You need to tell Social Security about a legal name change, and the process starts with Form SS-5

When you legally change your name — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process — Social Security will not automatically know. You have to report the change yourself using Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). Social Security uses your name to track your earnings record, so updating it matters for your future benefits.

The process is straightforward: you fill out the form, gather proof of your legal name change and identity, and submit everything to your local Social Security office or by mail. Most people complete it in one visit. You will receive a new card in the mail within two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file Form SS-5 with Social Security to update your name; the agency does not learn about legal name changes on its own.
  • You need original or certified copies of documents proving both your legal name change and your current identity.
  • You can submit your application in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or in some areas by video appointment.
  • A new Social Security card typically arrives within two to four weeks, but your account updates faster — often within days.
  • Your Social Security number stays the same; only the name attached to it changes.

What documents you need to bring

Social Security requires two categories of documents: proof of your legal name change and proof of your identity. You cannot use a photocopy or a photo on your phone — they need to be originals or certified copies.

For proof of legal name change, bring one of these: a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order approving a name change, or adoption papers. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the document must show both your old and new names. For a court-ordered name change, the order itself is sufficient.

For proof of identity, bring one current document with your photo and signature. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security accepts other documents like a birth certificate, hospital record, or employee ID — but you will need two of them instead of one.

Where and how to submit your application

You have three main options: visit a Social Security office in person, mail your application, or use a video appointment if your area offers it.

In person is usually fastest. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator, call ahead if you can (many offices now require appointments), and bring your completed Form SS-5 plus your original documents. The office will make copies for you and submit the application on the spot. You leave with a receipt showing your application was received.

By mail takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. Mail your completed form and certified copies of your documents to the address listed on the form itself — it varies by region. Keep copies for your records. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, plus processing time. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions.

Video appointments are available in some areas. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask if your local office offers them. You will need a camera, internet connection, and the same documents you would bring in person.

What happens after you submit

Social Security processes name changes fairly quickly. Your account typically updates within a few days to a week, even though your new card takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail. You can check the status of your card by creating an account at ssa.gov and using the "Check Application Status" tool, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail using the number or address you provided on your form. If you do not hear anything within a month, call to confirm receipt.

Your Social Security number does not change — only the name in the system. Your earnings record, benefits, and account history all stay attached to the same number under your new name.

Updating other agencies after Social Security

Once your Social Security card arrives, you will need to update your name with other agencies that use your Social Security number. This is separate from Social Security itself and happens on their timelines.

Start with your employer and your bank or financial institution — they need the change for tax records and account accuracy. Then update your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for your driver's license, your state tax authority, and the IRS if you file taxes. If you receive any government benefits (Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits, unemployment), contact those programs directly.

Keep your new Social Security card and a certified copy of your legal name change document. You will need them to prove the change to other agencies.

If your name change was outside the United States

If you legally changed your name in another country, Social Security requires additional proof. You will need a certified English translation of the foreign legal document, plus a certification from the translator stating they are competent to translate. Some countries' documents also require an apostille (a special certification that the document is authentic under international law).

Bring the original foreign document, the certified English translation, and your identity document to a Social Security office in person. Processing takes longer because the office must verify the foreign legal process. Call your local office before you visit to confirm they have received the translation and are ready to process it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, it is not required by law. However, if you want your Social Security record to match your current legal name, you should update it. This prevents confusion with tax records, benefits, and employment. If you keep your maiden name legally but want to use a different name socially, you do not need to file with Social Security.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?

Contact the court or vital records office in the county or country where the marriage or divorce was finalized. They can issue a certified copy, usually for a small fee. Some offices mail copies; others require you to visit in person. Ask for multiple certified copies since you may need them for other agencies too.

Can I change my name with Social Security by phone or online?

No. You must submit Form SS-5 in person, by mail, or by video appointment. Social Security does not process name changes over the phone or through their website because they need to verify your original documents.

How long does it take to get my new card?

The card itself arrives within two to four weeks of approval. Your Social Security account updates much faster — usually within days. You can use your updated name with employers and banks before the physical card arrives by showing your receipt from Social Security.

What if Social Security denies my name change request?

Social Security rarely denies a legitimate name change if your documents are in order. If they do, they will tell you why in writing. Common reasons include missing information on the form, documents that do not clearly show both your old and new names, or identity documents that have expired. You can reapply with corrected documents or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what went wrong.