How do I change the name on my Social Security card?

When you need to go to a Social Security office

If you live in one of the other 29 states, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory or if you are changing your name for a reason other than marriage (such as divorce or naturalization), you may be able to start the process by filling out an online form, but you will have to finish it at an SSA office.

You have 45 days from when you filed the online portion of the application to appear in person with proof of identity and proof of the name change. Call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at a local Social Security office. Keep in mind that the appointment date may be several weeks after you call — the average wait in early August 2025 was 35 days, according to SSA data.

You'll need to bring evidence of the name change and proof of your identity. Evidence of the name change could be:

• A marriage certificate (at least 30 days old).
• A divorce decree.
• A certificate of U.S. naturalization.
• A court order granting the name change.

For proof of identity, provide an unexpired, government-issued photo ID such as:

• A U.S. passport.
• A driver’s license.
• A state-issued ID card.

If you don’t have one of these, Social Security might accept:

• A military ID card.
• Medical records that show your name and age (or date of birth) and have a doctor’s signature or stamp. These must be records of treatment; hospital bills, payment receipts or admission letters are not accepted. 
• A health insurance or Medicaid card that shows your name and your age, date of birth or photograph. (Medicare cards are not accepted.)

You may need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship if that status is not reflected in Social Security records. Acceptable documents include:

• A U.S. birth certificate.
• An unexpired U.S. passport.
• A certification of naturalization.
• A certificate of citizenship.
• A U.S. consular report of birth abroad.

Your documents must be originals or certified copies from the agency that issued the original — for example, the county where you received your marriage license. Social Security will not accept photocopies or even notarized copies.

Noncitizens must provide immigration documents proving their identity and authorization to work in the United States, along with their foreign passport and a legal record of a name change. The SSA has an online pamphlet with details in English and Spanish.

What else to know about filing for a name change

• If you are unable to start the process online or prefer not to, you can apply on paper at an SSA office. You’ll need to fill out Form SS-5, the standard application for a Social Security card, which you can obtain at the office or download from the Social Security website. Present the completed form at your local office, along with original copies of the documents proving your identity, legal name change and, if necessary, immigration status.
• Failing to notify the Social Security Administration of a name change can have consequences. If your legal name does not match the name on your Social Security record, it could prevent the agency from crediting earnings to you or cause delays in processing your tax return.
• If you aren’t changing your name but simply need to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, you can request a new card online in most states, using your My Social Security account.
• To update or correct other information in your Social Security record, such as citizenship status or date or place of birth, you’ll need to go to a Social Security office.