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. Joan M.

    I was married in August 2020 and need to change my SS card name to my married name. Since you need originals and offices have not opened yet, is it SAFE to send the originals through the mail and how long does it take to get documents back.

    • Vonda

      Hi Joan, 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. All documents will be returned to you.

      For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page. You can call your local office for the estimated time frame. You’ll find the contact information using our online Social Security Office Locator.

  2. Rebekah

    If I have my maiden name on my birth certificate, my ex-husband’s last name of my state ID, and am wanting to change my last name to my new husband’s last name, would I need to bring a divorce decree as well as my marriage license to my new husband in order to get a new social security card?

    • Vonda

      Hi Rebekah, 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.

  3. Dulce S.

    Hi Vonda, thank you for your wonderful service thru this blog.
    I am a US citizen in need of name change on my SS card.
    During covid I got married in Pakistan one month after my divorce. The divorce took 4 years to process, during this time I was separated. Because the divorce was finalized during covid, name changing passport, ID and SS card would’ve taken about two months. I remarried in Pakistan (to a local Pakistani) before updating the name change after the divorce. My Pakistani marriage certif is translated to English and I will provide the original document. How can I make this more simple for the SS office?
    Thank you

    • Vonda

      Hi Dulce, congratulations on your marriage! 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.

      You can call your local Social Security office with specific questions. 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.

  4. Dechen D.

    Hello,

    I recently got married with new a last name. I needed to change my name on my social security card. Since your office is opened only by appointments, I called the number 1888-847-0392 and unfortunately, I could not get hold of anyone on phone and was on hold for 1.45 hours until I gave up.

    I needed some guidance on the requirements and if at all I can send you the following by mail, and if the following would suffice in order to get me an updated social security card, and if yes, please provide me your mailing address:

    A completed form (SS-5(11-2019))
    Original marriage license
    Original passport
    Original state ID

    Thank you in advance.

    • Vonda

      Hi Dechen, 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. All documents will be returned.

      For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.

  5. Jennifer B.

    Can we go to a social security office to get out last name changed?

    • Vonda

      Hi Jennifer, 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.

  6. Tara

    I need to change my name on my social security card. I have all the proper documentation to send in since we cannot make an appointment. It states you need my original marriage license and either passport or drivers license. Do I really need to send the original of these in or can I take a copy? Do you just send my passport or drivers license back by mail? Makes me nervous sending this all by mail and getting it back by mail.

    • Vonda

      Hi Tara, 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. All documents are returned.

      For additional information on how Social Security can help with your Social Security number, please visit our Social Security and Coronavirus web page.

  7. Eriberto A.

    Hello,I recently obtained my naturalization certificate where I changed my name, I called the Social Security offices here in Louisville Ky and they told me that they would send me a form that I must fill out to my address but I have not yet received nothing, I want to know what I have to do.

    • Vonda

      Hi Eriberto, thanks for using 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.

  8. Cynthiahidalgo

    I need help to get a new social security number With my marriage name How can I get help

    • Vonda

      Hi Cynthia, 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.

      • Laura P.

        My local office kept my certified marriage certificate. The agent on the phone said no photo copies, but assured me they wouldn’t keep my original copy. I mailed them the only original copy I have because the offices are closed due to Covid. How do I get my ONLY certified copy of marriage license returned to me as I also need it for a new passport?

  9. Miles

    My mom got her card last year, but her middle name is misspelled (missing the last letter). How do we have it corrected? Thanks.

    • Vonda

      Thank you for using our blog, Miles. 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!

  10. Jaejin K.

    I am a South Korean citizen who used to work in the US before moving back to Korea. I need to update my first name on my social security card.

    Before: Jae Jin Kim
    After: Jaejin Kim

    Is there a way to do this overseas? While I no longer have legal presence documents for the US, I have my passport with the updated name.

    • Vonda

      Hi Jaejin, thanks for using our blog. We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit in the area for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.

Comments are closed.