How to Change Your Name on Social Security Card: Changing your name on a Social Security card is an important process, especially if you’ve gotten married, divorced, or had a legal name change. There are a few simple steps you need to take to ensure that your new name is correctly recorded on your Social Security records. In this article, we’ll show you how you can easily update your name.
How to Change Name on Your Social Security Card?
After any legal name change, it is necessary that you update your Social Security records. For this, you will need some important documents and an application form to fill. Let us understand the important points of this process at a glance:
Get a certified document of your new name after legal name change.
- Apply for a Social Security card and submit it to the SSA (Social Security Administration).
- Show valid documents to prove your identity.
- After approval, your new Social Security card will be sent in a few weeks.
Some important information
| Information | Details |
| Required Documents | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, naturalization certificate |
| Application Form | SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card |
| Acceptable Identity Documents | Current U.S. passport, driver’s license, state ID |
| Citizenship Proof | Birth certificate, unexpired passport, certificate of citizenship |
| Processing Time | Typically arrives within several weeks |
Prepare the Documents
When you change your name, you need proof of your new legal name. This document can be by marriage, divorce, legal adoption, or court order. Here are some important documents: Keep in mind that the SSA only accepts originals or certified copies.
| Marriage certificate | Divorce decree |
| Court order of name change | U.S. Proof of Citizenship |
Fill out the Social Security Card Application
For a name change, you must fill out Form SS-5. This can be submitted in person to the SSA office or sent by mail.
Show Proof of Identity
When visiting the SSA office or mailing documents, you will need to show proof of your identity. The document must include a photo and must not be outdated.
Proof of Identity Documents:
- Current U.S. passport
- Current U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
If you don’t have any of these, the SSA may also accept other documents:
- Employee identification card
- School identification card
- Health insurance card (that is not Medicare)
- U.S. military identification card
If the SSA does not have proof of your citizenship, you will need to show proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Proof of Citizenship:
- U.S. birth certificate or report of birth abroad
- Outdated U.S. Passport
Certificate of citizenship
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to show a passport from your country of origin along with proof of your identity and U.S. work permit, and a legal record of the name change.
Getting a new Social Security card
Once the SSA accepts your documents, a new card will be issued at no charge. The new card will usually be received within a few weeks and will keep your old number.
Update other documents
In addition to changing the name on the Social Security card, it is important that you update your other official documents as well. This includes:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Bank accounts and credit cards
Don’t forget to notify your employer and other institutions about your new name as well, so that all records match.
Uses of Social Security Card
The Social Security card is an important document in the US, which is linked to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are the main uses of the Social Security card:
For identification
The Social Security card is used to prove your identity. It contains your name and Social Security number (SSN), which is important for many official purposes.
Employment verification
Employers often ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity and eligibility to work in the US. It is required to fill out Form I-9, which is used to verify eligibility to work.
For taxes
Your Social Security number is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax identification. It is required for filing tax returns and receiving Social Security benefits.
Social Security benefits
Your Social Security number is needed to receive Social Security benefits, such as retirement, disability or inherited benefits. The SSA calculates the benefit amount using the earnings record linked to your SSN.
Bank accounts and financial transactions
Banks usually need your Social Security number to open a bank account. It may also be needed for loans, mortgages, and other financial transactions.
Government services
Many government services, such as public assistance programs and health benefits, require your Social Security number.
Credit applications
When you apply for a credit card or loan, lenders often ask for your Social Security number to check your credit history and score.
Health services
Your SSN may be needed by health care providers and insurance companies to process your billing and claims.
Education benefits
For some education-related benefits, such as federal student aid (FAFSA), you must provide your Social Security number.
Retirement planning
A Social Security card is also important in retirement planning, allowing you to track your income and contributions to Social Security, which can help you save money in the future.
