What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security record

To change your name on your Social Security record, you submit a form called the process for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) along with documents that prove your legal name change. Social Security does not process name changes online or by phone — you must visit a Social Security office in person or mail your documents to the address on the form. The process typically takes two to four weeks after Social Security receives your complete process.

Your Social Security record and your card are separate things. Changing your name with Social Security updates your record in their system, which is what employers, banks, and government agencies check. Your physical card itself will be replaced with a new one showing your new name, but you do not need to wait for the card to arrive before your name change takes effect in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring Form SS-5 and documents proving your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) to a Social Security office or mail them together.
  • Social Security will not process a name change without proof that your name legally changed — a personal statement or informal document is not enough.
  • Your new Social Security card arrives by mail within two to four weeks, but your record updates in the system sooner.
  • You will need your current Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to complete the process.

Documents that prove your legal name change

Social Security requires an original or certified copy of the document that shows your name legally changed. The document must be recent enough that it still looks official — faded photocopies or documents more than ten years old may be rejected. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the court, government office, or agency that issued it.

The most common documents are a marriage certificate (if you changed your name through marriage), a divorce decree or court order (if you changed your name through divorce), or a court order for name change (if you went through a legal name-change process). Some states also issue amended birth certificates after a name change; if you have one, that works too. A certified copy costs between $10 and $30 depending on which office issues it, and you can usually request one online or by mail from the vital records office in the state where the document was issued.

What to bring to the Social Security office

Bring your completed Form SS-5, your current Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Your photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — it must show your current name and a recent photo. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts other documents like a birth certificate or baptism record, but you will need to bring two of them.

Proof of citizenship means your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card, visa, or work permit. Bring the original documents, not photocopies — Social Security will look at them but return them to you. You also need to bring the certified copy of your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

How to find your local Social Security office

Visit ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code to find the office nearest you. The locator shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office is currently open. Some offices have reduced hours or are closed on certain days, so check before you go. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask which office serves your area.

Many Social Security offices now require you to make an appointment before you visit. When you call or visit the office, ask whether you need one. If you mail your documents instead of visiting in person, send them to the address listed on Form SS-5 — do not send them to a local office. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the documents arrived.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will review your form and documents. If everything is complete and correct, they update your record in their system within one to two weeks. Your new Social Security card is printed and mailed to you separately — this usually takes another one to two weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your name has been changed.

If Social Security needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will call or mail you. Make sure the phone number and address on your form are correct so they can reach you. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them your Social Security number so they can check the status of your process.

Changing your name after marriage or divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree or final judgment that shows your new name. Some divorce decrees do not list the new name — if yours does not, you may need to get a separate court order for name change from the court that handled your divorce.

If you were married in one state but now live in another, you can still use your marriage certificate. Social Security recognizes name changes from any state. The same applies if you were divorced in a different state — bring the divorce decree from that state, and Social Security will process it.

If you changed your name through a legal court process

If you went through a formal name-change petition in court, bring the court order that granted your name change. This is the document the judge signed, not a petition or process. The order should clearly show your old name and your new name. If you lost your copy, contact the court clerk in the county where you filed the petition — they can issue you a certified copy, usually for $10 to $25.

Some people change their names informally (by using a new name without a court order), but Social Security will not recognize an informal name change. You must have a legal document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to update your Social Security record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name with Social Security by mail?

Yes. Fill out Form SS-5, gather your documents (current card, photo ID, proof of citizenship, and certified copy of your name-change document), and mail them to the address on the form. Use certified mail with return receipt. Social Security will mail your new card to you once they process the process.

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

Your record updates within one to two weeks after Social Security receives your complete process. Your new card is mailed separately and usually arrives within another one to two weeks. In total, expect two to four weeks from the time Social Security receives your documents.

Do I need to change my name with other agencies too?

Yes. After you change your name with Social Security, you will also need to update your name with your employer, your bank, the IRS, your state's motor vehicle department, and any other organizations that have your Social Security number on file. Social Security only updates their own records.

What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is old or faded?

Request a certified copy from the vital records office or court that issued the original. A certified copy is an official reproduction that Social Security will accept, even if the original is old or hard to read. Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 depending on where you request them.

Can I change my name if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and proof of legal residency. Bring your green card, visa, or work permit along with your other documents. Social Security processes name changes for non-citizens the same way as for citizens.