What you need to do to change your last name with Social Security

To change your last name at the Social Security Administration (SSA), you submit Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) in person at your local Social Security office, along with proof of your legal name change and your identity. The SSA does not change your name on their records based on what you tell them — they need official documents showing the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that made the change legal. Once you submit these documents, the SSA issues you a new Social Security card with your updated name, but your Social Security number stays the same.

The process itself is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. You cannot mail in Form SS-5 if you are changing your name — you must appear in person. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have the right paperwork, though wait times at your local office may add to that.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and proof of your legal name change — the SSA will not process name changes by mail.
  • Proof of your legal name change means an original or certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, depending on why your name changed.
  • You also need to bring a document proving your identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
  • Your Social Security number does not change when you update your name — only the name on your card and in SSA records changes.
  • You should notify other agencies and organizations separately, such as your employer, bank, and the IRS, because changing your name at Social Security does not automatically update those records.

Documents you need to bring to the Social Security office

Form SS-5 is the official process, and you can print it from the SSA website or pick one up at the office. Bring the completed form along with the original or a certified copy of the document that proves your name legally changed. If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you went through a court order to change your name, bring that court order.

You also need one document that proves your identity — a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The document must show your photo and have not expired. If you do not have one of these, the SSA accepts a limited list of alternatives, such as a hospital record or a school ID, but a driver's license or passport is the fastest route.

Bring the originals or certified copies. The SSA will not accept photocopies of your name-change document unless they are certified by the court or the agency that issued them. If you lost your original marriage certificate or divorce decree, contact the vital records office in the county where the event took place — they can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $10 and $25 depending on the county.

How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment

Use the office locator on the SSA website (ssa.gov) to find the Social Security office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited evening or Saturday hours.

You can walk in without an appointment, but the wait may be long — sometimes an hour or more during busy times. To avoid waiting, call the office ahead of time or use the SSA's online appointment system to schedule a time. When you call or book online, tell them you are there to change your name so they can make sure you have the right documents and set aside enough time.

What happens after you submit your documents

The SSA worker will review your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, they will take your process and your proof documents. They will ask you to sign the form and may take a new photo for their records. You will receive a receipt showing that you applied.

Your new Social Security card is usually mailed to you within two weeks. The card will show your updated last name but the same Social Security number. Keep the receipt until the card arrives in case you need to prove you applied. If more than three weeks pass and you have not received your card, call the office where you applied to check the status.

Updating your name with other agencies and employers

Changing your name at Social Security does not automatically update your records anywhere else. You need to notify your employer, your bank, the IRS, your insurance companies, and any government agencies that have your information on file. Start with your employer's human resources or payroll department — they need your updated name for tax withholding and your personnel file.

Contact your bank and credit card companies to update the name on your accounts. If you have a mortgage or car loan, notify the lender. For the IRS, file Form 8822-B (Change of Address) if you also moved, or contact the IRS directly to update your name in their system. You may also want to update your name with the state motor vehicle department to get a new driver's license that matches your Social Security card.

What to do if your name change was due to marriage or divorce

If you married, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. Some states issue a certified copy automatically when you marry; others require you to request one from the vital records office. If you do not have a copy yet, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married.

If you divorced, bring your divorce decree or a certified copy. The court that handled your divorce can provide a certified copy if you need one. Some divorce decrees include a name-change order; others do not. If yours does not explicitly state that your name reverted to a former name or changed to a new name, bring the decree anyway — the SSA will recognize it as proof of your legal name change.

What to do if you changed your name by court order

If you went through a formal name-change process in court, bring the original court order or a certified copy. This order is issued by the judge and filed with the court clerk. If you do not have a copy, contact the clerk's office in the court that issued the order and request a certified copy. The cost varies by court but is usually under $20.

The court order must show that the judge approved your name change. If the order is old and you cannot locate it, the court clerk can search their records and issue a new certified copy. Bring this to the Social Security office along with your identity document and Form SS-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Social Security number change when I change my last name?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name printed on your Social Security card and stored in the SSA's records changes. Your number remains linked to your work history and benefits record under both your old and new names in SSA systems.

Can I change my name at Social Security by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Social Security office in person to change your name. The SSA requires you to show original or certified documents and your identity document in person. You cannot mail in Form SS-5 for a name change, though you can mail it for other reasons, such as getting a replacement card if yours was lost.

What if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the vital records office or county clerk in the county where the event took place. You can usually request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. The fee is typically $10 to $25. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee. Order it before your Social Security appointment so you have it when you go.

How long does it take to get my new Social Security card after I explore?

The SSA usually mails your new card within two weeks of your appointment. In some cases it may take up to three weeks. You will receive a receipt at the office showing your process was processed. If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call the office where you applied to check on the status.

Do I need to update my name with my employer right away?

Yes. Notify your employer's payroll or human resources department as soon as possible so they can update your name for tax withholding and your personnel records. Delays can cause problems with your W-2 form at the end of the year if your name on the form does not match your Social Security card.