How to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card

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Why Updating Your Name with SSA is Crucial

Updating your Social Security record has significant real-world consequences. Your Social Security number (SSN) and name are primary identifiers used across government and private sector systems. Failing to update can lead to several problems:

Employment Issues: Employers report wages using your name and SSN. Mismatches can affect accurate crediting of earnings toward future benefits.

Tax Filing Delays: The IRS verifies your name and SSN against SSA records. Mismatches often cause rejected e-filed returns or delayed processing and refunds. Update your name with SSA before filing taxes under your new name, and wait about 10 days after processing.

Benefit Accuracy: Correct name records ensure proper tracking of earnings, directly impacting eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Identity Verification Problems: Many agencies and financial institutions use SSA records to verify identity. Name mismatches can prevent you from obtaining or renewing a driver’s license, opening bank accounts, or accessing other services.

Accessing Other Government Services: An updated Social Security record enables seamless processing when updating other documents like passports, voter registration, Medicare, and state benefits.

Accepted Reasons for a Name Change

The SSA issues corrected cards for several legally recognized reasons:

Marriage: Provide your original or certified marriage certificate.

Divorce: Provide your final divorce decree, which may contain an order restoring a former name.

Court Order: Provide the court order approving the name change if unrelated to marriage or divorce.

Naturalization: Provide your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) showing the new name.

Correcting Errors: For errors on the original record, provide proof of identity and documents establishing the correct legal name.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

If you want this process done smoothly, it’s imperative that you get your documents right the first time. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 reason applications get delayed.

Original or Certified Copies ONLY

SSA is strict about documents (and for good reason—they’re fighting fraud). Here’s what they’ll accept:

• Original documents, OR
• Copies certified by the issuing agency (with raised seal, stamp, or official signature)

SSA cannot accept:

• Photocopies
• Notarized copies (unless certified by the issuing agency)
• Laminated cards (unless laminated by the issuing agency)
• Photos of documents
• Receipts showing you applied for a document

Don’t worry—they’ll mail your original documents back.

Proof of Legal Name Change Event

You need one document proving your legal name change. This document should show both your old and new name, or be linkable to your identity under your old name via other documents:

• Marriage: Marriage certificate
• Divorce: Final divorce decree
• Court Order: Court order for name change
• Naturalization: Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name

Important Note on Recency: If your name change occurred more than two years ago (or four years if under 18), or if the document doesn’t clearly identify you, SSA requires additional proof. You must provide an identity document showing your old name as it appears in SSA records. This old ID can be expired. If unavailable, SSA may accept an unexpired ID in your new name if they can link it to your existing record.

Proof of Identity

You must provide current, unexpired proof of identity in your new legal name. SSA prefers certain documents:

Primary (Preferred) Identity Documents:

• U.S. Driver’s License
• State-Issued Non-Driver Identification Card
• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card

Secondary Identity Documents: If primary documents are unavailable and cannot be replaced within 10 business days, SSA may accept other unexpired documents showing your name and biographical information and/or physical information:

• Employee identification card
• School identification card
• Health insurance card (not Medicare)
• U.S. military identification card
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Certified copy of medical record (must be recent)
• Tribal document

Unacceptable for Identity Proof: U.S. birth certificate, hospital souvenir birth certificate, or existing Social Security card (or stub).

Having a primary, unexpired photo ID makes the process smoother. A U.S. Passport can often serve as proof of both identity and U.S. citizenship.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

If SSA doesn’t already have proof of your citizenship on file, provide one of these original or certified documents:

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• U.S. Passport (current/unexpired)
• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, CRBA)
• Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350)

If unsure whether your citizenship is recorded, bring one of these documents.

Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens have additional requirements detailed in a later section.

Required Documents Summary Table

Step 2: Complete the Application (Form SS-5)

Once you have your documents, complete the official application form.

The Form: Use Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, for obtaining an original card, replacement card, or corrected card.

Download the Form: Get Form SS-5 from the SSA website. The form and application process are free.

Filling Out the Form:

• Use only black or blue ink and print legibly. Do not use pencil.
• Item 1 (Name to be shown on Card): Enter your new legal name exactly as supported by your name change document.
• Item 2 (Full Name at Birth): Enter this if different from Item 1.
• Other Names Used: Enter your previous legal name(s).
• Your Social Security Number: Enter your existing SSN.
• Place and Date of Birth: Provide city/state/country and full date (MM/DD/YYYY).
• Citizenship Status: Check the applicable box (U.S. Citizen, Legal Alien Allowed to Work, etc.).
• Ethnicity and Race (Items 6 & 7): Optional fields used for statistical purposes only.
• UPDATE: As of January 31, 2025, the SSA no longer allows changes to gender markers on Social Security records. While you can still change your name, the sex field cannot be modified.
• Parents’ Names and SSNs (Items 9 & 10): Primarily required for children under 18. For adult name changes, you can generally leave SSN fields blank or check “Unknown.”
• Previous Card Application (Items 11-13): Answer if you’ve applied before and provide name on most recent card and any different date of birth used previously.
• Contact Information & Mailing Address (Items 14-16): Provide current contact details and mailing address.
• Signature (Item 17): You must sign if 18 or older and capable. If you cannot sign or someone else is signing for you, special instructions apply.

Language Assistance: SSA provides instructional guides for completing Form SS-5 in various languages on their forms page.

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Documents

You have several options for submitting your completed Form SS-5 and documents.

Option 1: Start Online, Finish In-Person (Recommended)

• Visit the SSA’s “Replace Social Security card” page
• Answer the questions to determine eligibility for online steps
• Visit a local SSA office or Card Center within 45 calendar days to show original documents
• You may be able to schedule an appointment after completing the online portion

Option 2: Apply Fully In-Person

• Download and complete Form SS-5 beforehand
• Bring the completed form and all required documents to your local SSA office
• Appointments are highly recommended: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, Monday-Friday
• Offices are busiest on Mondays, the morning after holidays, and the first week of the month

Option 3: Apply by Mail

• Mail your completed Form SS-5 with original or certified documents to your local SSA office
• Documents will be returned after processing
• Consider the risks of mailing valuable documents; in-person visits are safer

Finding Your Local Social Security Office

• Use the SSA’s Office Locator tool by entering your ZIP code
• The tool provides address, phone number, and business hours for your local office
• Some metropolitan areas have dedicated Social Security Card Centers

Starting online and scheduling an in-person appointment is often most efficient.

Special Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens must provide additional documentation related to immigration status and work authorization.

Layered Documentation: Non-citizens must prove identity, name change, lawful immigration status, and typically, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) work authorization.

Proof of Identity: Often relies on current, unexpired DHS documents.

Proof of Immigration Status: Present current, unexpired DHS documentation such as:

• Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card/”Green Card”)
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) with unexpired foreign passport
• Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD)

Proof of Work Authorization: Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work by DHS can receive an SSN or update their card. Documents often overlap with status proof.

Students and Exchange Visitors: If on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa, additional documents needed:

• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) for F-1/M-1
• Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) for J-1
• Possibly a letter from designated school official or J-1 sponsor

Verification with DHS: SSA electronically verifies immigration documents with DHS, which may add processing time. Applying about 10 days after U.S. arrival can facilitate smoother verification.

Applying Concurrently with USCIS: In some cases, apply for an SSN directly on certain USCIS applications (I-765, I-485, N-400). SSA issues cards after USCIS approval.

Updating Status Changes: Report changes in immigration status or work authorization to SSA.

Non-citizens should review specific requirements on the SSA’s “Documents You Need” page or consult SSA Publication No. 05-10515.

Cost and Processing Time

Cost: There is no fee to apply for a corrected Social Security card. Be cautious of third-party services charging for assistance with this free process.

Processing Time:

• Card Mailing: Once processed, SSA mails the card to your provided address
• Estimated Arrival: Typically 7-10 business days after processing
• Mail-In Application Delay: Additional 2-4 weeks for processing mail applications
• Potential Delays: Verification issues or high application volume can extend processing
• System Update Time: Allow at least 10 days after receiving your card before filing taxes under your new name

Apply well in advance of needing your corrected card for other purposes.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Submit your application correctly the first time to save time and hassle:

• Incorrect Document Format: Only submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency
• Incomplete Application: Fill out all required fields on Form SS-5 accurately, legibly, signed and dated
• Name Discrepancies: Ensure the new name on Form SS-5 exactly matches your supporting documents
• Missing Proof of Name Change: Submit the specific legal document authorizing your name change
• Ignoring Non-Citizen Requirements: Include current, unexpired DHS documents proving status and work authorization
• Filing Taxes Too Soon: Wait until SSA processes your change and IRS records update (at least 10 days)
• Confusing Correction vs. Change: Focus on providing the required documentation for your specific situation

Double-check all documents and your application against SSA requirements before submitting.

After You Receive Your Updated Card: Your Name Change Checklist

After receiving your new Social Security card, update your name with other organizations using your updated card and name change document:

Prioritize government IDs and financial accounts first, as these often form the basis for updating other records.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.