Form S5 is the Social Security Administration's official request to change your name or sex marker on your Social Security record

The Form S5, officially called "Request for a Social Security Name Change," is the document you submit to the Social Security Administration (SSA) when you want to update your name or sex marker in their system. You do not need to go through a court process first in most cases — the SSA accepts name changes based on documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or an order from a judge. If you are changing your sex marker, you will need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

The form itself is straightforward: you fill in your current information, your new name or sex marker, the reason for the change, and the document that supports it. You then mail it or bring it in person to your local Social Security office. The SSA processes it and issues you a new Social Security card with the updated information.

Key Takeaways

  • Form S5 is the official SSA document for changing your name or sex marker on your Social Security record.
  • You will need to provide supporting documentation — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or a letter from a healthcare provider for sex marker changes.
  • You can submit Form S5 by mail or in person at your local Social Security office; there is no fee.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks, after which you will receive a new Social Security card in the mail.
  • Updating your Social Security record does not automatically update your driver's license, passport, or other government IDs — you must contact those agencies separately.

When you need to file Form S5

You file Form S5 when your legal name has changed or when you want to update your sex marker. The most common reasons are marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change. Some people also file after a legal gender change or to correct a name that was recorded incorrectly when they first applied for a Social Security number.

If you have recently married and taken your spouse's last name, or if you have divorced and reverted to a previous name, Form S5 is how you notify Social Security. The same applies if you have gone through a legal name change in court for any reason. For sex marker changes, you will need documentation from a licensed healthcare provider — the SSA's rules on this vary slightly by state, but generally they accept a letter from a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health professional who has personal knowledge of your gender identity.

You do not need Form S5 if you are simply correcting a spelling error on your card or if you have lost your card and need a replacement. Those are handled through different processes at your local Social Security office.

What documents you need to bring or mail

Form S5 itself is just the request. The SSA will not process it without supporting documentation. For a name change, you need one of the following: a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a certified copy of your divorce decree, or a court order authorizing the name change. "Certified" means an official copy with a seal or stamp from the issuing agency — a photocopy or a document you printed from an online database usually will not work.

For a sex marker change, you need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. The letter does not need to be on special letterhead or follow a specific format, but it should state that you have been under their care and that they have personal knowledge of your gender identity. The SSA publishes a list of acceptable provider types on their website, which includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, clinical social workers, and counselors licensed in your state.

You will also need to bring or mail your current Social Security card and a form of identification — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you are mailing everything, send copies of your ID and Social Security card, not the originals.

How to submit Form S5

You have two options: mail it or bring it in person to your local Social Security office. To find your office, visit the SSA's office locator on their website or call 1-800-772-1213. If you mail the form, send it to the address listed on the form itself — this varies by region. Include a copy of your supporting documents and a copy of your ID and Social Security card. Do not send originals through the mail.

If you go in person, bring the original documents along with your ID and Social Security card. The staff will review everything on the spot, make copies if needed, and submit your request. This is often faster than mailing because you can confirm that everything is complete before you leave.

There is no fee to file Form S5 or to receive a new Social Security card. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. The SSA will mail your new card to the address on file. If you need to update your address, do that before you submit the form, or let the staff know when you submit it in person.

What happens after you submit Form S5

Once the SSA processes your request, your Social Security record is updated with your new name or sex marker. You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail within one to two weeks. Your Social Security number stays the same — only the name or sex marker on the card changes.

However, updating your Social Security record does not automatically update any other government documents. Your driver's license, passport, birth certificate, and any other IDs remain unchanged until you contact those agencies separately. Each one has its own process and requirements. For example, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles handles driver's license changes, the U.S. State Department handles passports, and your state's vital records office handles birth certificates. You will need to contact each agency individually and provide documentation of your name or sex marker change.

Sex marker changes and state-specific rules

The SSA allows you to change your sex marker on your Social Security record based on a letter from a healthcare provider. You do not need a court order or a changed birth certificate. However, some states have different rules for their own documents, so updating your Social Security record may not be enough to update your driver's license or birth certificate in your state.

Before you file Form S5 for a sex marker change, check your state's requirements for updating your driver's license and birth certificate. Some states require a court order, some require a letter from a healthcare provider (like the SSA does), and some have other rules. You may need to pursue multiple processes in parallel — one with the SSA and separate ones with your state agencies.

What to do if your Form S5 is denied or delayed

The SSA rarely denies a Form S5 request if your supporting documentation is valid and complete. The most common reason for delay is missing or incomplete documents. If your request is delayed, the SSA will contact you to ask for what is missing. Make sure your phone number and mailing address are current so you receive their notice.

If you believe your request was wrongly denied, you can contact your local Social Security office to ask why. Bring copies of your supporting documents and be prepared to explain your situation. If you still disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, though this is rare for name and sex marker changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a court order to change my name with the SSA?

No. The SSA accepts name changes based on a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other civil documents without a court order in most cases. You only need a court order if you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce — for example, if you want to change your first name or correct a spelling error that was not caused by a life event.

Can I change my sex marker without a court order?

Yes. The SSA allows sex marker changes based on a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. You do not need a court order or a changed birth certificate. However, other government agencies may have different rules, so check your state's requirements for driver's licenses and birth certificates.

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

Processing usually takes one to two weeks after you submit Form S5. You will receive your new card in the mail at the address on file. If you need it faster, you can ask the staff at your local Social Security office whether expedited processing is available in your area.

What if I lost my supporting documents?

Contact the agency that issued them. For a marriage certificate or divorce decree, contact your county clerk's office or vital records office. For a court order, contact the court that issued it. They can issue certified copies, which is what the SSA needs. There is usually a small fee for certified copies.

Will changing my Social Security record update my other IDs automatically?

No. You must contact each agency separately — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for your driver's license, the U.S. State Department for your passport, and your state's vital records office for your birth certificate. Each has its own process and timeline.