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. Marilin s.

    I need to change my son name on his social security

    • Vonda

      Hi Marilin, thank you for using our blog. 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.

  2. Hollie G.

    After I married I went to the DMV and had my last name changed. They took my old license with my name that my social security card is under and gave me a temporary license with my married name. I went straight from there to have my social security card changed and was advised that I could not change my name unless I had a state issues photo card (license, passport or ID card) I explained that when I went to the DMV they took my old license and I do not have a passport, state issued ID or anything with my prior name only my divorce decree and that I have my marriage license showing my new name. This was still not what they required. Can anyone tell me how I am supposed to change my last name if the DMV took my old license and I do not have a passport or state issued ID showing my old name? I have been going at this nearly seven years now. I still have to file taxes under my name that’s on my social security card which is a problem due to me and my husband file joint returns.

    • Vonda

      Hi Hollie, thanks for using our blog. We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing 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.

  3. Katharine W.

    Hi

    I am in an unreal situation. I sent my ORIGINAL documents to the SSA office and I have mail tracking that lets me know it was on its way to me however it never arrived! The postal office doesn’t have it, my leasing office doesn’t have it!

    I sent my:
    Greencard
    ID
    marriage certificate

    Again, ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

    What was being returned was all the above plus my updated social security card.

    Its been 2 months since it was mailed out.

    What am I to do?

    I am beyond paranoid, thank God my credit is locked.

    • Vonda

      Hi Katharine. 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.

  4. Marvin H.

    I have a SS card however the card has my middle and last name. I am registered with SS that way but I need to have my first name added so it will reflect my full name so I will have no confusion when I access my Medicare benefits. My drivers license shows my full name as does my info with the IRS Do I fill out the information that is associated with a name change?

    • Vonda

      Hi Marvin, thank you for using our blog. 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.

  5. Natty

    Hello, I just became a citizen. I would like to know how I can update my immigration status?

    • Vonda

      Thank you for your question, Natty, 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.

  6. Angelica

    Is there a online application?

    • Vonda

      Thank you for using our blog, Angelica. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for the steps on how to get a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card. Step two is the SS-5. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. Hopefully this is helpful!

  7. Kaitlin C.

    Is there a way to check the status of a name change card? It’s been over 2 months and I need it for my job. Thanks.

    • Vonda

      Hi Kaitlin, thanks for using our blog. You can 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.

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    http://vtoto.org situs togel online terpercaya

  9. Duy T.

    Hi, can i send the form (application for a social security card) with my green card to change my name? Hope see your reply soon, thank you!

    • Vonda

      Hi Duy, thank you for using our blog. 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.

  10. Kate M.

    I need to change my name to my married name. I cannot part with my driver’s license for 6 weeks, and my passport is expired. When I call my local SS office I receive conflicting information: for the identification component I have been told I can send a photo copy of my ID (which I have read in multiple places is incorrect) and that I can send my health insurance card (without a photo) accompanied by a doctor’s letter and birth certificate. Can anyone clarify what documents would be acceptable?

    • Vonda

      Hi Kate, thank you for using our blog. 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.

    • Erica Q.

      Do what I am doing and go to the dmv website and buy a replacement ID. It is about $30. It will come in the mail in 7-10 business days. Then you will have 2 ID’s so you can send one and keep one on you.

      • Laura P.

        We shouldn’t have to do that! And they shouldn’t keep original documents because their offices are closed.
        SS administration – figure out a better way to issue name changes that don’t create huge inconveniences to people. Maybe consider using virtual meetings and E-signature technology.

        • Sue

          Laura, thank you for using our blog. We are sorry for your experience. For your security, we don’t have access to your private information in this forum. We ask that members of our Blog community work with your local office. You’ll find the phone number using the Social Security Office Locator. We hope this information helps.

          We appreciate your suggestions for improving the replacement card process. Please feel free to share them by clicking Email Us at the bottom of this webpage.

Comments are closed.