What you need to do to change your name on your Social Security card
To change your name on your Social Security card, you must visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of citizenship, proof of your legal name change, and a completed application form. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online. You will receive a new card with your updated name within two to four weeks after your application is approved.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but the specific papers you need depend on why your name changed. A court order from a legal name change looks different from a marriage certificate, and both are handled the same way by SSA — but you cannot substitute one for the other.
Key Takeaways
- You must apply in person at a Social Security office; there is no online or mail option for name changes.
- You need three things: proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), proof of your legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), and a completed Form SS-5.
- Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.
- Processing takes two to four weeks, and you will receive your new card by mail at the address on file.
Documents you must bring to the Social Security office
Bring your original documents or certified copies issued by the court or vital records office. The SSA will not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or documents you print yourself from online databases. If you do not have an original, you can order a certified copy from the court that issued your name change order or from your state's vital records office.
You need proof of citizenship. Acceptable documents are a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A driver's license alone is not enough.
You need proof of your legal name change. What counts depends on how your name changed:
- Marriage: original or certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Divorce: original or certified copy of your divorce decree showing your new name
- Legal name change through court: original or certified copy of the court order
- Adoption: original or certified copy of the adoption decree
You need a completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). You can fill it out before you go to the office or fill it out there. The form is available on the SSA website at ssa.gov.
How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment
Use the Social Security office locator on ssa.gov to find the office nearest you. Enter your city and state or your ZIP code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short waits; others may have you waiting several hours. Calling ahead to make an appointment is faster. Call the office directly using the number from the locator, or call the national SSA customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also schedule an appointment online through your personal my Social Security account if you have one.
Bring all your documents with you. Do not mail them to the office ahead of time.
What happens during your appointment
An SSA representative will review your documents to make sure they meet the requirements. They will ask you to sign Form SS-5 in front of them. They will take your documents and tell you when to expect your new card.
The representative will verify that your name change is legitimate and that your citizenship document is valid. If any document is missing or does not meet SSA standards, they will tell you what you need to bring back. You will not be able to complete your application that day if documents are missing.
Once your application is approved, SSA will mail your new card to the address on file with them. You do not need to do anything else. If your address has changed since your last SSA contact, tell the representative before you leave so the card goes to the right place.
Timeline and what to do if your card does not arrive
Standard processing takes two to four weeks. If you have not received your card within four weeks, call the office where you applied or call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
If your card is lost or damaged in the mail, call SSA to report it. They can issue a replacement. If you need to use your new name before the card arrives, you can ask the SSA representative for a letter confirming your name change. Some employers and banks will accept this letter as proof while you wait for the physical card.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
If you changed your name because you got married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your old name and your new name. If your state's marriage certificate does not show your maiden name, bring both your birth certificate and your marriage certificate together.
If you changed your name because of a divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new name. A divorce agreement or settlement is not enough; you need the final court order.
If you remarried and changed your name again, you will need to apply for another name change on your Social Security card. Bring the divorce decree from your previous marriage and the new marriage certificate.
Name changes through court order
If you went through a legal name change process in court (not through marriage or divorce), bring the original or certified copy of the court order. The order must be signed by a judge and must show your old name and your new name.
Some states call this a "petition for name change" or "decree of name change." The exact title varies by state, but what matters is that it is a court order signed by a judge. A letter from an attorney or a notarized statement is not a substitute.
If you lost your copy of the court order, contact the court that issued it. The court clerk can issue a certified copy. You will usually need to pay a small fee, typically between $5 and $25 depending on the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card by mail?
No. The SSA requires you to apply in person at a local Social Security office. You cannot mail in your application or use an online form to change your name.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in, but making an appointment is faster. Call your local office or the national line at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule one. Walk-in wait times can be several hours depending on the office.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You need one form of proof of citizenship. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. Contact your state's vital records office to order a certified birth certificate if you need one.
How long does it take to get my new card?
Processing takes two to four weeks. SSA will mail your new card to the address on file. If you have not received it after four weeks, call the office where you applied to check the status.
What if my name changed but I do not have a court order or marriage certificate?
SSA requires official documentation of your name change. If you do not have the original document, contact the court or vital records office that issued it and order a certified copy. Without official proof, SSA cannot process your name change.