How to change name on social security card?

If you recently changed your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you need to update your official records. You will need to update the name on your Social Security card before you can update other government records. Social Security provides guidelines on how to change the name on your Social Security card.

You will need to fill out Form SS-5 to change or update the name on your Social Security card. Fill out your new legal name in the first block, followed by your name at birth, and any other names you have used. Also, you will need to provide proof of your identity, citizenship status, and new legal name. You can submit the filled-out Form SS-5 to Social Security by mail or in person by taking it to the local Social Security office.

How to change your name with Social Security (steps)

If you recently changed your legal name, you must update your name with Social Security. You will be required to apply for a new Social Security card (PDF) under your new legal name. Changing your name on the Social Security card is important because federal and state agencies link your identity to your SSA record.

Typically, you can change the name on your Social Security card by mailing your application or taking the complete application form to your local Social Security office. SSA does not allow applicants to apply for a name change online.

Follow these steps to change your name on the Social Security card:

Gather documents to verify the new name

Start by gathering official documents that you will use to verify your new legal name. You will be required to provide proof of identity, proof of US citizenship status, and proof of legal name change. You must provide either the original document or a copy certified by the issuing authority.

Proof of identity

To prove your identity, you will need to provide one of the following documents:

US driver’s license

State ID card

US passport

School identification card

Health insurance card

Employer identification card

US military identification card

Citizenship status

To prove US Citizenship status or immigration status, you can provide one of the following documents:

US birth certificate

US passport

Certificate of Citizenship

Certificate of Naturalization

US Consular Report of Birth

If you are not a US citizen, you will be required to provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the US. You will also need to provide your passport from your country of origin. Some of the documents you can provide include:

Form I-551 with your unexpired foreign passport

Form I-766

Form I-94 or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport

Proof of Name Change

You will need to provide proof to show that your new name is official. Some of the documents you can provide include:

Marriage license

Divorce decree

Certificate of Naturalization showing the new legal name

Court order in a name change proceeding

Keep in mind that Social Security can ask for documents showing your previous name.

Complete Form SS-5 application

Form SS-5 is the application form for a Social Security card, and you will need to fill out this form to change your name on the Social Security card. Fill out your new name in the first block, then your name at birth, followed by other names you have used over the years. You will need to fill out Nos.1 to 18, then sign the complete form in your new name.

Mail the complete SS-5 Form/Take it to the local SSA office

Once you have filled out Form SS-5, you can mail or take the complete form to the local Social Security office. Use the SSA locator to find the nearest SSA field office. You can mail your application and documents to the local Social Security office.

If you prefer an in-person visit, book an appointment before your visit and bring the complete SS-5 application and documents that show your identity, citizenship status, and legal name change. Social Security representatives will examine your documents and hand them back to you.

You will receive a receipt showing your application for a name change, and you can use it in the next step of the name change process.

Wait for the card to arrive to update official records

It can take 10 to 14 days to receive a new Social Security card. If you mailed your application, you should wait until the new card has arrived to update your other government records.

If you submitted your application in person at the local Social Security office, you can start updating your other government records within 48 hours after submitting your application. However, you must provide your name change receipt when updating your records before the new Social Security card arrives.

When Social Security approves the name change on your Social Security card, it also notifies the Internal Revenue Service about the name change. However, you will need to update other identification documents, including your passport and driver's license. You should also update your bank accounts, credit cards, etc.

How much does it cost to change a name?

Getting a new or corrected Social Security card is free, and you won’t be charged any fee to effect the change. You can only apply for a name change on your Social Security card by mail or in person at the nearest Social Security office. The new card will arrive within 10 to 14 days after the application is received and processed. You will retain the original Social Security Number.

What if you don't tell Social Security about a change of legal name?

Failing to notify Social Security of a name change can have various consequences. First, if your new legal name is different from the name that appears on your Social Security card, Social Security benefits may not be credited to your account, and the Internal Revenue Service may have issues processing your tax returns if they appear with a different name.