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. Robyn B.

    Are you open for name change appointments?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Robyn, thank you for using our blog. Our offices remain closed to the public for face-to-face service. We are still able to provide critical services via phone, fax and online.

      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. Rhonda B.

    I didn’t have my name changed on my marriage certificate. Can I choose to change my name now?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Rhonda, thanks for using our blog. If your name is correct on your Social Security card, and your name was not legally changed, there is no action that is needed with Social Security. If you do need to change or correct your name on your Social Security card, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details. We hope this helps.

  3. Amanda W.

    Good afternoon. I need assistant in the name change. I recently got married, and no sure exactly which links to click on.
    Thank you,
    Amanda

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Amanda, 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.

  4. Bonnie

    Do we have to come down there to change my new wife’s last name or can it be done on the Internet?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Bonnie, 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. Theresa Y.

    I can’t find the proper document to change my name to my new married name, can someone please email me the proper documents so I can legally be Mrs. Theresa Verhaeghe

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Theresa, 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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  7. Margo R.

    If I am using a driver’s license to prove identity, can I send a copy of it? I need to have my DL to drive! I don’t have anything else that fits the requirements.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Margo, thanks for using our blog. 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

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  9. Jenny W.

    I need to change my name on my ss card can I do it online and how much is it I got married

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