Correct the name on Social Security card

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:

• Delay your tax refund; and
• Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.

To change your name on your Social Security card:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
• Show us proof of your:
  • U.S. citizenship (if you have not previously established your citizenship with us) or immigration status;
  • Legal name change; and
  • Identity.
• Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Documents for a name change:

If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change are your:

• Marriage document;
• Divorce decree specifically stating you may change your name;
• Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or
• Court order for a name change.

If documents you provide for a legal name change do not give enough information to identify you (date of birth or age), then you also must show two identity documents:

• One document with your old name; and
• A second document with your new legal name.

In addition to your name, these documents must contain identifying information (date of birth or age) or a recent photograph.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.  We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

For more information, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.

We will mail your number and card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place. Do not carry it with you.