Need to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Are 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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security card, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Torrance L.
Need to change a letter in my name
Ann C.
Hi, Torrance. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records). It is the identity document (also known as your ID) that we will accept if it has expired; however, we still will need to see proof (legal document) of the name change. We offer the option for you to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. For more information about how and what to submit, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Citizen
Applied for corrected name after marriage with malden ssa office. Filled out form as said… self explanatory. Was sent back replacement card with maiden name. Went through with this office beforehand just to get wrong card. So annoyed.
Ann C.
Hi. We are sorry to hear that. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this is resolved soon.
Don M.
Cannot log in to My Account. chris crossed user name and passwords. Need to chat. SS# *** – ** – ***
I do not use a voice phone. text only 253 279 4831
Ann C.
Hi, Don. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue; therefore, we do not use direct messaging or texting. You can contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Vivian
I have had a SSCard for 45 years.
It never did not show my full middle name just an initial
However i have 2 middle names
When i became a US citizen i showed my birth certificate and my US passport was issued in that name
Now DMV will not accept my SS card showing just an initial for a Real ID as it does not match my US passport name which shows 2 middle names.
Do i request a name change? A replacement will only show the original as now, with just an initial.Tks
LAURYN L.
My divorce was final last month. In the divorce, I changed my name back to my maiden name. Am I required to change the name (my married name) on my Social Security card? If so, is there a time frame in which I must complete the task? A representative from my local SSA office told me over the phone that changing the name on my SS card is a personal choice and not required.
Ann C.
Hi, Lauryn. Thanks for your question. Changing your name is a personal decision. There is no time limit or requirement for a name change after divorce. However, if you do decide to change your name on your Social Security card, you must complete an application for a new Social Security card and show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records). We must see the original documents and you have the option to mail them. For more information and to see what documents are needed, visit here. We hope this is helps.
Dusty
I have searched and searched the internet trying to find the answer to this question. I am trying to change my name after a divorce. Where on earth do I get my divorce decree from?? I have a divorce certificate, but this website says I need a divorce decree. Where do I come by this document??
Patty k.
I got married and need to change my SS card
Tonya
I have left multiple massages and emails I’m trying to change my name on my ss card can u please point me in the right direction for an appointment been trying for weeks don’t get off until u guys are closed .Also been on the phone holding for hours.
Tonya w.
I have left multiple massages and emails I’m trying to change my name on my ss card can u please point me in the right direction for an appointment been trying for weeks don’t get off until u guys are closed .Also been on the phone holding for hours.
Vonda V.
Hi Tonya, 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.
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. We hope this helps.
Pamela G.
The only current photo ID that I can provide is either a Missouri State Driver’s License. Since I need my license in order to drive, what do you suggest that I use?
I have a current Costco Membership card with a photo ID and I have my previous Missouri State Driver’s License that I used to obtain my Real ID Driver’s License for the State of Missouri.
Vonda V.
Hi Pamela, 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.