Social Security Name Change: A Complete Guide for 2024
You can legally change the name on your social security card after marriage, divorce, or court order through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Getting a new social security card paves the way for other name changes, such as your driver's license and passport.
Your social security number (SSN) will stay the same after changing your name.
Name change requirements
You can change the name on your social security card by completing the SS-5 application and providing:
Any evidence you offer—ID, records, certificates—must be original or certified copies. Photocopies, notarized copies, photos, and receipts are unacceptable.
Does this mean you're obliged to mail your driver's license and unearth your birth certificate? Maybe not. You may only have to satisfy the first condition (explained later).
Changing the name on your social security card is just one part of the name change process. Our name change after marriage guide paints the complete picture.
Caution: While changing your name alone won't affect your social security benefits, such as SSI or widower payments, the act of marriage itself may affect your benefits.
What's allowed in your legal name change?
Your legal name is your first and last name only. The SSA will still print your middle name and suffix on your social security card if enough space is available.
Your name may only contain letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Suffixes are okay. Omit your personal title, such as Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Esq., Sister, or Father.
Don't use a nickname or abbreviation, such as Liz for Elizabeth or Deb for Deborah, unless it's your actual legal name.
SS-5 social security name change form
Use Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to:
- Change your name.
- Get a new social security number.
- Correct a flawed social security record.
- Request a replacement social security card.
The form will ask you to spell out your:
- Birth name
- Current name
- Other names used
- New name to be shown on card
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- Birthplace
- Sex
- Race (optional)
- Ethnicity (optional)
- Citizenship
- Parents' names
- Parents' social security numbers
- Daytime phone number
- Mailing address
- Today's date
- Signature
Sign your new name on the application. Make it legible. You can omit your parent's social security number if you're 18 years old or older.
Only use black or blue ink to complete and sign your application, printed on standard 8.5″ x 11″ or A4 (8.27″ x 11.69″) copy paper.
You don't have to include your old social security card with your application; it's not a valid form of identification.
You can fill out the social security form using our name change kit. Be prepared to download, print, sign, and mail your auto-filled PDF form.
Proof of name change
There are four unique name change events:
Proven by their respective name change documents:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
- Certificate of naturalization
Let's unpack each event, starting with the most common…
Marriage name change
Fourteen states will allow you to choose your new married name when applying for a marriage license, which shows up on your marriage certificate:
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
The following map illustrates how most states (representing 69% of the U.S. population) won't ask that you pick out your new name when applying to get married.
For the remaining 36 states and D.C., you can "derive" your new name in four ways:
These rules apply to same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships too.
1. Full last name
Take your spouse's entire last name, as-is. This is the "traditional" approach.
2. Partial last name
Take one whole part of your spouse's hyphenated or space-separated last name. (Assuming such name exists.)
For instance, if your spouse's last name was Davis-Garcia, you could choose either Davis or Garcia as your new last name if you preferred not to adopt their full hyphenated name.
3. Hyphenated last name
Combine your and your spouse's last names with a hyphen (-), in either order.
4. Double-barreled last name
Join your and your spouse's last names, separated by a space, in either order. The space character is mandatory; your names can't be flush together.
Married name change examples
The following exhibits your choices if your last name were Adams and spouse's Baker.
| Option | New last name |
|---|---|
| Full | Baker |
| Hyphenated | Adams-Baker |
| Hyphenated | Baker-Adams |
| Double-barreled | Adams Baker |
| Double-barreled | Baker Adams |
Here's an example using Adams and Baker-Smith…
| Option | New last name |
|---|---|
| Full | Baker-Smith |
| Partial | Baker |
| Partial | Smith |
| Hyphenated | Adams-Baker-Smith |
| Hyphenated | Baker-Smith-Adams |
| Double-barreled | Adams Baker-Smith |
| Double-barreled | Baker Smith-Adams |
You can't change your first name through marriage; petition the court instead.
Divorce name change
You can return to your maiden name using your divorce decree. Or any prior legal name. Men and women. Just ask the judge to include the written order.
If your decree has a name restoration order:
- You can only return to that name.
- It will be accepted by all government agencies.
If your decree is missing a name restoration order:
- The SSA can restore your maiden name.
- The SSA can restore any prior name on file.
- It might be accepted by other government agencies.
Divorce name change rules apply to similar legal break-ups:
- Annulment
- Civil union dissolution
- Domestic partnership dissolution
You can skip your divorce name change if you plan to switch it later after getting married again. This avoids a redundant, back-to-back name swap.
Court order name change
For a court-petitioned name change, you can only transition to the judge-approved name shown on your court order.
A court order is the most powerful name change instrument, permitting unrestricted first, middle, and last name revisions. Reach for this tool if all else fails.
Naturalization name change
You can ask the court for a new name during naturalization, then use your certificate of naturalization as proof.
Proof of age
False assumptions on name change and birth certificates merits mentioning that you don't have to prove age to:
- Change your name.
- Obtain a duplicate card.
- Replace a lost or stolen card.
But you must show evidence of age to:
- Apply for your first card.
- Correct your date of birth on file.
- Get a brand new social security number.
- Make up for forgetting your social security number.
You can confirm your age using a:
- Birth certificate (preferred)
- Identity document (showing age), or
- U.S. citizenship document (showing age)
Proof of identity
You must show one form of "primary" photo ID to change your name. If mailing identification alarms you, there may be a surprising workaround. Let's cover this rule first…
U.S. citizens, show your American:
- Driver's license
- State-issued ID card, or
- Passport book or passport card
U.S. lawful immigrants, show your foreign passport and:
- Green card
- Arrival/departure record
- Machine-readable immigrant visa, or
- Employment authorization document (EAD)
Alternative, secondary ID
You can show secondary ID if primary ID is unavailable. "Unavailable" means you can't "easily" access or replace it within ten business days.
The following table lists acceptable alternative identity documents approved by the SSA, which must contain your photograph, age, or date of birth:
| Document | U.S. citizens | Non-citizens | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. military ID card | Yes | Yes | All |
| U.S. official passport | Yes | No | All |
| U.S. diplomatic passport | Yes | No | All |
| U.S. certificate of citizenship | Yes | No | All |
| U.S. certificate of naturalization | Yes | No | All |
| U.S. Indian tribal card | Yes | No | All |
| School record (current year) | Yes | Yes | All |
| Medical record | Yes | Yes | All |
| Religious record | Yes | Yes | Birth to 17 |
| Life insurance policy | Yes | Yes | 6+ |
| Final adoption decree | Yes | Yes | Birth to 17 |
| Employee ID card or badge | Yes | No | 18+ |
| Health insurance card | Yes | Yes | All |
| Medicaid card | Yes | Yes | All |
| Non-citizen state-issued ID card | No | Yes | All |
| Non-citizen state-issued driver's license | No | Yes | All |
The agency that issues your medical, religious, or school records must certify them. Insurance policies and medical cards must be current and active.
To reduce the chance of your paperwork returned asking for nonexistent primary ID, take preemptive action by attaching a note explaining your plight…
Please accept this secondary ID, as I cannot access or obtain primary evidence of ID within 10 business days.
Statement complying with SSA POMS RM 10210.420
Maybe you don't need ID
You may be able to use your name change document, such as your marriage certificate, as primary identification. This offers the convenience of mailing your application without surrendering your driver's license, passport, etc.
This works by making sure your document:
Review the primary ID options if your name change document doesn't qualify as ID.
1. Is recently established
You've crossed the biggest hurdle if your name change event took place within the past two years. (It extends to four years if you're below the age of 18.)
There's no hard name change deadline. But waiting too long increases your burden—mailing ID and awaiting its return. Even then, alternative ID options exist.
2. Shows biographical information
Your name change document must—and should—show biographical data matching your current social security record:
- Age
- Date of birth, or
- Parents' names (one or both)
Any of the above three details work, but nothing else.
3. Matches your current name on file
Your name change document must mention the name on your current social security card. So, if your name was Jane Doe before changing, your document must reflect that.
Proof of citizenship
In the unlikely event that the Social Security Administration is unaware of your U.S. citizenship, show your:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. birth certificate
- KIC-class American Indian card
- Consular report of birth abroad (CRBA), or
- U.S. certificate of citizenship or naturalization
The bottom line is that you can skip this step if the SSA issued you a social security card in the past with your citizenship status marked as U.S. citizen.
Proof of lawful immigrant status
If you're a U.S. lawful immigrant (non-citizen), verify your immigration status with your:
- Foreign passport
- Work authorization (if applicable), and
- Unexpired U.S.-issued immigration document
Student visa holders (F-1 or M-1), show Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). If employed, show a pay stub or employer letter listing your:
- Job
- Hours
- Start date
- Supervisor's name
- Supervisor's phone number
Exchange visitor visa holders (J-1 or J-2), show Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status). If employed, your sponsor must write a letter that's:
- Signed
- On their letterhead
- Authorizing you to work
Submitting your paperwork
You have a major decision to make after preparing your paperwork—submit your application by mail or in person? The in-person experience is clear-cut:
- Visit your local social security office.
- Submit your paperwork for review and scanning.
- Retrieve your documents: identification, certificates, etc.
- Exit with your receipt of services rendered.
- Await your new card by mail.
You can schedule an appointment to change your name, which saves time by skipping the line. Walk-ins without an appointment are still welcome.
You cannot change your name with social security online or via MySSA (my Social Security). You must either apply by mail or in office.
Social security offices reopen
In-person service has returned to local social security offices on April 7, 2022.
COVID-19's impact on social security had closed field offices to the public for over two years, between March 17, 2020 and April 7, 2022. Forcing name change applications to mail…
The Social Security Administration is taking steps to protect the public and our employees during the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.
Until further notice, offices are open to provide limited, dire need, in person services by appointment only. We will continue offering services by phone and online.
Transcription of prerecorded notice on prior office closures.
Receiving your new card by mail
It should take 7 to 14 days to receive your new social security card by mail. The COVID-19-related delays of 2021–2022 have settled down. Four weeks is the worst-case scenario.
Since SSA field offices have reopened in April 2022, processing times have improved to more normal levels.
Expect two deliveries
Supporting documents you send with your application will arrive earlier from your local office. The "Central Office" near DC and Baltimore will mail your updated card last.
For instance, if your mailed packet includes your:
- Completed SS-5 form
- Driver's license (proof of identity)
- Marriage certificate (proof of name change)
You'll get mailed two envelopes:
- One early envelope returning your photo ID and certificate.
- A second, delayed envelope containing your updated social security card.
It's normal for your card to arrive several weeks after your personal documents.
If your new social security card has an error, typo, or missing information, contact your nearest SSA office for a correction.
Securing your social security card
When your new social security card arrives by mail:
- Sign it in ink.
- Avoid making photocopies.
- Seal it in a plastic bag or container.
- Store it at home instead of your wallet or purse.
Don't laminate your card; it blocks built-in anti-counterfeiting security features.
Changing your name on other credentials
How should you order and space out your name change to-dos beyond social security? Here's the proper sequence:
- Green card
- Social security card
- Driver's license or Real ID
- Military ID card
- Passport
- IRS
- USPS
- Employers
- Everything else
Let's explain each in quick succession…
1. Green card
Use Form I-90 to change your green card name. This precedes social security.
2. Social security card
Social security name change makes your new name legal.
3. Driver's license or Real ID
Wait at least 24 hours between your social security and driver's license name change; enough time for the SSA database to refresh before it's queried.
4. Military ID card
Update your military ID via DEERS or an ID card center.
5. Passport
Renew or change your passport name any time.
6. IRS
The SSA will alert the IRS that you've changed your name.
7. USPS
Set up USPS mail forwarding if changing your address.
8. Employers
The name on your W-2s must match IRS records for proper social security benefits recording.
9. Everything else
Notify or update the leftovers:
- Banks
- Business cards
- Car title and registration
- Clubs
- Credit cards
- Doctor's offices
- Government tax assessors
- Insurance companies (auto, life, health, homeowners)
- Internet properties (email and website)
- Landlord
- Memberships
- Mortgage company
- Pharmacists
- Property deeds, titles, and trusts
- Retirement plans (401k and IRA)
- Shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay, PayPal)
- Social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Utilities (water, electric, cable, phone, internet)
- Voter registration
Conclusion
Whether you use this guide or our online name change kit to change your name, everything starts with updating your social security card. Good luck to you.
Your questions and comments are welcome below.
Hi! I just got married in June 2018 and need to go through the process of changing my name. I want to take my maiden name and make it my middle name and take my husbands last name. Is this something I can do by filling out the application and going to the SSA office in person?
Hi Jennifer. For most states, dropping your middle name for your maiden name is possible. Take a look at the end of the maiden to middle article for a list of states where it's problematic.
…Apparently in MY state this is an issue, your middle name becomes your legal middle name and they require you to have it legally done in court to keep the maiden in the middle, I was married in 86 and never for a moment thought my MIDDLE name wasn't my choice for SSA — somehow with all my paperwork in hand the SS office saw no problem with sticking the maiden name in it but now in 2018(well actually not officially until 2020) They all of a sudden NEED that legally changed middle name on the driver's license should you wish to fly or go in a federal building. Just doing that in the SS office doesn't seem to be the way to do it in Ohio. I am waiting to see what anyone says I can do further down on this blog. I thank ALL of you responders for this blog, the askers and anwerers.
Ohio is one of the few remaining states that doesn't recognize replacing the middle name with your maiden name using the marriage certificate. Even though you changed your name in '86, the agencies have to follow today's rules (with some exceptions).
I got married and changed my name at the SSA office and have the receipt with my new name on it and I can use that to get a new ID, however my employer won't use that receipt? That doesn't make sense if I can get a legal ID but my employer cant change my name??? Is this correct
This is up to your employer. It could also be up to local, state, or federal regulations your employer must abide by. They may simply require your physical social security card reflecting your updated name.
Hi,
I was previously married and divorced. Remarried in 2013 and changed my name at that time. I would like to change my name to be a hyphenated version of my previous and current names. Is this possible without a court order? I inquired about a court order and that requires you to change your birth certificate. That is stupid. My name at birth was my name at birth, I am not changing that.
A court order would be required to hyphenate your current and previously married surname.
If I did not receive a temporary card (just a receipt), can I go to the DMV & still get my new license? Or do I need to wait until I get the new SS card in the mail? I've heard that you're supposed to get the new license within 10 days of changing your name at the SS office, but also that it takes about 10 days for the new card to come in…
Hi Maria. You don't need your updated social security card in hand to change your name with the DMV. If you changed your name at a local social security office, it's worth waiting a day before going to the DMV to replace your driver's license. This day wait allows time for the SSA database to refresh. If the DMV decides to query their database for your name change, it'll see the change.
On my SSN I have my married name and my maiden name, I want to leave only my married name. Do I need to do court order and go through the whole process of court hearing ?
Yes, changing it again requires a court order.
Hello, I got divorced in September 2014 and requested the judge for my maiden name back. Come to find out I never got the decree to have my name changed back so I guess he forgot or something and I went to the SSA and changed my name with my Divorce documents back to my maiden name but when I went to the DMV, I showed them my new ssc and they said I needed the court order for name change. I don’t feel that I should pay the name change fee due to the circumstances but I do understand it’s been years now. How can I have the judge amend this so that I can smoothly change my name back with no fee?
You can get in touch with the court and request a corrected divorce decree. They'll explain the procedure.
Thank you so much! You are an amazing help to all of us
My divorce was done in Broward County and I’m currently in Hillsborough County (4 hours away). The court always redirects family law cases to the website where I cannot find the information I’m looking for and there is no option to speak to a representative. Can I contact the assistant of the judge (who’s number I found on the courts website) or who can I seek to speak to?
You can try. You can also try the clerk of the courts of Broward County.
I just recently got married. I need to do a name change on my social security card. I live in one state but border another. Its closer to go to the other state vs the one I live in. Can I go to any social security office in any state or do I need to go to the one I live in?
You can go to any office.
how much does it cost in Tarrant
county texas
Hi Jess. What are you referring to?
Hi will my temporary certificate of marriage be accepted since I'm still waiting for the certified copy to come in the mail? The temporary one does not expire until 11/29/2018
No, the temporary certificate wouldn't work. You'll have to wait for the certified copy to arrive.
I got married in 2013 but due to only having a green card SS office said I had to use both my new last name and maiden name on my new ss card. Now that Im a citizen do I need to keep my maiden name? Name is way too long and would only like to keep one last name.
Hi Iz. You don't have to keep your maiden name, but you would have to get a court order to formally drop it.
I am changing name on SS card after marriage. Other than the marriage certificate to send in do they also require the application for marriage license where it states designated surname?
No, just the certificate.
I sent all my belongings in to change my name after marriage and i got my new social quite quickly, but not any of my documents. I'm really worried
Hi Sandra. Supporting identity documents you send in with your forms should be returned to you along with your new card. You may have to phone or mail the SSA to request an inquiry.
Hello!
My husband had two last names. When we were married I took one and he planned on dropping the last name so that we both had matching names. I was initially told no that he couldn’t do that he’d have to go to court and apply for a legal name change but with a little persistence and someone who actually dug deeper to give me a clear reason as to why he couldn’t drop that second last name ….. a manager was able to find that it was allowed. It was approved, we both got our cards, everything’s good.
We take those to the dmv. They deny his request to update his name stating that the marriage certificate name doesn’t match the NEW social so it can’t be done. (But they just did mine moments before) my new social didn’t match my maiden name on that certificate either, so what gives?? I’m so frustrated. This has been such a battle.
Hi Naomi. Which state did the marriage take place in and which state are you a resident of?
When you sign your ss name change application, do you sign with the new name or your birth name?
You'd sign your new name.
I want to change my full name; last, frist, and middle when I get married. Is this possible in NM (New Mexico). How would apply for a license ( with current name or the new name I want to change to).
You would have to petition the court to change your full name.
The New Mexico marriage license application will only ask you for your current, legal name and not what you might change to.
Hi,
I was just at both the DMV and SS office twice (each) today. First of all, I didn't change my SS card when I got married. I waited much too long.
The DMV gave me an override to change my last name on the ID I had at the time but now my ID has expired (since 2017) and I need to renew it. But I can't. Because my SS card was never changed and they can no longer override.
I went to SS building and they can't change my card because I don't have a valid ID. And that's when the back and forth thing happened.
I was told that I need to have documentation (ID/Record of "existence"), now she tells me that I need two forms with both my maiden name and married name. She also told me to actually go to the doctor so that I have a record on file.
Um…no. I don't have health care and don't plan on spending money out of pocket just so I can prove to the government that I exist. Is there anything that I can do to get them moving along on my SS card? She wasn't even clear on what I should do to retrieve these impossible documents. Any advice would be helpful!
Hi Esther. Did you present a certified copy of your marriage certificate to the clerk? Are you able to provide any identity document, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport? Even if expired? If you don't have any of those, could you produce a school, employee, health, or military ID card?
I live in PA and just got married can I just go to the SS Administration office and fill out a form there to get a new SS card with my new last name. With my marriage certificate.
Yes, of course.
Not sure if this has already been addressed. I got married June 2017, and on our marriage license I opted to change my last name to my husbands. It was a decision made in haste, as I did not realize I had to change my name immediately, so was not really ready to make such a huge decision!
Since then, I have not actually gone through the process of doing a name change social security office, DMV, etc. as I regret the decision of having written that I will drop my maiden name and take on my husbands.
I would like to keep my maiden name as well as take on my husbands name.
Will the social security office/DMV allow me to do so even though on my marriage license/certificate it states I intend to change my last name to only his?
Yes, they'll allow it. Unless you bring it up, they wouldn't be aware of what's on your marriage license anyway.
Name change is non-binding, regardless of what's on your license. People change their minds all the time, and it's not a big deal if you choose not to change your name later on.
My ss card is in my maiden name and I just never changed it. My license is due in January and was hoping to get the new fed id. My ss card is laminated so they won’t take it. Do I request a new card in my maiden or married name? Thanks for your help!
The social security form (SS-5) you use is the same whether you're looking to update your name or just to get a replacement card with the same name. If you want your name to stay as-is, then don't change the "name to be shown on card" when you fill out the form.
I got married in Hawaii and was issued a temporary marriage certificate. I went in to our local SS office and was told I need to wait until the original marriage certificate comes in. Is this true? I was able to get my name changed on my driver's license with the temporary certificate. I need to get everything done within 30 days of my marriage date and I don't see that happening if I have to wait up to 30 days for my original marriage certificate to come in. Please advise..
Yes, you'll have to wait for the final certificate.
What's the 30-day countdown based on?
Hi! I got married last month and am applying to my husband’s health insurance and soon the SSA/DMC. As i was gathering the info for the health insurance, i noticed that while the certified copy of my married license (signed/stamped/certified) is correct in all name spelling, on my marriage “record,” my full name (first, middle, last maiden), is spelled correctly, the additional box that specifies my “maiden name” is spelled incorrectly – there is an additional letter at the end of the name that does not belong. Since my license and the first box that specifies my full name match and are correct, will I have issues at the SSA office because of the other “maiden name” box?
Hi Casey. What's the difference between the certified copy of your marriage license and marriage record? The terms license, certificate, and record represent different things in different states. If you could specify the state your marriage took place, we could focus on the proper document.
Having said all that, if there's an error on your marriage license/certificate/record, you can request a correction and amendment from the office that recorded it. They should issue you a corrected version free of charge.
Hi Valera. We were married in PA. When I picked up my certified copy, I received two documents: one was a photocopy of the certificate that my officiant sent in to Philadelphia once he married us. My name is correct there. Below the copy is a certified note from the county office. The second document was a copy of the Marriage Record on file with philadelphia, with our addresses/parental info/jobs/etc., which my name is spelled correctly in one place (full name which appears on the first certified document), and then my maiden name is incorrect in a different box.
Hi Casey. You'll want to contact the Clerk of the Orphan's Court to request a typographical correction of your record.
I went to gather my documents and have realized I lost my original SS card in a move. Will I need to request a new copy of my original card before I go in for a corrected one after marriage?
No.
Hello!
First, thank you for writing a great article that helps with the name change process.
I have a silly question, am I required to fill out 10A & 10B on the form that requests parents' name & social security #? Or is this only required for minors?
Second question, is there any way to expedite this process?
Parental information is required for minors, but there's no harm in adults filling it out. If an adult applicant leaves it blank, it wouldn't prevent the application from being processed.
You could submit your name change in person instead of doing it by mail. Or mail out your forms with the fastest possible shipping. Considering there are many local SSA offices, expedited shipping is probably unnecessary and a waste of money.
Hello,
I got married in June and applied for my new card a couple of weeks later. I received the new card but never got a receipt. My job is saying they need a letter saying my name has been changed. How can I get this letter and why can’t they use my new card. I live in Georgia but got married in Pennsylvania if that matters.
You can request a receipt from your local SSA office.
Are they willing to accept the card along with additional supporting data, such as an identity document in your old name, one in your new name, and a certified copy of your marriage certificate?
hi I was married about 3 weeks ago. I applied for myHi I was married about 3 weeks ago. I applied for my new social security card on July 30th. It's now August The 12 and I still haven't received my new card. I applied in person and all they gave me was a letter saying I replied. I desperately need new my new card for work I started a new job and I can't get paid until I have it. I called Social Security office and they said they no longer issue temporary cards this is true?
It usually takes no longer than 14 days.
If your employer needs to verify your name and social security number, they can query the social security number verification service instead of waiting on your card.
Yes, it's true. You'll be given a receipt. You can contact the phone number on your receipt to get a status update on your application.
I filled out the SSN form for a new card with my maiden name hyphenated with my wife's last name. Mine came back with a space, hers came back with a hyphen. When i called they said they don't do hyphens, but clearly they do. So now my HR department says it has to have the hyphen if that is how i want my pay check to be paid and the DMV, will they accept it??
Hi Deborah. It's possible two different clerks processed it. You can go to your local office and ask for a correction.
Hi so I have a question!
I changed my name almost a month ago and I still haven’t gotten my card in yet. What should I do? Keep waiting or go apply again? ???
Hi Sydney. You can contact your local office to get an update on the status of your application. You'll want to try this before resubmitting.
Hello, I got married in July and took my husbands last name due to me being nervous, initially I wanted to add his last name and keep my own. Is my name legally changed? Or can I keep my last name on my documents for example SS, drivers lisence, etc. Or would I have to change it?
If you haven't changed your name on any official document, then your name hasn't legally changed.
You don't have to change anything.
I actually got married in July & put my husband's last name down, but then never changed anything over because he decided shortly after to change back to his surname at birth (took a stepdad's surname) & the court refused to accept my paperwork with my maiden name. According to them, my marriage certificate saying my last name changed to my husband's legally changed my name. I had to redo all my paperwork & it was incredibly inconvenient. The marriage certificate holds the same clout as a court petitioned name change.
I am getting married in the UK, but we live in the US. We are being issued a marriage certificate, but do I need to do anything extra for it to be recognized in the states? We already had to apply for our marriage license in the UK at the home security office, where our application is being posted for 28 days. Is there anything I need to do differently, other than bring my marriage certificate, my passport (that holds my marriage-visitor visa), and driver's license?
No.
Bring it where? For what purpose?
I was married (or so I thought) in 2012. Turns out my "husband" never dropped off the paperwork and the marriage certificate was never signed. Not realizing this, I was somehow still able to use this marriage certificate at the DOL in New Mexico to change my name to my husband's last name.
Fast forward six years later we are now separated and in the process of trying to get a divorce I find out that we were never legally married. Now the state wants a divorce record which there is not one because there was no legal marriage.
My social security card was also never changed and still holds my maiden name. So my social security card has my maiden name. My driver's license has my non-husband's last name. It seems like I'm stuck. I have no divorce certificate. How can I either: go back to my maiden name, or change my social security card to match my driver's license?
Are you certain of this? Have you confirmed with the county clerk's office that no record of your marriage exists?
Typically the officiant returns the marriage license for recording, but New Mexico law does allow the couple to do so as well.
In cases where a marriage was never properly recorded, there are procedures in place to recognize and register them after the fact. It usually comes in the form of an affidavit and sometimes witness statements.
In your case, you may need to contact the county clerk that issued your marriage license for guidance or seek the advice of an attorney to help you navigate through your predicament.
You have to decide which name you want to go with. The SSA would need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to change your name there, but no such document exists. Whatever "certificate" you have in your possession doesn't appear to be certified.
Hi! I am changing my last name in person (was just married). I am always worried that paperwork gets lost, and this might seem like a silly question! I have the certified copy of the marriage certificate to bring to the office in person. Do they hold onto it until the official card is mailed out, or will they look at it and give it right back to me? If they hold onto it, I want to go get another official copy before letting go of that one. That's what I would have done if mailing it in. Thanks in advance!
They'll give it back to you before you leave.
Thank you!! :-)
Hi, I have gone to SSA to change my last name to husband's last name but failed to hypenated my maiden name and his last name on the ss card Is it possible to have them change it again to reflect both my maiden name and his last name or would it cause problems if I left it and just hyphenated on everything else?
You'll need to present a court order for it to be changed again.
You'd have a name mismatch, which could cause problems down the road. You may have trouble getting your driver's license or state-issued ID under a name that doesn't match the SSA's records.
Thank you so much for the info!
Hello i am asking about my child. I had put an extra last name ( 2 last names ) and was able to change her birth certificate but now am having trouble doing her social. And I had started a process for her passport and was wondering does her number change her social number? Or can i still u use it and wait for a new one wit her correct last name ? Or when taking off that last name change her whole social security #?
Hi Barbara. Your child's social security number will not change when you change her last name.
I have legally changed my last name back to my maiden name, 23 years after my divorce, so I did it through the courts. I spent half a day at my local SSA office and the clerk told me it would take a week to 10 days to get the actual card in the mail. It'll be 3 weeks in a couple days and I'm still waiting. The beginning of this blog says it can take 2-6 weeks, but another part of the blog says that if you do it in person at the local SSA office, you should receive your card in about a week. Which is it? I'm starting to get a little concerned. My driver's license and bank info have been updated, but I can't change my name at work because they need the actual SS card,
Hi Catherine. Six weeks is at the far end. In most cases, turnaround time is 7-14 days. At this point, you may want to call your local SSA office to determine the status of your application and when your new social security card was mailed out to you.
My wife and I were married a little over a year ago, and are currently expecting our first child.
We didn't see a need to rush to change her name when we were first married, but with the baby on the way she'd like to change her last name to mine. Unfortunately her schedule sync's up perfectly with the local SSA office and she works across town so it's more of an issue for her to get there. I, on the other hand, drive by the office twice a day and work about 5 minutes away.
Is there any way that I can drop off all of her information and any necessary forms and get her temporary card, or does she need to be there?
She'd have to be there to get a temporary card.
How much does it cost to change my last name after divorce
Hi Helen. The SSA charges no fee. The DMV may or may not charge a renewal/reissue fee. The passport office (State Department) may or may not charge a fee depending on your passport age. Permanent resident card through USCIS has a $455 filing fee with a potential $85 biometric fee tacked on.
Do a person get a different social security number when they change their name for religious reasons? For example Moor?
Your social security number will stay the same when you change your name.
Hi!
I went to the DMV to replace my DL after my wallet was stolen last month. I've used one name on my DL and bank accounts, school papers, etc my whole life, but that name is not what's on my Birth Cert. Mom never liked the name my father gave me, and I use my stepfathers surname. Now that they're introducing the Real ID thing, I can't get my replacement until I adjust my SS card. Do you know what kind of documents I'll need to provide? Any tips? I just wanna make this as smooth as possible.
Hi Gabrielle. In order to get your name changed with the SSA you'll need a document that authorizes the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Of course, you'll also need one or more identity documents to go along with it.
Hello!
I just left he SSA after changing my name and realized I dropped my last name but I really wanted to keep it!
I am now at the DMV and they told me they can put my old last name as my middle name if that’s what I wanted.
I am suppose to receive a new social next week.
Do you know if I can change my name on my social Tom or would I have to wait for the incorrect name to be mailed to me then go back to the SSA and change again?!?
Hi Courtney. Since you've already changed it, you'll have to obtain a court order to change it again.
I have the Same problem! Please keep me updated.
Hello Valera,
My SS card has my first and middle name backward like Doe Jane Teresa Smith and it should be Jane Doe Teresa Smith. I have 2 middle names (Doe Teresa). I went to the SSA office and got my name corrected but never received it in the mail.
So I went back to the office and the service agent James said the Department of Homeland Security has me under a different name (Doe Doe Teresa Smith), which completely left out my first name (Jane). My green card has my name correct by the way. He suggested that I visit DHS to have my name corrected there, then come back to SSA because as it stands the name doesn't match the DHS database so he couldn't help me. At my first visit, service agent Rose also had difficulty matching my name with DHS, she just didn't say what name but was able to figure it out together with her colleague. Unfortunately I never got the replacement in the mail.
I was under the assumption that my second visit to SSA they would resend the replacement after seeing all the proof of identity (my green card, foreign immigration passport, DL all have my in the correct order). Not sure why James wanted me to go to DHS first. Do you think it is neccessary because Rose was able to correct my name without having me go to DHS.
I will come back to SSA office next week but wanted to hear your thought. Thank you!
Hi Jane. If you never got your updated card back, it's not clear that it was processed or even reached its destination. If there was a problem with your application, you would have gotten a letter about it. You can phone the SSA to determine if your paperwork arrived and its status.
Hi Valera,
I went back to the SSA office and got my updated card in the mail a couple days ago. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes, including a 20-minute wait time. I didn't have to go to DHS as suggested by the last officer. I guess it was a matter of getting someone who knows what they are doing.
I'm glad you were finally able to get your card.
hi i just got married april 7,2018 and i wont to know when i get to the social security office to change my last name and get a new social secuirty card i was told by family and friends thats i will get a new social security number
Hi Tiffany. Your social security number will stay the same.
Is it normal for the SS office to take your original SS card when applying for a name change? I now have no SS card (I see here I could have got a temporary one but this was not offered to me and I did not know this until now) until the new one comes in the mail and the office now has my original document and did not let me know if they would be shredding this document. Is this normal or do I have a reason to be concerned?
Hi Catherine. It's nothing to be concerned about.
Hi! I got divorced a year ago and want to change all documents. I still have my maiden name SS Card. Can I use that, as I'm going back to my maiden name or do I need to get a new SS Card with my maiden name on it?
I'm assuming your social security card history went from maiden name to married name, but you still have an old card in your maiden name. In that case, you still need to notify the SSA of your intention to return to your maiden name so that their records may be updated.
Hi! I need to get a replacement for my Social Security card, but I can't recall if it's in my maiden name or my married name (well, I'm divorced now, but that's beside the point I think). Can I find out online if my Social Security card is in my maiden name or married name?
Also, I have just begun a part time position at a church and the secretary insists she must make a copy of my Social Security card. I thought I could have her make a copy of my drivers license and other documents in its place (birth certificate, utility bill with my name on it, perhaps paystub from my full-time job, etc.). I work full-time at a college and would have documentation there as well. Is she correct, MUST I have my Social Security card? Sorry this is so long and thank you for your assistance!
You can phone or visit a local social security office to inquire.
This is up to the lady at your church. Perhaps she'll accept another document containing your social security number, such as a pay stub or tax return?
Hi. I’m a permanent resident holding a ten year greencard. I recently got divorced and I petitioned for my name change which was approved and mentioned on the divorce decree.
I already had my ssn, driver’s license, bank accounts, etc changed back to my maiden name except my greencard. I am eligible for citizenship on February 2019 since I will meet the 5year rule by May 2019.
Should I change my greencard name now using form I-90 and pay almost $500 or should I just wait until I apply fof citizenship next year? I called an immigration office and was advised to wait for naturalization for my name change and that all my other id’s can be changed since I have a divorce decree stating that I can change it.
Would there be any issues if I wait to change ng greencard name until I apply for naturalization? Please help.
Hi Wendy. You can wait to make the change later. It shouldn't give you any trouble.
Hey, I know u r probably tired of time frame questions. lol I see there isn't a time frame for name change with SS but is there a time frame to change it at Ga DMV. I got married almost 5 yrs ago n plan on goin to SS next week.
Hi Ira. The Georgia DMV requires notification of name changes within 60 days.
It says you must go to your “local office” when I do the lookup it pulls up one located in my county. However, I know there are two other offices closer to my home. The closest is across state lines. Does it matter which office I go into?
It doesn't matter which office you go to.
Hi,
Is there a specific time frame that I have to report the name change to SSA from the day I get married? For example, if I get married and change my last name in July, can I wait till October or November to change my name with the SSA?
There is no reporting time frame. Change your name when it's most convenient for you.
How long do I have after I get married to change my name on my ss card to update my last name? Trying to get off work to do so?
There is no time limit.
Hi, I am at a loss for what to do and need some advice. I just got married last month and want to hyphenate my spouse's last name with mine. However, my maiden name was already hyphenated (mother's name-father's name). I went to SSA yesterday with my application and marriage certificate, and I was told that they could not process the change as my new last name is too many characters to fit. This seems incredibly unfair, I don't see why there should be any restrictions on what my name can be. I do not want to abbreviate anything or add any part of my last name to my middle name. Is there anything I can do?
Hi M. There's not much you can do other than appealing to someone higher up. This is a software and storage limitation.
Hi! I am currently on the process of changin my name through court order. I have my SSA card on my old name. And will plan to change my name on it after the court will release court order. I don't have yet a state id nor a drivers' license. Granting that my petition for change of name is approved and then my name on SS is also changed, what documents will I present to DMV to apply for state id or DL on my NEW NAME? I have with me my foreign passport and Green card under my old name. Thank you
Hi John. Your court order will suffice. You may also be asked to provide an identity document under your old name, so your passport could be used.
So, it is okay that i don't have a record of my old name at DMV? When I apply for state ID, I would tell the officer that I underwent change of name and I want my state ID ( 1st time application) under my new name?
Yes, although it's possible they may request to see an identity document under your old name.
Yes. I have my foreign passport and Green card with me under my old name. Since it would take a long time before the USCIS can change my name on my green card, I would like to have a govt issued ID, in this case, State ID, under my new name.
I recently just noticed that I have a middle name on my SS card but not on my birth certificate. On my son's birth certicate I'm listed on there with all 3 names. I recently got married and don't know if it would be a problem to drop the middle name and hyphen my last name on my SS card.
Would I still be able to apply for his passport and not have problems in showing proof I'm him mother? I live in Texas. Also is it possible to hyphen my last name on my SS and license? Thank you
You can't drop your middle name when changing your name through marriage.
Yes, that shouldn't be a problem.
Yes, you can hyphenate on your SS card and driver's license.
Hi there! I live in NY state and I got married July 22nd of 2017 and am just now getting around to changing my name on my SS card. I am just wanting to make sure I understand this correctly…
after filling out the appropriate document I need to mail it in with my marriage certificate, but I also have to include my drivers id and birth certificate? My marriage cert. shows proof of my name change, shouldn't that be enough?
I only question this because I have already went ahead and changed my DL to my married name since it was coming up expired they were able to change my name right then with my marriage certificate present. So sending in my DL now won't show SS my maiden name…
HELP am I looking to far into this or do I really need all those documents when mailing this in?
Hi Brittney. If 1) your marriage certificate contains your old and new name and has sufficient information for the SSA to identity you in their existing records and 2) your marriage took place less than two years ago and 3) you're older than 18 years old, then you may be able to get by with just the marriage certificate and not another identity document.
If you know for sure that you can walk this line, that's fine, but for most people simply sending an identity document as supporting identification is a safe option.
Hi, I legally changed my first and middle name 3 years ago, so my question is, why do I get mail with my old name and also when my social security number is put in sometimes my old name still comes up, I also had a background check ran on me about a month ago and they kept referring me by my old name, any help?
Changing your name with the SSA only changes it with the SSA. For everyone else, you have to notify them of the name change so that their records can be updated as well.
The SSA maintains a history of changes to your social security record.
SSA and credit bureaus maintain name histories. Nothing out of the ordinary.
If there's an organization in particular you're concerned about, you can write them a letter notifying them of your name change.
I will be getting married in a few months. I plan on hyphenating my last name but I wasn't planning on making the change until a month or 2 after the wedding & honeymoon. Due to hotel reservations and flights that are already booked using my maiden name I don't want to change my name right away.
I was wondering how long can I go before changing my SSN and CA DL with new hyphenated last name? As I understand in CA you can apply for your marriage license 90 days prior to your wedding and you must place your name how you will have it after you are married or else you have to have a court order to change it later on. I don't want to go through that but I didn't know if there was a specific time frame on when you have to have the name updated through SS office. Thank you.
There's no time frame to abide by.
You don't have to apply for a marriage license 90 days before your wedding. The license can be applied for the same day as your wedding. It's just that the license expired 90 days after issuance.
Correct.
There is no time frame.
Thank you Valera!
Hi. My husband and I are planning on going together to get everything settle at the social security office . Would they be able to just get everything out of the way for both of us at once? ( stupid question , I know , but I thought I’d ask.)
Yes, you can take care of business together.
Hi, Do you think they approve my SSN I applied last 5 weeks? What happened is my Indonesian passport still on my name without my husband last name. But my Green Card and my marriage certificate with my husband last name.
First they said not guaranteed because my passport and my Green card different name, than they said wait for 2- 4 weeks to make SSN. Tomorrow will be 6 weeks. I’m so frustrated about it, do you think they will rejected because my passport not same name as my Green Card\marriage certificate?
Thank you
Hi Martini. You'll have to contact a local social security office to determine the status of your application. If there'a problem with on of your supporting documents, there's usually substitutions that can be made.
Thank you so very much for your adviced, I called the local security office they said the Homelands Security office didn’t have verified yet my documents and they told me to call them back another 2 weeks. Just wondering where is Social Security Card process? In Homelands Security office or Social Security Administration office
Thank you
Processing is done through the SSA.
Thank you and much appreciate for all your information
I went in to my local social security office to do a name change due to marriage. I had the application filled out except I didn't sign it yet, I read that it is best to sign it in person, but the lady never asked me to sign it, and I completely forgot also…so what will happen with my card. She gave me a receipt for it.
Hi Brenda. Unless your application is returned to you with a signature request, you're fine.
On my marriage license it shows Surname After Marriage as my fiance's last name only. Would I still be able to hyphen it with my last name when I go to the SSA to change my name or is it too late?
Hi Mary. It can vary by state and how flexible an SSA clerk you come across.
15 years ago when I married I went to SS office and combined my first and middle name and took my maiden name as my middle. Was the ok to do? Was I supposed to have a legal name change document besides a marriage certificate?
Hi Kerilee. They were either more flexible back in the day or you got a malleable agent to handle your case. Either way, your name change request was accepted and it's done. Nowadays, such a first name change request wouldn't likely be accepted without a court order.
If I already sent in an application for a name change because of marriage and its taking longer than I thought, can I go in now with all my documents and try to change it that way? Or will that cause more confusion now?
Hi Sue. If you mailed in your documents, you can still go into your local SSA office to determine what's causing the delay. Their systems are synced.
I want to hyphenate my last name with my spouse's, but I heard that social security cards replace hyphens with spaces and I do not want to end up having two last names. How can I make sure that my new legal name is hyphenated?
Hi Rose. Although the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) may not like hyphens or special characters, that doesn't necessarily prevent a hyphenated name change from being accepted and stored properly. However, it's possible your card may be printed with only alphabetic characters.
Had my folder with my birth certificate and marriage license. Got a copy of my birth certificate from the county clerk’s office to avoid being forestalled by SSA. Completed the SS-5 (the clerk said I didn’t have to but it’s faster to input the information in the computer if it’s already completed). Came in 3:30pm. Office closed at 4pm. Was out of the office in a little under 20min. Great experience at SSA. Super fast and the staff were surprisingly pleasant.
Hi Judes. Thanks for sharing your experience of changing your name in person rather than through the mail. You must have gotten in on a good day or hour.
Hi – recently married in CA and when we filled out form for marrige certificate I hyphenated my current last name and my new one. Now I wish I had just made my old last name part of my middle name. Am I stuck now that I've done that at Social Secuirity and DMV or can I process differenlty there? Can't seem to find an answer anywhere.
Yes, you're stuck. To change your name again you'll have to file a change of name request with the Superior Court as if you were do a typical adult name change.
Even if you hadn't changed your name with SSA or the DMV you'd still have to go the court route as California county clerk offices are unwilling to modify or amend recorded and issued marriage certificates unless there are errors or a court orders it be done. Wanting to change the name on a certificate wouldn't be an acceptable reason.
Hi.
My wife's green card was approved and been mailed to our US address just fine. However, we didn't realize she could have put her name with my last name on the green card application. E.g., she is Hanako Yamamoto. My last name is Doe. She wanted to change her name for life in the US to Hanako Doe, but we didn't realize we were just supposed to write that on the green card application, so now she is still Hanako Yamamoto.
To do a green card name change, you have to fill out the form and pay the fees (I-90). One of the required documentation is evidence of legal name change. But we have only the Japanese official document as documentation indicating our marriage, and her name, as legally required in Japan, retains her last name, not mine. OUR QUESTION: should this marriage certificate be enough for the name change of the social security card? how about for getting her CA drivers license – can she just put her desired name eg., Hanako Doe and show her marriage certificate as justification for this? or will the DMV just look at her green card or social and simply put her name as written on those cards?
Thanks!
You can have the green card renewed, but USCIS does charge a fee.
The name on her green card and social security card should match.
This likely wouldn't work, as the DMV may query the SSA database to confirm her surname matches.
That's likely.
I'm currently in the process of changing my last name to my new married last name. I'm also trying to apply for a credit card and I'm wondering, would applying for a credit card, during the name changing process, affect my chances of getting accepted for the credit card? So far, I've only submitted my application to the SSA (I was not given a temp SS card, I was given a receipt of my application) and I have not changed my name anywhere else or on anything else. The bank I am currently trying to apply for a credit card at is a bank that I am currently a member of. Do you have any insight on this?
Hi Christine. It's a good idea to wait until the SSA has updated your name in their records before applying for new credit. The bank, or any financial institution for that matter, will want the name you submit to match what's on your social security record.
If you'll be interfacing directly with your bank, they may be willing to accommodate you, but it's up to each bank to decide how flexible they'll be.
Hi, just curious do I sign the SS-5 form with my original name on my ID or my married name?
Hi Mari. You can sign married name.
My son changed his last name to his stepfather’s. He is 18, still in high school. Can I go and do all the paperwork for him at the social security?
No, he'd have to accompany you or go on his own.
I've been married for 7 years now and I currently have my last named changed only on driver's license with my maiden name as middle name but haven't changed my ss card yet . I do want to change it ,but would they take my DL as identification or would it be a problem?
If you don't have an identity document in your old name, they will accept one in your new name.
Hi your lead statement is misleading….you do not have to change your SS name to make changes at the DMV etc…just a marriage certificate.
Some DMV's may process a name change independently of the SSA, but many of them will query the SSA database first and will refuse to process a name change when a mismatch occurs.
I already sent my documents to social security office to change my name, after a month i called them to follow up my ssn card, but they said need more 2 weeks, the problem is i have a flight goin to michigan and i dont hv any ID with me, is there any way to get my documents to social security office so i can travel..
Hi Anne. You may want to visit a local SSA office for assistance. Otherwise, you can look into getting a duplicate driver's license or state-issued ID card. Also considering contacting the airline to determine what alternate forms of ID would be acceptable.
How long does the social security take to update in the DMV system?
Hi Jessica. Turnaround time is typically 24 hours.
Getting remarried in a month. Want to use my current last name as my middle name and add my future husbands last name. Is this possible.
Hi Shannon. It's possible in some states, while others may only allow the maiden name or have ambiguous rules.
I plan on getting married in May & I am having my husbands last name put on our marriage license but is it legal for me to keep my name now, without notifying SS?
Yes. You don't ever have to change it for real.
I’ve got married (In NJ) about a month ago and just a week ago I went to the SSA to change my name by taking my husband’s last name. I filled out the forms as indicated and had all my original documents proof of my marriage however, today I got my new card and it has the same name and last name as the original one. Meaning they didn’t change anything. I found odd that marriage license and certificate applications don’t ask for change of name or anything related to it. Did I do anything wrong? What should I do?
Hi Natalie. The SSA form asks you to specify the name to be shown on the new card. It doesn't specify "new name," just "name." Is it possible you simply didn't specify your new name within this space? If you did, then it's possible a mistake occurred with whoever processed your paperwork. In that case, you'll have to contact the SSA office to inquire what went wrong.
Hi, I am planning to get married in May, I now receive SSWB & am 64yrs.old. I would like to know if it is legal for me to keep my name & not have to change anything with SS? I live in AL Thank You.
Yes.
I live in NY and have been married for almost 30 years. I took my husband's surname at marriage and kept my original middle name. (Marie Anne Schultz) I would like to change my middle name to my maiden name. (Anne to Jacobs) Currently, some documents (SS, license) have my middle initial. Marie A., while my passport has my original middle name, Marie Anne. Our marriage certificate only has our birth names listed.
Hi Marie. You'll have to get a court order to change your middle name. Such a document will allow you to update your middle name across the necessary institutions.
How long after a marriage do I have to change my name with the SS office?
Hi Lisa. There's no time limit to change your name.
Hello, I have been married now for 7 years and at the time of marriage I thought I had changed my name everywhere as my passport and drivers license are in my married name. I recently realized that I maybe never changed my SS card. Is there a way to check before going through the whole process. I live full time in Switzerland and it is really not practical sending the types of documents they need back to the states. If I don’t change it for another year can I continue to file my taxes with my maiden name without penalty? Thank you!
Hi Ashley. You can try phoning or writing a SSA office to verify the name that's on file. Presumably your tax filings haven't been rejected for the past several years, so you can go on filing in your maiden name. If you truly never changed your name with the SSA, filing in your maiden name is what you should be doing anyway.
Is there a way to know if my name change has taken affect prior to receiving my card in the mail? I'm recently divorced and have already changed my name at the DMV and on my bank accounts; I'm waiting for a credit check to be performed for mortgage pre-approval to purchase a home but can't do so until the update at SSA is complete.
Hi Nancy. You'd have to phone your SSA office for a status update.