Quick Answer
To change your name with Social Security, complete Form SS-5 and submit it with one original or certified document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and one unexpired photo ID. Submit by mail or in person at your local SSA office — online is available in some states for U.S. citizens over 18 with a valid state ID. The service is free, and your new card arrives in 10 to 14 business days.
⚠ Most SSA offices now require an appointment — book early
Did you recently get married or divorced and need to change the name on your Social Security card? You've come to the right place.
The name change process can be a pain without proper guidance. It all starts with your Social Security name change, because every federal and state agency links your identity to your SSA record. Knowing what documents you need — and how to submit them — is the crucial first step.
This guide outlines the right way to change or correct your name on your Social Security card. Let's get started!
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Your Social Security name change is the first step in your name change journey — update it before your driver's license, passport, or any other ID.
- ✓ You need three documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship (if SSA doesn't already have it), and original or certified proof of your legal name change.
- ✓ Complete and submit Form SS-5 by mail, in person, or online if your state and situation qualify.
- ✓ The service is free. The SSA does not charge any fee for a name change or a replacement card.
- ✓ Most SSA offices now require an appointment for in-person name changes. Wait times can exceed 30 days — book early.
- ✓ Your new card arrives in 10 to 14 business days. Your Social Security number will not change.
How Do I Change My Name With Social Security?
The first thing you need to do after your legal name change (through marriage, divorce, or court order) is to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is the United States issuing agency for Social Security cards, and your updated card is the gateway to every other step in your name change. Every federal and state entity links your identity to your SSA record, so you need to update it before you can get a new driver's license, passport, or any other form of photo ID.
Most people use a name change kit to prepare the SS-5 application, certified-copy requests, and follow-up DMV and passport paperwork in one step. You can start the process online, but in most cases you'll still need to visit your local SSA office or mail in your application to complete it.
Which Application Method Should You Use?
| Method | Who It's For | Time & Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Online | U.S. citizens 18+ in eligible states with a valid driver's license or state ID, updating only their name. |
Simple Card arrives in 10–14 business days |
| In Person | Best if you don't want to mail your originals, or if your situation doesn't qualify for online. |
Extra step Appointment can take 30+ days to book |
| By Mail | If you can't travel to an SSA office and don't qualify for online. |
Slowest 3–6 weeks total; requires mailing originals |
Social Security Name Change: Step-by-Step
Gather the required documents
You'll need proof of identity, citizenship, and your legal name change. These must be originals or certified copies (with raised seals). Photocopies are not accepted.
Acceptable identity documents:
- U.S. driver's license
- State-issued identification card
- U.S. Passport
- Employer, school, or health insurance ID
- U.S. military ID
Proof of U.S. citizenship:
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- U.S. Passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
A U.S. Passport satisfies both identity and citizenship requirements.
Proof of legal name change:
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree (see our divorce name change guide for the full process after divorce)
- Court Order
- Certificate of Naturalization with new name
Complete the SSA's online name change questionnaire
Go to the SSA's name change page and fill out the questionnaire (select 'Answer a few questions'). This will help you determine if you can start online and what documents you'll need.
Important: Even if you complete the online application, you will likely need to submit your original documents to your local SSA office either in person or by mail. Some states allow a full online process if your name change type, marriage certificate, and state meet specific criteria.
Save your Online Control Number and schedule an appointment (strongly recommended).
Complete Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is the application for a Social Security card. Download it, print it, and sign using your new name.
If you'd rather skip the form entirely, the NewlyNamed Box ships your SS-5 pre-filled with your information.
Mail your application or take it to your local SSA office
Find your nearest SSA office via the SSA locator. Enter your ZIP code and choose to either mail your application or visit in person. Visiting in person avoids mailing sensitive documents and provides a receipt you can use for other updates.
You'll receive your new SSA card in about 10–14 business days. Your Social Security number won't change. Bonus: The Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically notifies the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your name change, so you don't need to file a separate update with the IRS.
Be patient
If you mailed your application, wait to receive your new card before making other changes. If you applied in person, SSA records typically update within 48 hours. Wait for this window before visiting the DMV — most state DMVs pull identity data directly from SSA and will reject your name change request if the records haven't synced.
Important: If you update documents before receiving your new SSA card, bring your SSA receipt that includes your new name and SSN.
Start changing your name everywhere else
Update your driver's license and passport first. Then update your bank accounts, credit cards, and travel rewards. A complete name change kit handles all of these in one organized checklist, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Can I Change My Name With Social Security Online?
In some states, yes — but not everyone qualifies. The SSA's online name change option is available only if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older
- You live in a state where online name changes are available (check the SSA name change page for your state)
- You have (or create) a my Social Security account
- You have a current, unexpired U.S. driver's license or state-issued ID
- You are updating your name only — not your date of birth, citizenship status, or other personal information
If you meet all five criteria, you may be able to complete the entire process online without mailing documents or visiting an office. If you don't qualify — or if the questionnaire asks you to submit documents — you'll need to apply by mail or in person.
What to Bring to Your Social Security Name Change Appointment
Appointment Checklist
If you're visiting an SSA office in person, arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time with these items in hand:
- Your completed Form SS-5 (printed and signed using your new name)
- One original or certified copy of your proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- One unexpired photo ID (U.S. driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship if SSA doesn't already have it on file (birth certificate or passport)
- Your appointment confirmation number
- Your Online Control Number if you started the application on the SSA website
- A pen
Do not bring photocopies or notarized copies of your name change document — the SSA only accepts originals or certified copies with raised seals. If you're unsure whether your documents qualify, call your local office before your appointment.
How Do I Get Certified Copies of My Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree?
Most organizations, including the SSA, require certified copies of the legal document that supports your name change. Here's how to get them:
Identify where to get your legal document
If you changed your name due to marriage, the proof will typically be your marriage certificate (sometimes your marriage license and marriage certificate are included on the same document). If your name was changed due to divorce, the required document will be your divorce decree. For other types of name changes (like a court-ordered change), you'll need a certified copy of the court order.
Request certified copies from the issuing agency
You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the issuing agency, such as the county clerk's office, state court, or local government office. Some places allow you to request copies online, while others may require you to request them by mail or in person.
Be prepared to pay for copies
Certified copies of legal documents usually come with a fee, which varies by state or county. The price is often small, typically ranging from $5 to $25 per copy. If you plan on updating multiple documents, consider getting more than one certified copy so you're not making multiple trips.
Keep originals safe, but don't forget the copies
Once you've got your certified copies, keep the originals in a safe place. You'll likely need them throughout your name change process — when you update your passport, Social Security card, driver's license, and more. You'll need official certified copies, not photocopies, so hang onto those precious documents for the long haul.
Pro Tip: If your document is in a language other than English, you may need to provide a certified translation along with the original document.
The Bottom Line
Changing your name on your Social Security card is the first — and arguably most important — step in your post-marriage or post-divorce name change. The service is free, your Social Security number won't change, and your new card will arrive in about two weeks. The biggest source of friction is the in-person appointment requirement at most SSA offices, so book as soon as you have your certified marriage certificate or divorce decree in hand. Once your SSA record is updated, every other update (DMV, passport, banks, employer) becomes straightforward. If you'd rather not navigate the forms, wait times, and certified-copy logistics on your own, NewlyNamed can handle the entire process for you. Our guided process walks you through the documents you need, in the right order, so nothing gets missed.
Read also:
- How To Change Your Name After Marriage
- Passport Name Change Guide
- How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Social Security name change cost money?
No, the SSA does not charge any fee to change your name or issue a replacement card. If you encounter a service or website asking you to pay a fee directly for the name change itself, it is not affiliated with the SSA — only third-party services that help you prepare your application (like NewlyNamed kits) involve a cost, and those are separate from SSA fees.
Will I receive a new Social Security card with my new name?
Yes. Once the SSA processes your application, a new card with your updated name is mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. Your Social Security number stays the same — only the name prints differently on the card.
Can I set up an appointment for a Social Security name change?
Yes — most SSA offices now require an appointment for in-person name changes, and some offices will not accept walk-ins. Call 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office directly to schedule. Wait times for appointments currently average 30+ days in many areas, so book as soon as your marriage certificate or divorce decree is in hand.
Can I change my name with the SSA online?
In some states, yes. The online option is available if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older, live in an eligible state, have a valid driver's license or state ID, and are updating only your name. If you don't meet all of these criteria, you'll need to apply by mail or in person at your local SSA office.
How long does it take to change your name with Social Security?
After the SSA receives your completed application and documents, your new Social Security card typically arrives in the mail within 10 to 14 business days. If you applied in person, SSA records usually update within 48 hours — you can visit the DMV or update other accounts after that window, even before your physical card arrives.
Does my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No. Your Social Security number (SSN) stays the same for life, regardless of how many times you change your name. Only the name printed on your card changes. Getting married, divorced, or legally changing your name for any reason will never result in a new SSN.
What should I bring to my Social Security name change appointment?
Bring your completed Form SS-5, one original or certified copy of your proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), one unexpired photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport), your appointment confirmation, and a pen. Do not bring photocopies or notarized copies — the SSA only accepts originals or certified copies with raised seals.
Can I use a notarized document to change my name?
No, SSA requires original or certified documents — not notarized copies.
What if I don't have identity documents in my new name?
You can still apply using documents in your old name, as long as you include proof of the legal name change.
Do I need to update my driver's license before my SSA card?
No, your SSA should be updated first. Most DMVs require it.
How recent do my identity documents need to be?
They must be unexpired and current.
Is a court order necessary for a Social Security name change?
Only if your name change is not due to marriage or divorce.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Social Security Administration procedures, appointment policies, and online availability vary by office and state and are subject to change. For questions about your specific situation, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
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Social Security offices in my city actually REQUIRE appointments for name changes.