Bring proof of your legal name change and your current Social Security card

When you go to a Social Security office to change your name on your record, you need two things: a document that proves your name legally changed, and your Social Security card itself. The office will not process a name change without both. You cannot mail these in — you must appear in person at your local Social Security office.

The proof document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy or a picture on your phone will not work. Social Security accepts a limited set of documents as proof: a court order, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree. Which one you bring depends on why your name changed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of the document that proves your name legally changed — photocopies and phone pictures do not work.
  • Acceptable proof documents are a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree, depending on the reason for your name change.
  • Bring your current Social Security card and a photo ID that matches your current name, or a photo ID that matches your old name plus a document showing your new name.
  • You must appear in person at a Social Security office; name changes cannot be done by mail, phone, or online.
  • Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and you will receive a new card by mail at the address on file.

Documents that prove your name legally changed

A court order is the most common proof. This is a document signed by a judge that officially changed your name. If you went through a legal name change in court, you received this order. You need the original or a certified copy from the court clerk's office — ask the clerk to stamp it as certified if you do not have one yet.

A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. Social Security accepts the original or a certified copy. If you were married outside the United States, bring the original certificate plus an English translation certified by a translator.

A divorce decree or dissolution order shows a name change back to a former name or to a new name you chose. The document must clearly state your new name. An original or certified copy works.

An adoption decree is used if your name changed through adoption. Bring the original or certified copy. If the adoption happened outside the United States, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

Identification you need to bring

You must bring a photo ID. Social Security prefers an ID that already shows your new name — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card issued in your new name. If you do not have one yet, bring a photo ID in your old name plus any document that shows your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order). The ID must not be expired.

If you do not have a photo ID at all, Social Security will accept other forms of identification. These include a birth certificate, a hospital record, a school record, or a bank statement. You will need to bring more than one non-photo document to make up for the missing photo ID. Call your local Social Security office before you go to ask which combination they will accept.

Your Social Security card

Bring the card itself, not a copy. If you have lost your card, tell the Social Security office when you call to schedule your appointment. You can still change your name, but the office will need to know in advance so they can process both the name change and a replacement card at the same time.

If your card is damaged or worn, bring it anyway. The office will take it and issue you a new one with your new name.

How to prepare before you go

Call your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Some offices require you to make an appointment; others take walk-ins. Calling ahead saves you a trip if the office is closed or very busy.

Get a certified copy of your name-change document if you do not have one. If you have a court order, contact the court clerk's office where the order was issued. If you have a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were married. Certified copies usually cost between $10 and $25 and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Plan ahead.

Check that your photo ID is not expired. If it is, you will need to renew it before you go, or bring a second form of ID as backup.

What happens at the office

The Social Security representative will look at your documents, verify that your name change is legal, and update your record. They will take your old Social Security card and issue you a new one with your new name. You will receive the new card by mail within one to two weeks at the address on file with Social Security.

You do not need to bring any other paperwork. Do not bring bank statements, pay stubs, or tax documents unless the office specifically asked you to. Bring only what is listed above.

If you cannot go in person

Social Security does not allow name changes by mail, phone, or online. You must go to the office yourself. If you are unable to travel, you can authorize someone else to go on your behalf — a family member, a lawyer, or a representative. That person will need to bring a signed letter from you giving them permission, plus all the documents listed above, plus their own photo ID.

Call your local office to ask what form the permission letter should take and whether they have a specific template. Some offices are strict about the wording, so getting it right before you go saves time. The person representing you must be prepared to answer questions about your identity and the reason for the name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my birth certificate?

No. Social Security does not require a birth certificate for a name change. Bring only the document that proves your name legally changed (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree) and a photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, a birth certificate can be one of several backup documents you bring.

What if my name-change document is from another country?

Bring the original document plus a certified English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is accurate. You can find certified translators through your local court, your state bar association, or online translation services. Social Security will not accept an uncertified translation.

Can I change my name at Social Security if I do not have a court order?

Yes, if your name changed through marriage, divorce, or adoption. Bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree instead. A court order is only one way to prove a name change — it is not the only way.

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

The office processes your name change immediately, but you will receive your new card by mail within one to two weeks. The timing depends on mail delivery to your address. You can use your old card until the new one arrives, though it will show your old name.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need to change my name at the same time?

You can do both in one visit. Bring your name-change document and photo ID. Tell the office that you have lost your card. They will update your name and issue you a replacement card with your new name, all in one transaction.