Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card

What actually changes

Changing your name with Social Security doesn't give you a new Social Security number — your number stays exactly the same for life. What changes is the name attached to your record, and you get a new physical card printed with your updated legal name in place of the old one. This is handled as a "corrected" card request, the same underlying process used to replace a lost or damaged card, just with a different reason code.

How to request the update

Start at ssa.gov's Number & Card page, which asks a few questions and routes you to the right path. In some states you can complete the entire request online through your personal mySocial Security account. If your state or situation isn't eligible for the online path, you'll need to file a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and either mail it in or bring it to an appointment at your local Social Security office or Card Center — you can often self-schedule that appointment online first.

Documents you'll need

Whichever path you use, you'll need to show evidence of your identity, your new legal name, and the event that caused the change — a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree showing the new name, or a certified court order for any other legal name change. Social Security only accepts original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them — photocopies and notarized copies aren't accepted, and every document must be current, not expired. If you're a foreign-born U.S. citizen or noncitizen, you may also need to show proof of citizenship or lawful status.

Why updating matters for wages and taxes

Updating your name with Social Security isn't just paperwork — it protects your earnings record. If your employer reports wages under your new name but Social Security's records still show your old one, those wages may not post correctly to your account, which can lower the benefit amount you're eventually entitled to. A name mismatch between Social Security and the IRS can also delay your tax filing. Once you've updated your name with Social Security, tell your employer too, so your next paycheck's wage report matches.

Cost and timeline

There's no fee for a corrected Social Security card — the entire process, online or in person, is free. Once your request is complete, Social Security mails your new card to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days. There's no rush option or in-person printing; every replacement or corrected card arrives by mail.

Need an in-person appointment?

If your situation requires an in-person visit rather than an online request, you'll need to find your local field office, confirm its hours, and check whether same-day walk-ins are accepted or an appointment is required. You can also call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and tell the representative you want to update your name.

Which document do I need?

• Married → certified marriage certificate
• Divorced → certified divorce decree showing your new name
• Other legal name change → certified court order
• Foreign-born citizen or noncitizen → also bring proof of citizenship or lawful status
• Every scenario → also bring one current, unexpired proof of identity