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. Debbie B.

    what “FORM’ do i use to change my name due to a marriage?

  2. Sherry M.

    I need a appointment for name change but can’t get anyone to help

  3. Jeanette

    I have all the documents for my name change. How can I make an appointment if the locations are closed? Based on the previous questions above online is not an option.

  4. Jay T.

    I have tried to reach SS via phone, i was on hold for nearly 45mins. I just need to drop off or mail my ID to get a name change. I wanted to confirm some information. The call later dropped.

    • riosjudy@hotmail.com

      Get a hold of your local office, you’ll be happier, less wait time…

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  7. Lisa L.

    So, if I sent in photo copies it won’t be approved for a name change? Please say it won’t be accepted, he left me after 6 weeks of marriage and I do NOT want his name!

    • Sue

      Hi, Lisa. We are sorry for your experience. We must see original documents, so if you submitted photocopies, we cannot approve the name change. Thank you for using our blog.

  8. Scott F.

    sometimes I’m thinking to change my name so I could easily play online games as my wife is keeps her eye on my bank account and credit card…

  9. roger v.

    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
    best10 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.

    • William S.

      Can I make an in-person appointment at my social security office to change my name on my social security card. I have been told to mail in my original driver’s license. I cannot drive without my license. Please advise.

      • Sue

        Hi, William. Thank you for using our blog and for your question. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.

        • Jeremy D.

          I need a replacement social security card and number

          • Kenny O.

            Hi Jeremy, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. If you cannot request a replacement card online, call your local office and request that we mail you an SSN printout instead of a replacement Social Security card. Unfortunately, we are unable to process replacement Social Security card requests by phone at this time. We hope this helps!

    • Tara R.

      How do I know if my U.S. citizenship is already in the system? I’m changing my last name due to marriage and would rather not send my passport through the mail and be without it. How do I know if I can just send the marriage certificate?

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