Social Security Name Change: Your First Stop
Form SS-5 is free, and we fill it out for you. Every other agency waits on this one.
Updating your name with the Social Security Administration is the single most important step in your name change journey — and it has to come first. The SSA uses Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), the update is completely free, and your new card arrives in 2-4 weeks. You can apply in person at your local SSA office or by mail. Your nine-digit Social Security number stays the same; only the name on the card changes. Once your new card is in hand, every other agency — DMV, U.S. Passport, IRS, banks, employer — can use it as proof of your name change.
Quick Facts
Everything you need to know about a Social Security name change at a glance.
| Form | SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) |
| Fee | Free — no charge from the SSA, ever |
| Processing time | 2-4 weeks for your new card to arrive by mail |
| Where to file | In person at your local SSA office, or by mail |
| Required documents | Proof of identity, proof of name change, proof of citizenship |
| Order in your name change | First. Every other agency needs this card. |
How to Update Social Security
Three steps. Most people finish in about a month from start to mailbox.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You'll need three things: a current government-issued photo ID, your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. All must be original or certified copies — photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, the SSA accepts a current U.S. driver's license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. passport. The ID can be expired up to 2 years and still be acceptable. Employee or school ID cards work too if you don't have a primary ID.
For proof of name change, you'll bring the document that legally authorizes the change: a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree (with restoration-of-name language), a court order signed by a judge, or an adoption decree. Vital records offices charge $15-50 for additional certified copies, and most allow online ordering.
For proof of U.S. citizenship, you can use your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Permanent residents bring their green card. The SSA returns all originals by mail after processing — usually within a couple of weeks.
Step 2: Complete Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is the Application for a Social Security Card. It asks for your current name, new name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, parent information, and the reason for the name change. Fill it out completely before your visit — incomplete forms are the most common reason for a return trip.
NewLastName fills out Form SS-5 for you, free, in about 5 minutes. We pull your information from a single intake — no retyping the same data on every form. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your documents (no nicknames, no abbreviations). If you're moving your prior surname to your middle name, include that change here so it shows up on the card.
You can also download the blank form directly from ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf and fill it out by hand. Either way, do it before you arrive — SSA offices don't have many surfaces for filling out paperwork, and incomplete fields slow you down.
Sign the form in pen on the day you submit. The SSA does not accept digital signatures.
Step 3: Visit Your SSA Office or Mail Your Application
Most people go in person — bring your completed SS-5 and original documents to your local SSA office. The visit itself is short (often under 30 minutes); the SSA verifies your documents on the spot and returns them by mail along with your new card a few weeks later.
Find your nearest office at secure.ssa.gov/ICON. Mondays and Fridays are the busiest; Tuesday through Thursday mid-morning typically have the shortest lines. Some offices also take appointments — call ahead to check.
If a trip in person isn't realistic, you can mail Form SS-5 along with your original documents to your local SSA office. The SSA returns originals by mail. Mail processing adds an extra week or two to the total timeline, so plan for 4-6 weeks instead of 2-4.
You cannot change your name on your Social Security card online — that option only exists for replacement cards when the name isn't changing. After your visit, your new card arrives in 2-4 weeks. Your nine-digit Social Security number does not change. Once the card arrives, you're cleared to update your driver's license, passport, IRS, and everything else.
What to Bring to the SSA Office
Three categories of document. Originals or certified copies only — the SSA does not accept photocopies, even notarized ones.
- Current Government-Issued Photo ID. A current U.S. driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport in your prior name. The ID can be expired up to 2 years.
- Proof of Name Change. A certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree showing name restoration, signed court order, or adoption decree. Order multiple certified copies — every agency wants its own.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Status. A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card.
- Current Social Security Card. If you have it. Not required — the SSA can still process your name change if your card is lost or misplaced.
- Completed Form SS-5. Filled out and signed in pen. NewLastName generates this for you in 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card online?
No, you cannot change your name on your Social Security card online. Name changes must be done in person at a local SSA office. You can only order replacement cards online if your name isn't changing.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name with Social Security?
No lawyer is needed to change your name with Social Security. The process is designed for people to handle themselves. You just need to fill out Form SS-5 and bring the required documents to your local SSA office.
Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?
No, your Social Security number stays the same when you change your name. Only the name on your Social Security card changes. Your number remains constant throughout your lifetime in most cases.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced. Most states allow online ordering with fees ranging from $15-50. You cannot use photocopies for a Social Security name change.
Can I mail my documents to Social Security for a name change?
No, name changes cannot be done by mail with Social Security. You must visit an SSA office in person. This policy helps prevent fraud and ensures document authenticity.
How much does it cost to change your name on your Social Security card?
Changing your name on your Social Security card is completely free. There are no fees charged by the Social Security Administration for name changes or card replacements.
Do I need to update Social Security first before other agencies?
Yes, most other agencies (DMV, passport office, banks) require an updated Social Security card before they'll process your name change. Always start with Social Security to avoid delays with other updates.
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Start Your Free Name ChangeLast verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy