Social Security Name Change: Your First Stop
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 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request. 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.
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose. How the tool works
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 | 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request for your new card to arrive by mail |
| Where to file | In person at your local SSA office, or by mail (Form SS-5: "you can take or mail this signed application with your documents to any Social Security office") |
| 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. 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. The fee for additional certified copies is set by the issuing vital records office, 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.
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 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; the SSA verifies your documents on the spot and mails your new card 5-10 business days after it completes your request. Check Social Security.
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. Social Security mails your new card 5-10 business days after it completes your request.
In some states you can request a name-corrected card online; otherwise you mail or take Form SS-5 to an SSA office. After SSA completes your request, your new card arrives in 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request. 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.
- 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. Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my Social Security card online?
In some states, yes: Social Security lets you request a corrected card through a my Social Security account. Everywhere else, you can start online, or mail or take a signed Form SS-5 with your documents to your local Social Security office.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name with Social Security?
Many people handle a name change themselves. If your situation involves custody, immigration, or a criminal record, consider talking to a lawyer.
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; the fee is set by the issuing office. You cannot use photocopies for a Social Security name change.
Can I mail my documents to Social Security for a name change?
Yes. Social Security says you can take or mail a signed Form SS-5 with your documents to any Social Security office, and it returns any documents you mail.
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.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security card (PDF) (Social Security Administration)
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Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy