You need to visit the Social Security Administration in person or by mail, bring proof of citizenship and identity, and submit Form SS-5

Changing your name with Social Security requires you to prove who you are, show legal proof that your name changed, and file the official form. You cannot do this online or by phone. The process takes about two weeks if you go to a local office, or four to six weeks if you mail everything in. You will need your Social Security card, a government-issued ID, and a document that shows your legal name change — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The Social Security Administration does not change your name on its own when you marry, divorce, or legally change it. You have to tell them. Until you do, your Social Security record will still show your old name, which can cause problems with taxes, employment, and benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and bring it in person to a Social Security office, or mail it with supporting documents.
  • Proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and a government-issued photo ID are required no matter which route you choose.
  • You must also bring the document that proves your name legally changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from a judge.
  • Processing takes about two weeks at an office or four to six weeks by mail; you will receive a new Social Security card in the mail.
  • If you cannot go to an office, you can mail Form SS-5 and copies of all documents to your local Social Security office; call 1-800-772-1213 to find the address.

What documents you need to bring

You will need three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your name change. Social Security is strict about what counts.

For proof of citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. passport, a birth certificate issued by a state or territory, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy is not enough unless it is certified by the issuing agency. If your birth certificate is from another country, you will also need to show proof that you became a U.S. citizen.

For proof of identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. It must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security will accept two documents that show your name and identifying information — such as a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance policy. These do not need photos.

For proof of your name change, bring the original or certified copy of the document that legally changed your name. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your name by court order, the order must be signed by a judge and show the new name clearly. A certified copy means the issuing agency has stamped it and confirmed it is a true copy of the original.

How to apply in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is a good idea.

Bring Form SS-5 (completed and signed), your original documents or certified copies, and your current Social Security card if you have one. Fill out Form SS-5 before you go — you can download it from ssa.gov or pick one up at the office. Section 1 asks for your current name and Social Security number. Section 2 asks for your new name. Section 3 asks why you are changing it (marriage, divorce, court order, or other reason). Sign and date the form.

At the office, a representative will review your documents, make copies, and take your application. They will tell you when to expect your new card — usually within two weeks. You will receive it by mail at the address you provide. If you need the card sooner, ask whether expedited processing is available in your state; some offices offer it for an extra fee.

How to apply by mail

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your application. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the mailing address of your local Social Security office, or find it on ssa.gov. Do not mail to the national office in Baltimore — it will be forwarded and take longer.

Make copies of all your documents. Do not send originals unless Social Security specifically asks for them. Include a copy of Form SS-5 (signed and dated), a copy of your proof of citizenship, a copy of your proof of identity, and a copy of the document proving your name change. Write your Social Security number on the back of each page. Put everything in an envelope and send it certified mail with return receipt requested — this way you have proof it arrived.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. Your new Social Security card will arrive by regular mail at the address you listed on the form. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 with your tracking number from the certified mail receipt.

What happens after your name changes

Once you receive your new Social Security card, you need to update your name with other agencies and organizations. Start with your employer's payroll department — they need to know your name matches your Social Security record, or your taxes will not be reported correctly. Then update your name with the IRS, your bank, your insurance companies, your state's motor vehicle department, and any government benefits you receive.

If you have a credit report, the credit bureaus will eventually learn about your name change, but it can take time. You can contact the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) directly to update your name and prevent confusion with old accounts. If you are changing your name due to marriage and want to keep credit history under both names, ask the bureaus how to link the accounts.

If you were born outside the United States

If you were born outside the U.S., Social Security needs proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship along with your other documents. If you have a green card (Permanent Resident Card), bring that instead. If you are not yet a citizen but have a work visa or other immigration status, bring your visa or employment authorization document.

If your birth certificate is from another country, bring the original or a certified copy. It must be in English or come with an official English translation. Social Security will not accept a translation you made yourself — it must be certified by a translator or the issuing country's embassy or consulate.

If you lost your Social Security card or it is damaged

If you are changing your name and your current card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement at the same time. Bring Form SS-5 and your documents as usual. If the card is damaged, bring it with you so the office can see the damage. If it is lost, just tell the representative — you do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you want to.

Social Security will issue one free replacement card per year, and three free cards in a lifetime. If you exceed these limits, there is a small fee. Most people will never reach the limit, so this is rarely a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card after a name change?

Two weeks if you apply in person at an office, four to six weeks if you mail your application. The card arrives by regular mail at the address you provide. If you need it faster, ask your local office whether expedited processing is available — some states offer it for a fee.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security if I got married?

No, it is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended. If your Social Security record does not match your legal name, your employer's payroll may report your income under the wrong name, which can affect your taxes and future benefits. You can keep your maiden name on Social Security and use your married name elsewhere if you prefer, but the mismatch can cause problems.

Can I change my name on Social Security if I have an outstanding child support order?

Yes, but Social Security will notify the child support agency of the change. This is required by law. The change itself will not be blocked, but the agency will update their records to track you under your new name.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to request a copy of your birth certificate — this usually takes a few weeks and costs a small fee. Social Security can tell you which documents they will accept if you call 1-800-772-1213.

Can someone else submit my name change application for me?

No. You must sign Form SS-5 yourself. If you are unable to visit an office or mail the application, a family member or representative can help you prepare the documents and mail them, but you must sign the form. If you are unable to sign due to a disability, call Social Security to discuss other options.