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. Diego r.

    Buenas tardes quiero sacar la targeta de mis hijos del seguro social tengo 2 hijos de 6 ańos y otro 10 ańos yo soy inmigrante pero tengo mi pasaporte me gustaría saber que documento necesito Diego reyes Arias

  2. DIANNA L.

    I HAVE CHANGED MY EMAIL ADDRESS.

  3. Kim L.

    Need to change my last Name from a Divorce.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Kim. To change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. We must see the original documents and mail is the preferred method. For more information and to see what documents are needed, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  4. Lacey G.

    Need to change name to marriage name

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Lacey. To change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. We must see the original documents and mail is the preferred method. For more information and to see what documents are needed, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  5. Kimberly A.

    I need to change my name back to my maiden name. I have put in the info and it is telling me to change it. Do no t know what it wants me to change. I need a new ssi card to get a Ca drivers licence. Thank You

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Kimberly. To change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. We must see the original documents and mail is the preferred method. For more information and to see what documents are needed, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  6. America H.

    I need to change my Single name to my married name cause I have 2 names my single name is sanchez and my married name is hernandez

  7. Diane (.

    per motor vehicles My social security card and birth certificate do not match. Birth shows Margaret Diane Saeli, Social card shows Diane Margaret Saeli. The motor vehicle div says I’m illegal. I am 76 years old with white hair. How do I resolve this?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Diane, thanks for using our blog. To determine your next steps, please call 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.

  8. Tina

    Must you send in your actual driver’s licence? How long before it is returned?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Tina, thank you for your question. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on what documents are acceptable. 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.

  9. Mary M.

    Do we mail it to the SSN office or do we drop it off there?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Mary, thanks for using our blog. You can mail in the Social Security card application with your documents to the local office. 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.

  10. Sium T.

    There is enough information to procees with what one needs. THE ONLY INFORMATION TAHT IS VERY DIFFICULT IS WHERE TO MAIL A COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR THE REPLACMENT OF SSN CARD.

Comments are closed.