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

To change your name on your Social Security record, you submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office, along with proof of citizenship, identity, and the legal name change. Social Security does not process name changes by mail or online — you must appear in person. The process takes about two weeks after you submit everything, though it can take longer if documents are missing or unclear.

Your Social Security number stays the same when you change your name. Social Security updates its records to reflect the new name, and you receive a new card with that name printed on it. The old card becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and original or certified documents proving your identity, citizenship, and legal name change.
  • A legal name change means a court order (from divorce, adoption, or name change petition) or a birth certificate showing the new name — Social Security will not accept a name change without legal documentation.
  • Processing takes roughly two weeks, but delays happen if documents do not match Social Security's records or if citizenship cannot be verified quickly.
  • Your Social Security number does not change; only the name attached to it updates, and you receive a replacement card in the mail.
  • You will need to update your name separately with your employer, bank, insurance company, and state driver's license — Social Security does not notify other agencies.

Documents you must bring to Social Security

Social Security requires three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of the legal name change. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For citizenship, bring your birth certificate (certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born), U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., a foreign birth certificate with a U.S. Consulate certification also works.

For identity, bring a current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The document must have your photo and signature. If you do not have one of these, Social Security accepts a combination of documents like a school ID plus a credit card, or a work ID plus a bank statement with your name on it.

For the legal name change, bring a court order (divorce decree, adoption papers, or name change petition signed by a judge) or an amended birth certificate showing your new name. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the court document must show both your old and new names clearly.

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

Visit ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you by entering your zip code. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office is currently accepting walk-ins or appointments only.

You can call the office directly to schedule an appointment, or call Social Security's national line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Most offices now require appointments rather than accepting walk-ins, though this varies by location. Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks.

Bring all required documents to your appointment. Social Security staff will review them on the spot and tell you if anything is missing or if documents need to be certified. If everything is in order, they submit your Form SS-5 and give you a receipt showing when to expect your new card.

What happens if your documents do not match Social Security's records

If your birth certificate, passport, or citizenship document shows a different name or date of birth than what Social Security has on file, the office may not process your request immediately. Social Security staff will explain what does not match and what you need to do to fix it.

Common mismatches happen when your name appears differently on different documents (for example, "Robert" on your birth certificate but "Bob" on your driver's license), or when your birth date is recorded differently. You may need to get an amended birth certificate from the vital records office, or bring additional documents that explain the discrepancy.

If the mismatch involves citizenship status, Social Security may contact the Department of Homeland Security to verify your status. This can add several weeks to the process. The office will tell you what to expect and whether you need to provide additional information.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your form

After you submit Form SS-5 at your appointment, Social Security typically processes the request within two weeks. You do not need to do anything else — Social Security mails your new card to the address on file.

If Social Security needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by phone or mail. Check the receipt you received at your appointment for the expected delivery date of your new card.

In rare cases, processing takes longer. This happens when Social Security cannot verify your citizenship quickly, when documents are unclear or damaged, or when your name change involves a legal name change that Social Security needs to verify with the court. If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call the office where you submitted your form or call 1-800-772-1213.

Updating your name with other agencies and organizations

Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically update your name anywhere else. You must notify each organization separately: your employer, bank, insurance company, credit card companies, state driver's license office, voter registration, and any government benefits programs you receive.

Start with your employer and bank, since these affect your paycheck and access to money. Bring your new Social Security card and a copy of the legal document that changed your name (court order or amended birth certificate). Your employer needs to update their payroll records so your W-2 matches your Social Security record.

For your state driver's license or ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with your new Social Security card and the legal name change document. Processing times vary by state, but most issue a replacement ID within two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person at a local office with original or certified documents. You cannot submit Form SS-5 by mail or through the Social Security website. You must schedule an appointment or visit during walk-in hours if your office accepts them.

What if I lost my birth certificate or citizenship document?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to four weeks depending on the office. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the U.S. Consulate in that country. Bring the certified copy to your Social Security appointment.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name on Social Security?

No. Social Security handles name changes directly if you have a court order or amended birth certificate. You do not need a lawyer to submit the form. However, if you need a court order to legally change your name in the first place, you may need to file a petition in your state's court system, which sometimes requires legal help.

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

Social Security typically mails your new card within two weeks of your appointment. In some cases it takes three to four weeks, especially if documents need verification or if there are delays in the mail. You can use the receipt from your appointment to track the status.

What if my name changed through marriage but I do not have a divorce decree yet?

Bring your marriage certificate to Social Security. If you later divorce and want to change your name again, bring the divorce decree to a Social Security office and submit a new Form SS-5. Each legal name change requires a new form and a new card.