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

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a replacement card with your new name at no cost. You do not need to visit an SSA office in person — you can request a card by mail using Form SS-5, or in some cases through an online portal. The process takes between 2 and 4 weeks once SSA receives your documents.

You will need to prove your legal name change (usually a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) and provide proof of identity and citizenship. SSA does not change your Social Security number — only the name printed on the card changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a legal name change document: a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or similar official record showing the name change was legal.
  • You can apply by mail using Form SS-5 with certified copies of your documents, or online through my Social Security if you have an account and meet identity verification requirements.
  • SSA will not change your Social Security number — the number stays the same, only the name on the card is updated.
  • Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks by mail; online requests may be faster depending on your state and SSA's current workload.
  • You can track your application status through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 once you have submitted it.

What documents you need to submit

SSA requires three categories of documents: proof of legal name change, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You must submit certified or original copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted.

Proof of legal name change means one of these: a court order from a name change proceeding, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the marriage certificate or divorce decree from the vital records office in the state where it was issued counts as proof. If you went through a formal name change in court, bring the court order.

Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have photo ID, SSA will accept a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, school ID, employee badge, or medical records — ask SSA which combination they will take before you gather them.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency means a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport or naturalization papers.

Applying by mail with Form SS-5

Download Form SS-5 from the SSA website or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill out the form completely, including your current name, new name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Sign and date the form — it must be signed by you, not by someone else on your behalf.

Make certified copies of all your documents. A certified copy means the vital records office or court has stamped and signed a photocopy to confirm it matches the original. Do not send original documents unless SSA specifically asks you to — certified copies are safer and are what SSA expects.

Mail the completed Form SS-5 and your certified copies to the SSA address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send. You can track your application once it arrives by creating an account on my Social Security (ssa.gov) or by calling 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number and date of birth.

Applying online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you may be able to request a replacement card online without mailing documents. This option is available in most states but not all — SSA's website will tell you whether your state participates.

To use the online option, log into my Social Security, go to the "Replacement Social Security Card" section, and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using information from your credit report or by uploading a photo of your ID. SSA will tell you whether your request was approved and when to expect your card.

Online requests may process faster than mail, but you still need to have the legal name change document ready. If SSA cannot verify your identity online, you will be asked to mail in Form SS-5 and your documents instead.

What happens after you submit your request

SSA will review your documents to confirm the name change is legal and that you are who you say you are. This review usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. If SSA needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by mail or phone.

Once approved, SSA will print your new card and mail it to the address on file. Delivery typically takes another 1 to 2 weeks. You do not need to do anything else — your Social Security number does not change, and you do not need to notify your employer or bank separately, though you may want to update your records with them once you receive the card.

If you do not receive your card within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

Updating your name with other agencies

Getting a new Social Security card is one step, but you will also need to update your name with other organizations. Your employer needs a new Social Security card or a letter from SSA confirming the name change for payroll and tax records. Your bank, insurance company, and any creditors should be notified so your accounts match your legal name.

If you have a driver's license or state ID, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles will have its own process for name changes — this is separate from SSA and usually requires a visit in person or a mail-in application. Check your state's DMV website for requirements.

The IRS does not issue a separate document for name changes. Once your Social Security card is updated, you can use it as proof of your legal name for tax purposes. If you file taxes before your new card arrives, use your old name on the return and include a note explaining the name change.

If your name change was through marriage or divorce

A marriage certificate or divorce decree from the vital records office in the state where it was issued is sufficient proof of legal name change. You do not need a separate court order. Order a certified copy from the vital records office (sometimes called the county clerk's office or registrar) in the county where you were married or divorced.

If you were married or divorced outside the United States, you will need a certified English translation of the document along with the original. Some countries' vital records offices can provide certified translations; if not, you may need to hire a professional translator and have the translation certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new Social Security card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, SSA will accept other proof of citizenship such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. For proof of identity, you can use a combination of documents like a driver's license, school records, or medical records. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents SSA will take in your situation.

Do I need to go to a Social Security office in person?

No. You can apply by mail or online. In-person visits are not required for a name change. However, if you do not have the documents SSA needs or have questions about what counts as proof, you can visit your local office to ask before you apply.

What if my name change was through a court order but I lost the document?

Contact the court that issued the order and request a certified copy. The court clerk's office can provide one for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. If you cannot locate the court or the order, you may need to go through a name change proceeding again, which requires filing with a court in your state.

How long does it take to get my new card?

Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date SSA receives your application. Online requests may be faster. You can check the status of your application through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 after one week.

Do I need to notify my employer about my new Social Security card?

Yes. Give your employer a copy of your new card or a letter from SSA confirming the name change so your payroll and tax records are correct. Your employer needs this to match your name to your Social Security number for W-2 forms and tax withholding.