How to Change Your Name with Social Security
There are three ways to request a name change on your card, and you can get a new card for free.
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To change your name with Social Security, you need to provide proof of identity, proof of your name change and proof of citizenship. You can make the request online, fill out and mail a form or visit a local Social Security office.
What you need to change your name on your Social Security card
Proof of identity
Because a Social Security card is a legal record, you’ll need to show proof of your identity. This type of document or record should include identifying information, such as your date of birth. The SSA also prefers that the documentation includes a recent photograph. You can use a:
U.S. driver’s license.
U.S. passport.
Nondriver ID card issued by your state.
If you don’t have any of those records available or can't get a replacement within 10 days, you can ask to use a different form of ID, such as one issued by your school or employer, a health insurance card or a military ID.
You have to bring certified original documents or certified copies. In most cases you can't provide expired documentation or photocopies.
Proof of name change
You’ll need to prove to the SSA that you legally changed your name. To do so, provide documentation that shows why you’re changing your name, such as a:
Marriage license.
Divorce decree.
Court order showing the approved name change.
Certificate of naturalization with the new name.
If you changed your name on other documentation more than two years ago, you’ll need to provide records that use your previous name. People under 18 years of age have a grace period of four years before this requirement kicks in.
Proof of citizenship
If you haven’t provided proof of citizenship to the SSA before, you’ll need to provide documentation showing your citizenship status. You can use a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.
How to update your Social Security card
There are three ways to submit a request to change your name on your Social Security card. All three use the same application.
1. Submit a request online
You can submit a request online to change your name on your Social Security card if you’re at least 18 years old and have a U.S. mailing address. The online system walks you through the process by asking you one question at a time and alerting you if any of your answers requires you to apply in person.
Once you’ve submitted your request online, you’ll need to provide proof of identity. This must be done in person at either an SSA office or a Social Security card center within 45 days of submitting your application.
Printing out the application
If you prefer to fill out a traditional form or can’t complete the online application, you can download the application and do it offline
Consider using certified copies to avoid losing an original document if your packet is lost.
Visiting a local SSA office
You can complete the entire process in person at an SSA office if you’d prefer to have someone help you. You must schedule an appointment. You can search for the nearest office at SSA.gov.
Reasons to change your name on your Social Security card
You need to keep the SSA up to date if you change your name for any reason. The following are reasons you’re likely to need a new name on your Social Security card.
You got married and took your spouse’s last name or created a hyphenated name as a couple.
You got divorced and want to go back to your previous name.
You’ve been adopted.
You don’t want to be associated with your birth or family name.
You now identify yourself with a new name. For example, you transitioned and now identify as a different gender than what was assigned at birth.
You had to amend or correct your birth certificate.
You recently became a U.S. citizen.
Pros and cons of changing your name on your Social Security card
The benefits of changing the name on your Social Security card include:
Your government and nongovernment records will match to avoid issues with proving your identity in the future.
Government agencies have the same name on file, which can avoid issues such as your tax refund being delayed.
Your Social Security contributions will be correctly reported in your new name to let you claim Social Security benefits later.
But there are a few downsides to changing your name on your Social Security card:
You have to update a lot of records, possibly including employment records, voter registration, insurance policies, utility and mortgage accounts, deeds, credit card accounts, credit reports, and doctor and pharmacy records.
You’ll have to get new physical IDs, including your driver’s license and passport.
If you file your taxes before your name change is complete, your tax return could be affected.
