You need a court order or vital record to change your Social Security name
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not change your name based on a phone call or a form alone. You must first change your name through your state's legal process — usually a court order — and then show SSA proof of that change. The order in which you do this matters: get the legal name change first, then update Social Security, then update other records like your driver's license and bank accounts.
SSA accepts a few types of proof. A court order is the most common. Some states also accept a certified copy of a new birth certificate, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. The document must show your old name and new name clearly, and you must bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work.
You do not need a lawyer to get a court order, though some people hire one. Many courthouses have self-help centers that walk you through the paperwork for free. The cost varies by state, usually between $100 and $500 for court filing fees.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a legal name change through your state court or vital records office before SSA will change your Social Security record.
- Bring the original court order, new birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to your local Social Security office or mail it with Form SS-5.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) along with your name-change document.
- Processing takes two to four weeks if you apply in person, longer if you mail the form, and you will receive a new Social Security card in the mail.
- Update your Social Security record before changing your name with your employer, bank, or other institutions to avoid mismatches in government records.
How to get a legal name change in your state
The process starts in your state court, not with Social Security. Go to your county courthouse and ask for the name-change petition form — the title and process vary by state. Some states call it a "Petition for Change of Name," others call it a "Petition to Change Name." The courthouse clerk can give you the form and tell you the filing fee.
You will fill out the form with your current name, the name you want, and your reason (if your state asks for one). Some states require you to publish a notice in a local newspaper for a set number of days — usually two to four weeks — to give creditors or other parties a chance to object. Other states do not require publication. The clerk will tell you what your state requires.
After you file and pay the fee, you attend a brief hearing before a judge. In most cases, the judge approves the change on the spot. You will receive a certified copy of the court order. Order several copies — you will need them for Social Security, your driver's license, your bank, and other places. Each certified copy costs a few dollars.
If you are changing your name because of marriage, divorce, or adoption, you may not need a court petition. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption order can serve as proof of your name change. Ask your county clerk whether you need a separate court order or whether one of these documents is enough.
What to bring to Social Security
You will need three things: proof of your legal name change, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship. Do not bring originals unless you are prepared to leave them with SSA — bring certified copies instead, except for your photo ID, which you will show but keep.
For proof of name change, bring your certified court order, certified copy of a new birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. The document must clearly show both your old and new name. A photocopy is not acceptable; it must be a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office.
For photo ID, bring a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. It must not be expired. For proof of citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents — ask SSA which ones they will accept.
How to submit your name change to Social Security
You have two options: go to your local Social Security office in person, or mail Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to the address on the form. Going in person is faster and you can ask questions if something is unclear.
To apply in person, find your nearest Social Security office on ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some now require one — check the office's page before you go. Bring your certified name-change document, photo ID, and proof of citizenship. The office will make copies and send your application to be processed. You will receive your new card in the mail in two to four weeks.
To apply by mail, fill out Form SS-5 completely. Include a certified copy of your name-change document, a copy of your photo ID (both sides), and a copy of your proof of citizenship. Do not send originals. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes three to six weeks. If SSA needs more information, they will contact you.
Keep a record of what you sent — take photos of your documents before you mail them, or get a receipt if you apply in person. If your new card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
What happens after your name change is approved
SSA will mail you a new Social Security card with your new name. The number stays the same. You should receive it within two to four weeks of applying in person, or three to six weeks if you mailed your application. If you do not receive it, call 1-800-772-1213.
Once you have your new card, update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other institution that has your Social Security number on file. This prevents mismatches between your Social Security record and their records, which can cause problems with taxes, benefits, or loans.
You will also need to update your name with your state's motor vehicle department, the IRS, and any government benefits programs you receive. Each agency has its own process. Your new Social Security card will help you prove your legal name change to these agencies.
If you are changing your name because of marriage or divorce
If you married, bring your certified marriage certificate to Social Security. You do not need a separate court order. The marriage certificate shows your name change and serves as proof.
If you divorced and took back a former name, bring your certified divorce decree. If you want to take a different name than your former one, you will need a court order for that change — a divorce decree alone does not authorize a name other than your maiden name or former married name.
If you are in a same-sex marriage or your state does not recognize your marriage, ask SSA which documents they will accept. Rules vary, and SSA staff can tell you what proof they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Social Security name by phone or online?
No. SSA requires you to appear in person or mail Form SS-5 with certified proof of your legal name change. You cannot complete this process over the phone or through ssa.gov.
How long does it take to change my name on Social Security?
Two to four weeks if you apply in person at a Social Security office. Three to six weeks if you mail Form SS-5. The timeline starts after SSA receives your complete application with all required documents.
Do I have to change my Social Security name before I change my driver's license?
No, but it is easier if you do. Your Social Security record and driver's license should match to avoid confusion with employers and banks. Update Social Security first, then use your new card as proof when you update your license.
What if I lost my court order or name-change document?
Contact the court that issued it and request a certified copy. The court clerk can issue duplicates for a small fee, usually $5 to $15 per copy. If you cannot locate the court, contact your county clerk's office — they can tell you which court handled your case.
Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only your name on the card changes. You do not need a new number.