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. Kris H.

    How long does it take for the new ss card to arrive? I sent in my original docs because I was married earlier this year and I received the orginals back. Just wondering how long until I receive my new card?

    • Vonda

      Hi Kris, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. Generally, you will get your card within 10-14 business days from the date your application was processed. If you haven’t received the card within 30 days, you should 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.

  2. Virginia

    Hello- My client needs to change their child’s last name on his social security card. Do they fill out the document to request a new card or should they use another form? Also, are the documents in Spanish? Thank you!

    • Vonda

      Hi Virginia, thanks for using our blog. If your client legally changed their child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, they need to get a corrected Social Security card. Visit our Learn What Documents You Need for details on the documentation requirements. Under the heading, “Type of Card,” select “Corrected” for a list of the documents needed. For complete instructions, go to the Social Security Number and Card web page. We hope this helps!

  3. China R.

    Hello, how do i make an appointment with my local office to get my name changed?

  4. John P.

    I just obtained my New Jersey Driver License with Real ID. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission office needed to grant me a one time exception, as my Social Security card contains my name with only my middle initial. They indicated that I need to get a new Social Security card which reflects my full middle name. As I am not legally changing my name, but simply need a card reflecting my full middle name, I do not have legal name change documentation. Can I still make this change to my Social Security card?

  5. amanda

    Need to unlock my online account. please contact me at 2284242565 or 2285399060

    • Vonda

      Hi Amanda, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties with your my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) 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. We hope this information helps.

  6. Nuvia S.

    how can I find forms to do a name change

    • Vonda

      Hi Nuvia, 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. Paula G.

    Does the health insurance card have to have a photo on it? I can’t send my drivers license. I need those to drive. Offices are closed so I assume I can send in my birth certificate and a marriage license and health insurance card? Please advise. Thanks

    • Vonda

      Hi Paula, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page which provides the required documentation for a new, corrected or replacement Social Security card.

      If you still have questions, 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. We hope this information helps.

  8. Alanna K.

    Hello,
    I was recently married and I want to change my last name on my social security card. I will send in my driver’s license, but it has not been updated to my new name on it yet. Is that ok?

  9. Michele L.

    I sent my marriage document and my drivers license to the Anderson Social Security office, over two weeks ago. Have not heard from them. I can’t drive because they have my license. Need to know what to do now

    • Vonda

      Hi Michele, thanks for using our blog. Please contact your local Social Security office. 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.

  10. 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?

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