You need a new Social Security card when your legal name changes

Social Security keeps records under the name you gave when you applied. If your legal name has changed — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you need to update it with Social Security before you can use your card for jobs, loans, or benefits. The process is straightforward: you fill out one form, bring proof of your new legal name and identity, and mail or deliver it to your local Social Security office.

You do not pay a fee. Social Security will send you a replacement card in the mail, usually within two weeks. You can request a new card even if you have not yet changed your name on your driver's license or other documents, as long as you have proof that your legal name has officially changed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and bring it to your local Social Security office or mail it with supporting documents.
  • Proof of your new legal name typically means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated birth certificate — the document that shows the name change was official.
  • You also need to bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
  • The replacement card arrives by mail within two weeks at no cost, and you can use your old card until the new one arrives.
  • If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, you may also need to update your name with your employer, bank, and insurance companies separately.

What documents you need to bring

Social Security requires two categories of proof: evidence of your legal name change and proof of your identity. For the name change itself, bring the official document that shows your new name. This is usually a marriage certificate (if you took a spouse's name), a divorce decree or court order (if you changed your name back or to something else), or a court order approving a name change. Some states issue updated birth certificates after a legal name change; if yours does, that counts as proof.

For identity, bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts other documents like a school ID, employee badge, or medical record — but a photo ID is simpler and faster. Bring the originals, not copies. Social Security staff will look at them and return them to you.

How to fill out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is the Application for a Social Security Card. You can download it from ssa.gov or pick up a copy at your local Social Security office. The form asks for your current Social Security number, your old name, your new name, date of birth, and place of birth. It also asks why you are requesting a new card — you would check "Legal name change."

You do not need to type it. Handwriting is fine as long as it is legible. Sign and date the form. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign it too. Once you have filled it out, you can either mail it with your documents to your local Social Security office, or walk in and hand it to a staff member in person.

Where to submit your application

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. You can walk in during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment for a name change, but some offices now ask you to call ahead or book a time slot online to manage wait times.

If you prefer to mail your application, send Form SS-5 and your documents to the address listed for your local office on ssa.gov. Include a copy of your proof of identity (not the original). Mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks for processing, plus mail time — so walking in is faster if you can.

What happens after you submit

Social Security will process your application and mail you a new card. The card itself usually arrives within two weeks of approval. You can continue using your old card until the new one shows up. If you need the card urgently — for example, to start a new job — ask the Social Security staff member whether they can issue a temporary card or letter confirming your name change while you wait for the card to arrive.

Once you receive your new card, keep it in a safe place. You do not need to destroy the old one, but do not carry it around or leave it lying out. If your card is lost or stolen, contact Social Security right away to report it.

Updating your name elsewhere after Social Security approves it

Changing your name with Social Security does not automatically update it with your employer, bank, insurance company, or government agencies like the IRS or your state's motor vehicle department. You will need to contact each one separately. Start with your employer's payroll department and your bank, since those affect your income and money directly.

For the IRS, file Form 8822 (Change of Address) or call 800-829-1040. For your state driver's license or ID, go to your local motor vehicle office with your new Social Security card and proof of your legal name change. For insurance, contact your agent or the company's customer service line. Having your new Social Security card makes these updates easier because it is official proof of your new name.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce

A marriage certificate or divorce decree is all Social Security needs. You do not have to file anything with a court or go through a separate legal name-change process — the marriage or divorce itself is the legal name change. Bring the original certificate or decree, your photo ID, and the completed Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office.

If you were married in another state or country, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you were divorced in another state, bring the original divorce decree or a certified copy. Social Security accepts these documents from anywhere. If you have lost your marriage or divorce certificate, you can request a replacement from the county clerk's office where the event was recorded — usually the county where you were married or divorced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on Social Security before I change my driver's license?

Yes. You only need proof that your legal name has officially changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your driver's license does not have to match yet. However, you will eventually need to update your driver's license and other documents to avoid confusion.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue a certified copy, usually for a small fee and within one to two weeks. Some counties offer rush processing. Bring the certified copy to Social Security along with your photo ID and Form SS-5.

How long does it take to get the new card?

Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and the card arrives by mail within that time. If you walk in to your local office, processing is usually faster than if you mail it. You can use your old card until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in what you can do.

Do I need to tell my employer about the name change?

Yes. Contact your payroll or human resources department and give them your new Social Security card. They need to update their records so your earnings are reported correctly to Social Security and the IRS. This does not affect your job or pay — it is just a record update.

What if Social Security says my documents are not acceptable?

Ask the staff member which document they need instead. Social Security has specific rules about what counts as proof of a legal name change. If your document does not meet those rules, the clerk can tell you what alternative documents would work — for example, a certified copy instead of an original, or a court order if a certificate is not available.