Need to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Are 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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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security card, SSN
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Brooke H.
I have tried 2x now to apply for my social security card (replacement) online and both times I keep being told my identity couldn’t be verified or that the information from my ID or drivers license does not match ss records. I have triple checked and all my info is correct and entered correctly. I called my local ss office as well , the first time was told ill receive a call back the next day to schedule appt. When I didnt get the call back I called again. They said my request never was forwarded so they took my info again and said this time I would receive a call back but it would be after the holiday. Well that has come and gone and still no phone call. My local office isn’t open and this is how you get scheduled for emergency services. Which mine is an emergency. I need a replacement card now because unemployment needs it and I’ve passed my deadline to get a copy and now I have an unemployment overpayment of $20,000 thats due because I have tried all ways I can think of to get a copy of my card and noone at ss will help me.
V.V.
Hi Brooke, we are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing working with Social Security. Please call 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.
Kim R.
Hi Can i send the documents in a manila envelope as opposed to a plain white envelope?
V.V.
Hi Kim, thanks for using our blog. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain the mailing address for your local Social Security office. It doesn’t matter what type of envelope you use to send the documents. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more details.
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Valeska H.
How do I change my citizenship status with you? I previously was a resident alien, but I am now a naturalize US citizen.
V.V.
Thank you for your question, Valeska, and for reading our blog. Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen. You cannot update citizenship status with Social Security online. You will need to update your Social Security record by showing us your Certificate of Naturalization and completing an application for a corrected Social Security card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page. If you believe you qualify for an in-office appointment, call your local office. You’ll find the contact information using our online Social Security Office Locator.
W R.
Hi. I have gone by my middle name since I was born. It’s the name I use personally and professionally and is the name I use on my federal tax return. Recently my insurer changed my name on my insurance card from ” “, as it has read for years, to ” “. When I asked why, they told me “The name has to match how it appears on your Social Security card.” So how do I change the styling of my name on the Social Security card to ” <middle name"? I can't find a procedure for this on this website, but there must be a way to do it; I'm far from the only American citizen who styles their name in this way.
Jenny C.
Hi randy…I’m pretty sure this type of name change requires petitioning the courts. A judge would have to sign off on this type (ie not due to marraige or adoption etc).
V.V.
Hi W Randy, thank you for using our blog. If you legally change your name, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.
Janet
My daughter just got married and needs to change her name on SS card. She was adopted at birth 33 years ago. The application asks for parent’s name at birth. Should she enter her biological parent name or adoptive parent name?
Thanks!
V.V.
Hi Janet, thanks for using our blog. If your daughter is adopted, then it would be her adopted parent’s names on the application.
Tammy T.
please provide me the mailing address to submit my Form SS-5 and supporting documents to. I tried the my Social Security and it appears that my account is locked and I cannot get hold of anyone via phone to resolve this issue. please send me the address or unlock my account so I can get my forms submitted.
V.V.
Hi Tammy, thanks for using our blog. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain the mailing address and phone number for your local office.
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