You need to tell Social Security about your name change, and you do it by mail or in person at a local office
When you marry and change your name, Social Security will not know about it automatically. You have to report the change yourself using Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security Card. Social Security uses your name to match your earnings record, so updating it matters for your future benefits.
You can submit the form by mail to your local Social Security office, or walk in with your documents. Processing takes about two weeks by mail, sometimes faster in person. You will receive a new card in the mail with your updated name.
The process is straightforward, but you need the right documents. This guide walks you through what to bring, how to fill out the form, and what happens after you submit it.
Key Takeaways
- You must file Form SS-5 with Social Security to update your name after marriage; they do not receive the information from your state.
- You need your current Social Security card, a marriage certificate, and a government-issued photo ID to complete the request.
- You can submit the form by mail or in person at your local Social Security office; in-person submission is often faster.
- Social Security will mail you a new card with your updated name within about two weeks of receiving your completed form.
What documents you need to bring or send
Social Security requires three types of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your name change. For most people, this means your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your marriage certificate.
The marriage certificate must be an official copy issued by the county or state where you were married, not a photocopy you made yourself. If your marriage certificate is from another country, you may need a certified English translation. Call your local Social Security office before you go if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
If you have changed your name more than once, bring documentation for each change in order. For example, if you changed your name before marriage and then again after marriage, bring both the earlier name-change document and your marriage certificate.
How to fill out Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is a one-page form with sections for your personal information, your current Social Security number, and the reason for your request. You can read it from the Social Security website or pick up a copy at your local office.
In the section marked "Reason for process," check the box for "Change of name." Fill in your current legal name, your new legal name, and the date your name change became official (the date of your marriage or the date your name change was legally recorded, whichever applies). Sign and date the form.
You do not need to write an explanation or include extra information. Social Security only needs the form, your documents, and proof that you are who you say you are. If you make a mistake on the form, cross it out, write the correction above it, and initial the change.
Submitting by mail versus in person
If you mail your form and documents, send them to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the Social Security website by entering your zip code. Mail your original documents or certified copies, not photocopies. Keep copies for your records before you send anything.
In-person submission is often faster. Walk into your local Social Security office during business hours with your completed form and original documents. You will be assigned a number and wait to speak with a representative. They will review your documents on the spot, answer questions, and tell you when to expect your new card. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
If you mail your documents, Social Security will return them to you along with your new card. If you submit in person, you can ask whether they will return your original marriage certificate or keep a copy on file. Either way, you will receive your new Social Security card by mail.
What happens after you submit your form
Social Security processes name-change requests in the order they receive them. By mail, this typically takes two weeks. In person, you may receive your card within a few days, though it varies by office location and current workload.
You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided on the form. The card will show your new legal name and your same Social Security number. Your earnings record and benefits history remain attached to that number, so your work history does not change.
Once you receive your new card, use it for any future interactions with Social Security, your employer, or your bank. You do not need to do anything else with Social Security unless you change your name again.
Updating other agencies and institutions after Social Security
Changing your name with Social Security is the first step, but you will also need to update your name with your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, and your state's motor vehicle department. Each organization has its own process and timeline.
Your employer needs to know so that your W-2 forms and tax records match your Social Security number. Your bank needs to know so that your accounts reflect your current legal name. Your state's motor vehicle department will issue you a new driver's license or ID card with your updated name.
Keep your new Social Security card and any other updated documents in a safe place. You may need to show them when you open new accounts, explore for credit, or change your name with other organizations.
If you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage
The process is the same whether you changed your name through marriage, court order, or another legal method. You still file Form SS-5 and provide proof of your name change. The only difference is the document you bring: a marriage certificate for marriage, a court order for a legal name change, or a divorce decree if you are reverting to a former name.
If you are unsure what document counts as proof for your situation, call your local Social Security office before you gather your materials. They can tell you exactly what they need and save you a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my name with Social Security right after I get married?
No, there is no important date. However, the sooner you update it, the sooner your earnings record will match your new name. If you wait months or years, your paychecks and tax records may show your old name, which can cause confusion later.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs a small fee and takes a few days to a few weeks. You cannot use a photocopy or a certificate from an online service; Social Security requires an official certified copy.
Will I get a new Social Security number when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only your name on the card changes. Your earnings record, benefits history, and all your work credits remain connected to that same number.
Can I change my name with Social Security online?
No. Social Security requires you to submit Form SS-5 by mail or in person. You cannot complete a name change through their website or by phone.
What if Social Security loses my documents?
This is rare, but if it happens, Social Security will contact you. Keep copies of everything you send, and consider mailing your documents using a service that provides tracking and proof of delivery. If you submit in person, you avoid this risk entirely.