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. SHADA

    CAN ME AND MY HUSBAND COME INSIDE THE OFFICE SO I CAN CHANGE MY LAST NAME

    • SHADA

      CAN YOU EMAIL ME THE INFO

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Shada, 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.

  2. Estella B.

    An excellent post, congratulations !!

  3. DATA S.

  4. DATA S.

  5. Priya M.

    Hi, I am a US citizen living overseas.
    I am applying for a new passport as mine expires next month.
    Unfortunately, I have been recently divorced so would like a new card in the new maiden name.
    Do I just fill out this form and email it to whom?
    I can attach image copies of passport and marriage and divorce certificate?
    My current name is Priya Graham

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Priya, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name.

      We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit or U.S. embassy in the area for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.

  6. Fomai F.

    Where can can I send my application for ss5 form for name change.
    I reside in Vacaville California if that helps.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Fomai, 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.

  7. Cinderella

    How do I get an update on my name change request? I sent in my paper work weeks ago. Tracking shows it arrived at the office.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for using our blog. Please contact 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.

  8. Michele

    Need to change last name since getting married, however can I send in documents via mail? Obviously I need my CDL, to drive, so that is out. If I use my current health care card but it does not have a photo. Will this be acceptable, or can I send in a verification letter from my current employer? Advise

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Michele, thanks for using our blog. Congratulations on your recent 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.

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  10. Linda M.

    Hello I’d like to change my last name back to my maiden name How do I do this process?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Linda, 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.

Comments are closed.