. Lashawn W.

    yes I fill that you all are to update your system because when I am entering my information your system is not taking it it kicks me back out with giving the right information

    • Vonda V.

      Hi LaShawn, thanks for using our blog. 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.

  4. Veronica q.

    Hi my name is Carlos davila but I want to change it to Veronica quigley

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Veronica, thanks 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. Sue m.

    Hi. I got married in February and thought now I would be able to make an appointment to bring my marriage license in. I really don’t 2ant to mail it. Are u taking appointments in west Seneca or Batavia office? Thanks for your time. Sue trying to be a Lemke.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Sue, congratulations on your marriage! 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.

  6. Julia T.

    Do I need to send BOTH a driver’s license AND a passport, or is one sufficient?
    Where should I mail these documents now that the office is not taking in-person appointments?

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  9. Luz E.

    Need to change my name on my social security card

  10. Donna S.

    Is the office open in greenville, ms. I have gotten married and want to change my name and card

    • Kenny O.

      Hi Donna. Congratulations on your marriage! 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.

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