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. Mary E.

    I want to update my Card with new married name. I need this ASAP because my new home is in AZ. They won’t give me a drivers license without the social security card!

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Mary, 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. Patricia A.

    I have a court Document Dated September 17th 2020. from Clermont County Probate Court which I will send you a copy of.
    Thank You
    Patricia Anne Spaulding

  3. Velissa C.

    I am having issues trying to apply for a SS Card since my divorce. I filled out app on line but dont see a place to upload divorce decree and no send option. My # 254 466 3799 and Address is 514 Loyston rd Maynardville Tn 37807. Help

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Velissa, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on how to get a corrected Social Security card due to a name change. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Check out our Social Security Office Locator to get the mailing address of your local office.

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  5. asad i.

    yes, it should be changed. I hope it will brought a good change to us. people never think that how much benefit they are getting they just see that they are doing best at home Coolsculpting machine

  6. Mandy C.

    Hello, I need to change my last name on my card. If I mail in my Certificate of Marriage in, Well I get it back with my Social Security card? It is the only Certified copy I have and would like to get it back.
    Thank you for your time.

    Mandy

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Mandy, 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. Michele D.

    Do I have to make a appointment to change my name on my social security card I got married last month? How do I make a appointmant?

    • Vonda V.

      Congratulations on your marriage, Michele! 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.

  8. Jennifer V.

    I dont have a drivers license with my new name on it yet. I have my court papers and my birth certificate to show I legally changed my last name. Would that be good enough for a name change on my card?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Jennifer, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name, including what documents you need. 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. MaryJane K.

    Am I able to get an appointment at your office to change my name on my social security card. I have all necessary information needed. I called the office and was told a month ago social security Office was still closed cause of COVID. I was told that if I mailed my documents for verification It would probably not be returned to me. So can I get an appointment its important for my license and legal name. Please send me a text message or email at
    Kahalehoe30@gmail.com

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