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. Keri S.

    I would just like to know a good estimate for how long it takes for the whole process of getting you name corrected on your social security card after getting married. Roughly how long will it take or my documents to be shipped back to me? And how long will it take to receive the new social security card? Thank you!

  2. JUWANDA I.

    I’m married want to change me last name want form I field out . I know I have to send my documents. Thanks

  3. Maeghan R.

    I just got married and I’m filling out my name change form for my SSC and I don’t know if I’m supposed to sign the form with my last name on my current SSC or my new last name, I was also married before for I would I put my previous last name in the other names used box as well?

    • V.V.

      Hi Maeghan, congratulations on your marriage! The signature in item 17 of the Social Security card application should agree with the name that you want to be shown on your Social Security card. We hope this helps!

  4. Reynato (.

    The first name on my social security card shows my nickname and it always has. This has recently been causing me problems. I’m not sure why it has my nickname listed as my first name instead of my legal name. What do I need to do to correct this?

    • V.V.

      Hi Reynato, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to correct 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. Emad M.

    I received my citizenship certificate, I want to update my social security status, due to COVID, what is your procedures for taking appointment or how can I proceed? Thank you.

    • Michelle R.

      If I go to the social security office to file my marriage name change paperwork, do I get my bee SSC the same day?

  6. Jessica S.

    I am filling out my application for a social security card due to a name change. I just got married. Item 17 is for my signature but I do not know if I am supposed to sign my new married name or my name before marriage.

    • V.V.

      Hi Jessica, congratulations on your marriage! The signature in item 17 of the Social Security card application should agree with the name that you want to be shown on your Social Security card. We hope this helps!

  7. Gracey M.

    I have two questions. I got married 10/10/2020 and I wanted to see how many days I actually have to change my last name? I also saw that the social security office in Winston Salem NC was Temporarily Closed so i was wondering what I need to do?

    • V.V.

      Hi Gracey, congratulations on your marriage! Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to change your name on your Social Security card. 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.

      • Fran M.

        This DOES NOT help! I can not drive around without my license, and I will NOT send in original documents…just ridiculous!

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  9. Brianna S.

    How can i change my last name on social security card card?

    • Debbie J.

      I was just told that in order to get my named changed on my social security card due to marriage, I would have to mail my ORIGINAL drivers’ license, ORIGINAL birth certificate, and ORIGINAL certified marriage license. HOW CAN THIS BE? I will be driving around without a license. What if it is lost? They had no answers for me. No office is open for appointments. RIDICULOUS!!!!

  10. Diane P.

    I changed my name at the Olean DMV yesterday. I have also since changed all my bank accounts. Only thing left is SS and Olean is still not open thanks to Corona… Problem with that is just read on this website that NO photo copies are allowed… both the banks and the DMV took photocopies of my marriage certificate. So- how do I get the named changed on my social security card during this pandemic???
    Thanks

    • V.V.

      Hi Diane, 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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