How to Schedule a Social Security Appointment to Change Your Name

What you need to do before calling Social Security

To change your name with Social Security, you must first have legal proof that your name has changed. Social Security will not process a name change based on what you tell them — they need a document from a court or government agency showing the change is official.

The documents Social Security accepts depend on why your name changed. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. If you changed your name through a court, bring the certified copy of the court order. If you married or divorced, bring the certified vital record (marriage certificate or divorce decree) from the state that issued it. Some states issue certified copies at the courthouse; others mail them. This step can take one to four weeks, so start here before you call for an appointment.

You will also need to bring your current Social Security card and a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security has a list of other documents they will accept, but a driver's license or passport is fastest.

Key Takeaways

• You must have a certified legal document proving your name change before Social Security will process it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• You can schedule an appointment online through your Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
• Bring your certified name-change document, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID to your appointment.
• Processing a name change at your appointment usually takes 10 to 14 days, and Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file.
• If you do not have a certified copy of your name-change document yet, contact the courthouse or vital records office in the state where the change was recorded.

Scheduling online through your Social Security account

If you have a my Social Security account, you can schedule an appointment to change your name without calling. Log in to your account at ssa.gov, go to the "Appointments" section, and select "Schedule an appointment." You will see a list of available dates and times at your nearest Social Security office.

The online system shows you which offices have openings and lets you pick the date that works for you. After you select a time, Social Security sends you a confirmation email with your appointment number and the office address. Write down your appointment number — you will need it if you need to reschedule or cancel.

Online scheduling is usually the fastest route because you do not wait on hold, and you can see all available times at once. If your nearest office has no openings online, you can call or visit in person.

Calling Social Security to book an appointment

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. Tell the representative you need to change your name and ask for an appointment at the office closest to you.

Wait times on the phone vary by time of day and season. Early morning calls (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and calls on Tuesday through Thursday usually have shorter waits than late afternoon or Monday calls. If you reach a long wait, you can ask the automated system to call you back instead of holding.

The representative will confirm the documents you need to bring and give you an appointment date and time. They will also give you an appointment number. Write it down and keep it with your documents.

Walking in without an appointment

You can visit your local Social Security office without scheduling ahead, but you will likely wait longer than if you had an appointment. Social Security offices serve walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis after they finish scheduled appointments for the day.

If you choose to walk in, arrive early — most offices stop taking walk-ins by mid-afternoon. Bring all the same documents: your certified name-change document, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. The office staff will tell you how long the wait is when you arrive.

Walk-in visits work best if your local office is not busy or if you cannot schedule an appointment online or by phone for several weeks.

What happens at your appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your appointment number (or your name if you walked in). A Social Security representative will call you to a window or office and ask you to show your documents. They will look at your certified name-change document, your current Social Security card, and your photo ID.

The representative will fill out the name-change form with you — you do not need to bring a form yourself. They will ask you to sign it and will keep your documents on file. You do not need to sign anything else or provide additional paperwork unless your situation is unusual (for example, if you are changing your name as a minor and need a parent's signature).

The whole appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Social Security will mail your new card to the address they have on file, which typically takes 10 to 14 days. You can continue using your old card until the new one arrives.

Finding your local Social Security office

To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator on a computer or phone. Type in your city and state or your ZIP code, and the website shows you all nearby offices with their hours and phone numbers. Some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so check before you go.

If you live in a rural area with no nearby office, you may be able to schedule a phone appointment instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether your local office offers phone appointments for name changes.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

If you scheduled online, log back into your my Social Security account and go to "Appointments" to cancel or reschedule. If you called to schedule, call 1-800-772-1213 to reschedule using your appointment number. If you have an appointment number, the representative can look it up quickly without asking for much information.

If you need to cancel because you do not have your certified name-change document yet, reschedule for a later date once you have it in hand. Showing up without the required documents will mean your appointment cannot be completed, and you will need to schedule again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after my appointment?

Social Security mails your new card within 10 to 14 days of your appointment. You can use your old card until the new one arrives. If you need the card sooner for work or another reason, ask the representative at your appointment whether expedited processing is available in your state.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate to change my name?

No. You need the document that proves your name legally changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your birth certificate shows your original name but does not prove the change, so Social Security will not accept it as proof of the name change itself.

Can I change my name online without going to an office?

No. Social Security requires you to show your certified name-change document in person at an office or by phone appointment in some states. You cannot upload documents or complete a name change entirely online.

What if my certified name-change document is from another country?

Social Security can process name changes from foreign documents, but you will need an English translation certified by a translator. Bring both the original document and the certified English translation to your appointment. Ask your local Social Security office which translators they accept.

Do I need an appointment if I am changing my name as a minor?

Yes, and you will need to bring a parent or legal guardian with you. The parent or guardian must show a photo ID and sign the name-change form. Schedule the appointment the same way — online, by phone, or in person — but mention when you call that you are a minor so the office knows to expect a parent.