You need Form SS-5 and proof of citizenship, a new legal name document, and your current Social Security card

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to update your card whenever your legal name changes — whether through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason. You cannot do this online. You must submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or through an approved iGov partner (a third-party organization authorized by SSA to process applications).

The process takes about two weeks if you apply in person and submit all documents correctly. By mail it typically takes three to four weeks. You will receive your new card at the address you provide on the form.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file Form SS-5 with the SSA — your bank, employer, or state agency cannot update your Social Security card for you.
  • You need your current Social Security card, proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and a document showing your new legal name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • You can apply in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or through an iGov partner, but not online.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks depending on how you submit, and you will receive the new card by mail at your address.

What documents you need to bring or send

The SSA requires three categories of documents. First, proof of citizenship: an original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy is not acceptable unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

Second, proof of your new legal name: an original or certified copy of the document that changed your name. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you changed your name by court order, bring the actual court document, not a letter from the court.

Third, your current Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can provide your number from memory or from a tax return, W-2, or bank statement.

You will also need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you do not have one, the SSA has a list of alternative documents it will accept.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

This is the fastest route. Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system — check your office's page to see if yours does.

Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your photo ID. The staff will review your documents on the spot, fill out Form SS-5 with you if needed, and submit it immediately. You will receive your new card by mail in about two weeks.

Bring originals or certified copies. The SSA will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or naturalization papers, even if you have them notarized. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals plus an English translation certified by the translator.

Applying by mail

Download or request Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms. Fill it out completely, sign and date it, and mail it with copies of all required documents to the address listed on the form. The address depends on your state.

Do not send originals by mail — send certified copies or photocopies. The SSA will not return documents, so keep your originals. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if there are questions.

Processing by mail takes three to four weeks. You will receive your new card at the address you list on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Using an iGov partner

Some states allow you to apply through an iGov partner — a private company authorized by the SSA to process Social Security card applications. These are often found at DMV offices, UPS stores, or other service centers. Check ssa.gov/igovpartner to see if one operates in your state and what documents they require.

iGov partners charge a fee (typically $25 to $50) on top of the SSA's free service. Processing time is usually similar to in-person application at an SSA office — about two weeks. This option is useful if your local Social Security office has long wait times or limited hours.

What happens after you submit

The SSA will review your documents and either approve or deny your request. If approved, your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else — the card arrives automatically.

If the SSA needs more information, they will call or mail you. Keep your phone number and address current on the form. If you moved or changed your number after submitting, call 1-800-772-1213 to update it.

Your old Social Security card is no longer valid once you receive the new one. You can destroy it or keep it — the SSA does not require you to return it. Your Social Security number does not change; only the name on the card changes.

Updating other agencies after your card arrives

Once you have your new Social Security card, you will need to update your name with other organizations. This is a separate step from updating the SSA. Contact your employer's HR or payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, your state DMV, and the IRS if you file taxes. Each has its own process and timeline.

Keep your new Social Security card and the documents that prove your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) in a safe place. You will need them to update your name with other agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Social Security card without a court order?

Yes, if your name changed through marriage or divorce. Bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree. For any other name change, you need a court order from a judge. Some states allow name changes by petition without a full court hearing — contact your state court clerk to learn the process in your state.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. They can issue a certified copy, usually for $10 to $30 and within one to two weeks. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the embassy or consulate of your birth country. In the meantime, you can use a U.S. passport as proof of citizenship instead.

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

Two weeks if you apply in person at an SSA office. Three to four weeks by mail. iGov partners typically take two weeks as well. Processing time can be longer if documents are missing or unclear, so double-check everything before you submit.

Do I need to change my name with my employer before or after I get my new Social Security card?

You can do either, but it is usually easier to update your employer after you receive the card so you can show them the new card and your name-change document together. Tell your HR department you are in the process of updating your Social Security card so they know a change is coming.

What if my name change document is from another country?

Bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a professional translator. The SSA will not accept a translation you did yourself or one from a friend or family member. Professional translation services are available online and usually cost $15 to $50 per document.