How to Change Your Name With Social Security
Steps
- There is no fee: a name change is a request for a free replacement card.
- You may be able to request the change online. If not, make an appointment at a local office.
- If you cannot use online services, you will need to complete a paper Form SS-5.
- Use SSA's Learn What Documents You Need tool and select Corrected under Type of Card.
- SSA asks for original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency — not photocopies or notarized copies.
- The card comes by mail 5-10 business days after SSA completes the request.
Source: Replace your Social Security card and Change name with Social Security (Social Security Administration); no fee: Update your identity documents (California Courts)
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose. How the tool works
Quick Facts
Sourced from SSA pages.
| Fee | Free replacement card |
| Card arrival | By mail, 5-10 business days after SSA completes the request |
| How to apply | Online if eligible; otherwise appointment at a local office; or paper Form SS-5 if you cannot use online services |
| Phone | Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones, and tell the representative you want to update your name. |
| Form | Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) |
| Number | Same number; new name on the card |
| Print at office? | No — your local Social Security office cannot print a card for you |
Which way can I apply?
SSA leads with online when you are eligible. If not, you need an appointment. Paper Form SS-5 is the fallback when you cannot use online services.
Online (if eligible)
You may be able to request the change online. If not, you'll need to make an appointment at a local office. Start at Change name with Social Security. In some states you can request a corrected card through a my Social Security account.
Appointment at a local office
If you cannot finish online, you need to make an appointment at a local office. Find an office through SSA's locator and bring the documents SSA lists for a corrected card.
Paper Form SS-5 (mail or in person)
SSA FAQ KA-01981: "If you are unable to use our online services, you will need to complete a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)." Social Security says that in most cases you can take or mail a signed Form SS-5 with your documents to any Social Security office, and documents you mail are returned. See Form SS-5 (PDF).
SSA also notes: "Your local Social Security office cannot print one for you." The card comes by mail after SSA completes the request — so a receipt from an office visit is not the same as the updated card in hand.
What proof SSA asks for
Per SSA FAQ KA-01981: evidence of identity, your new legal name, and the name-change event; you may need to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status.
- Caveat (noncitizen / non-work): in some noncitizen cases without DHS work authorization, SSA may update the record but cannot issue a corrected card. See ss5doc. This page does not give eligibility advice.
Changing your name as part of a gender transition? See name changes for gender identity for the overall steps.
Then the DMV
USAGov says: "Other agencies learn of name changes through the SSA." State motor vehicle agencies can confirm your identity with SSA's records through a verification agreement with Social Security (SSA data exchange: SSOLV).
See DMV name change and name change order of agencies. State wait-time numbers live on the DMV page with their sources.
Cost
SSA charges nothing for the replacement card. Certified copies of a marriage certificate or decree cost whatever the issuing office charges — see name change cost rather than a fee table here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to change your name on your Social Security card?
Yes. You can request a free replacement card for a name change. Certified copies of a marriage certificate or decree cost whatever the issuing office charges.
Can I change my name on my Social Security card online?
You may be able to request the change online. If not, you'll need to make an appointment at a local office. In some states, you can request a corrected card through a my Social Security account. If you cannot use online services, you will need to complete a paper Form SS-5.
Does my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No. SSA: "Your new card will have the same number as your previous card but will show your new name."
Can I mail my documents to Social Security for a name change?
Yes. Social Security says that in most cases you can take or mail a signed Form SS-5 with your documents to any Social Security office, and documents you mail are returned. See Form SS-5 (PDF) on ssa.gov.
Do I need the new Social Security card before the DMV?
Check your state's DMV rules. Other agencies learn of name changes through the SSA (USAGov), and state motor vehicle agencies can confirm your identity with SSA's records through a verification agreement with Social Security (SSA data exchange: SSOLV). Read your state's page on DMV name change before you go.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages before you file.
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration)
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration)
- FAQ KA-01981: change or correct your name on your Social Security card (Social Security Administration)
- Learn what documents you need for a Social Security card (Social Security Administration)
- Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security card (PDF) (Social Security Administration)
- How to change your name and what government agencies to notify (USAGov)
- Update your name on IDs and accounts (California Courts self-help) (California Courts)
Links checked 2026-10-23.