You need an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office to change your name on your Social Security card

Social Security does not handle name changes by mail, phone, or online. You must visit a Social Security office in person, bring the required documents, and complete the process face-to-face. The appointment itself is free, but you will need to gather specific paperwork before you go.

The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. A Social Security representative will review your documents, verify your identity, and process the name change. Your new Social Security card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks after your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your appointment by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local office in person.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your legal name change document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number.
  • You can request an appointment up to three months in advance, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • If you cannot attend, cancel at least 24 hours ahead by calling the same number to free up the slot for someone else.

How to schedule an appointment

Call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for hearing-impaired callers). Tell the representative you need to change your name on your Social Security card. They will ask for your current name, date of birth, and Social Security number to look up your account. Have these ready before you call.

The representative will offer you available appointment times at the Social Security office closest to your address. You can request a specific time of day — morning appointments often have shorter waits than afternoon ones. You can schedule up to three months in advance. Write down your appointment date, time, and the office address before you hang up.

If you prefer not to call, you can walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, but you will likely wait longer. Some offices have a sign-in sheet for walk-ins; others serve them after scheduled appointments. Calling ahead is faster.

Documents you must bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your legal name change document. This is the single most important item. Social Security will not process your name change without it. The document must be one of these:

  • A marriage certificate (if you changed your name upon marriage)
  • A divorce decree or court order showing your new name (if you changed your name after divorce)
  • A court order for a legal name change (if you petitioned the court directly)
  • An amended birth certificate showing your new name

Bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Social Security will not accept a student ID, work badge, or library card. If you do not have a photo ID, call ahead and ask what alternatives the office will accept.

Bring your Social Security card or write down your Social Security number. If you have lost your card, knowing your number is enough. The representative will verify it against Social Security's records.

What happens during the appointment

The representative will ask you to confirm your current name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will examine your legal name change document and your photo ID. They may ask why you changed your name — answer honestly, but the reason does not affect whether they process it.

The representative will fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) on your behalf. You will review it to make sure all information is correct, then sign it. The form will show your new name, your old name, and the date the change becomes effective.

You will not receive your new card at the appointment. Social Security will mail it to the address on file. If you need to update your address, tell the representative before you leave. The card usually arrives within two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If your name change document is not in English

Bring the original document plus a certified English translation. A certified translation means a professional translator has signed a statement confirming the translation is accurate. You can obtain a certified translation from a translation service, a court, or sometimes from your state's vital records office.

Do not bring a translation done by a friend or family member, even if they are bilingual. Social Security requires a certified translation to verify the document is authentic and accurate.

What to do if you cannot attend

Cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before by calling 1-800-772-1213. This frees up the slot for someone else and prevents a no-show on your record. If you miss an appointment without canceling, Social Security may require you to reschedule and wait longer for the next available time.

If you need to reschedule, call the same number and ask for a new appointment. You can schedule up to three months ahead, so you have flexibility to find a time that works.

After your appointment: what to expect

Your new Social Security card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. Check the mail regularly. If it does not arrive within six weeks, call Social Security to report it missing and request a replacement.

Once you receive your new card, update your name with other agencies and organizations: your employer's payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, the DMV, and any government programs you receive benefits from. Social Security will notify the IRS of your name change, but you should still update your records with other agencies to avoid confusion.

Keep your old Social Security card until you receive the new one. If your new card arrives damaged, you can return to the Social Security office with both cards and request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person. They will verify your identity against your photo ID and signature. A representative, attorney, or family member cannot complete this process on your behalf.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate?

Only if your birth certificate has been amended to show your new name. If your birth certificate still shows your old name, you do not need to bring it — your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) is sufficient.

What if I lost my legal name change document?

Contact the agency that issued it. If it was a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. If it was a court order, contact the court clerk's office. They can issue a certified copy. This process takes one to four weeks depending on the agency.

Will my Social Security number change?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only your name on the card and in Social Security's records changes. Your number is tied to your work history and benefits, so it never changes.

Can I change my name at a Social Security office without an appointment?

Yes, but you will wait longer. Walk-in service is available at most offices, but scheduled appointments are prioritized. Calling ahead to schedule is faster and more reliable.