Social Security Name Change: A Complete Guide for 2024

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

Name change pillars of proof

You can change the name on your social security card by completing the SS-5 application and providing:

  1. Proof of name change
  2. Proof of age
  3. Proof of identity
  4. Proof of citizenship or lawful immigrant status

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.

SSA name change limits. Letters, spaces, hyphens, apostrophes, and suffixes allowed. No titles, nicknames, or abbreviations.

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

SS-5 Form, Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Card

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

Proof of name change

There are four unique name change events:

  1. Marriage
  2. Divorce
  3. Court order
  4. Naturalization

Proven by their respective name change documents:

  1. Marriage certificate
  2. Divorce decree
  3. Court order
  4. Certificate of naturalization

Let's unpack each event, starting with the most common…

Marriage name change

Marriage name change using your marriage certificate
Change your name after marriage via your marriage certificate.

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.

U.S. map highlighting the 14 states whose marriage license application asks for your new married name
New name chosen on the marriage application in 14 states.

For the remaining 36 states and D.C., you can "derive" your new name in four ways:

  1. Full last name
  2. Partial last name
  3. Hyphenated last name
  4. Double-barreled last name

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.

OptionNew last name
FullBaker
HyphenatedAdams-Baker
HyphenatedBaker-Adams
Double-barreledAdams Baker
Double-barreledBaker Adams

Here's an example using Adams and Baker-Smith

OptionNew last name
FullBaker-Smith
PartialBaker
PartialSmith
HyphenatedAdams-Baker-Smith
HyphenatedBaker-Smith-Adams
Double-barreledAdams Baker-Smith
Double-barreledBaker Smith-Adams

You can't change your first name through marriage; petition the court instead.

Divorce name change

Divorce name change using your divorce decree
Change your name after divorce via your divorce decree.

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

Court-petitioned name change using your court order

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

Naturalization name change using your certificate of naturalization

You can ask the court for a new name during naturalization, then use your certificate of naturalization as proof.

Proof of age

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:

Proof of identity

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

Secondary ID options, when primary ID is unavailable

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:

DocumentU.S. citizensNon-citizensAge
U.S. military ID cardYesYesAll
U.S. official passportYesNoAll
U.S. diplomatic passportYesNoAll
U.S. certificate of citizenshipYesNoAll
U.S. certificate of naturalizationYesNoAll
U.S. Indian tribal cardYesNoAll
School record (current year)YesYesAll
Medical recordYesYesAll
Religious recordYesYesBirth to 17
Life insurance policyYesYes6+
Final adoption decreeYesYesBirth to 17
Employee ID card or badgeYesNo18+
Health insurance cardYesYesAll
Medicaid cardYesYesAll
Non-citizen state-issued ID cardNoYesAll
Non-citizen state-issued driver's licenseNoYesAll

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 not need ID, use your name change document
You can avoid relinquishing your ID under key criteria.

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:

  1. Is recently established
  2. Shows biographical information
  3. Matches your current name on file

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

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

Proof of immigrant status

If you're a U.S. lawful immigrant (non-citizen), verify your immigration status with your:

  1. Foreign passport
  2. Work authorization (if applicable), and
  3. 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:

  1. Job
  2. Hours
  3. Start date
  4. Supervisor's name
  5. 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:

  1. Signed
  2. On their letterhead
  3. Authorizing you to work

Submitting your paperwork

By mail or in person

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:

  1. Visit your local social security office.
  2. Submit your paperwork for review and scanning.
  3. Retrieve your documents: identification, certificates, etc.
  4. Exit with your receipt of services rendered.
  5. 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…

Legacy SSA prerecorded notice on Coronavirus office closings.

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

Social security name change turnaround time in 2023
Real-world name change turnaround times in 2024.

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:

  1. Completed SS-5 form
  2. Driver's license (proof of identity)
  3. Marriage certificate (proof of name change)

You'll get mailed two envelopes:

  1. One early envelope returning your photo ID and certificate.
  2. 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

Updating other ID beyond social security

How should you order and space out your name change to-dos beyond social security? Here's the proper sequence:

  1. Green card
  2. Social security card
  3. Driver's license or Real ID
  4. Military ID card
  5. Passport
  6. IRS
  7. USPS
  8. Employers
  9. 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.

Our name change kit helps you change your name, either before or after marriage.

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996 Comments

  1. I’ve been married for 15 years social security card has my married name the passport agency put both my maiden name and married name how do I go about changing my social security card

    • Hi Haydee. You'd have to present another document that justifies another name change, such as a court order.

  2. I was divorced in 2014 and have kept my married name. I want to go back to using my maiden name. I have a certified copy of my marriage license showing my maiden name as well as soc cards in both my maiden and married name,birth certificate with maiden name, and drivers license in married name. Is this sufficient documentation to return to my maiden name?

    • Hi Jennifer. What you'll need is a divorce decree that contains an order that restores your maiden name. If no such order is included in your decree, then you'll have to file a name change petition at the appropriate courthouse.

  3. Have 2 social security cards….one with my maiden name and the other with my married name….i am now divorced with a court order to change my name back to my maiden name…do I still need a new card or can I use the one with my
    maiden name on it…

  4. Hi, I want to change my name with the SSA but I have both domestic and international flights booked in my current name through December. Would it be okay to just change my name with the SSA and hold off on my drivers license, passport, bank, etc. until after my travels? I know the name on my tickets must match my license and passport.

    • Would it be okay to just change my name with the SSA and hold off on my drivers license, passport, bank, etc. until after my travels? I know the name on my tickets must match my license and passport.

      Yes, that would work.

  5. My name on SS card doesn't match my CA driver license. Can I just go to DMV in CA and ask for the name update based on the SS card?

  6. Can I go to any SS office to change my information? Or does it need to be the city where I live (my current Post Office address/ the address on my driver's license?)? Can I request the card be sent to a different address as well?

    • Can I go to any SS office to change my information?

      Yes, you can go to any office.

      Can I request the card be sent to a different address as well?

      Yes.

  7. I got married and just got my ead, i want to apply work but my ssn id is still single name..do i need to change it first to married name before applying for work?

  8. If you perform all the changes through the mail (wait time 2-6 weeks), what's the impact, if any, to any flights you may have booked with your old name between the time of submission and receipt back from the SSA? Or will there only be a conflict if you change your DL before you travel?

  9. I mailed in the documents to have my social security card changed to my new name. Is there a way to check to make sure they received it and that is is being processed?

  10. My husband wants to change his first name on SS card because it was printed wrong 30 years ago (he never noticed until now), The SS officer would not accept passport and told him he needs certificate of naturalization which he can't find. Can he use our marriage certificate instead to prove ? The marriage certificate has the corrected name.
    Thank you

    • Hi Louise. The marriage certificate isn't likely to work. You'll have to contact them about which secondary identification would be acceptable (e.g., driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, insurance card, medical record).

  11. I got married in Hawaii and they sent me a temporary Marriage Certificate. It has the certificate number and shows it is from the State of Hawaii Department of Health, also including an expiration date. it also has all our information like my previous name. Will I be able to use this to change my name to my husbands name?

    • Hi Rachelle. Your temporary marriage certificate can be used to change your name. It expires 90 days after issuance.

      A certified copy of your marriage certificate should be mailed to you free of charge before your temporary copy expires.

    • I too have a temporary marriage certificate from Hawaii. I was told we would receive the permanent marriage certificate in the mail within 60-120 days. So does SSA accept the temporary or do I need to wait for the permanent marriage certificate in the mail?

      • So does SSA accept the temporary or do I need to wait for the permanent marriage certificate in the mail?

        You'll have to wait for the permanent version.

  12. Hi I got married and changed my last name to include my husbands last name separated by a hyphen. Is it OK to have this name change only on the marriage license and keep DL, passport and SSC name as it is, with just my maiden name?

    • Is it OK to have this name change only on the marriage license and keep DL, passport and SSC name as it is, with just my maiden name?

      Yes, it is OK.

        • I'm wondering, by doing so, would one be able to use both last names then interchangeably?

          Legal name on legal or formal or government documents. Alternate name for informal circumstances. Use your best judgment.

  13. So I'm about to get my last name changed to my husbands, Can I change my middle name to a family name? Even though it's not my maiden name?

  14. Hey, so I have the divorce decree, stating I change my last name back to my birthname. I was adopted, so I do not have anything else with that last name on it. With the judge approving it in the divorce decree, will that be enough? I have my birth certificate and social security card from the last name of when I was married.

  15. If I present the marriage certificate will the SS copy it and return it to me or do they keep it?

  16. Hi I'm fixing to get married but my partner wants to change his name before the wedding. Where do we start this process?

    • Hi Brittany. Your partner would have to file a name change petition with the court to change his name prior to marriage.

  17. Hello, I’m hoping you can help with this. I have changed my last name through social security already, they had no problem processing my marriage certificate. However, when I went to the CA DMV, they informed me they could not process the name change because we did not request a name change on our marriage certificate. Now my last name is different with the SSA but still my maiden name on my drivers license. What can I do? I appreciate any advice!

    • Hi Brandi. There's not much you can do with your current marriage certificate. The California marriage license application provides a space to specify a new name after marriage that's mirrored on the subsequent marriage certificate. If the new name isn't specified, the DMV isn't likely to change it. In this case, you'll have to obtain a court order.

  18. Hello, when I got married I changed my maiden name to my married name by obtaining a social security card with it, but never applied for my driver's license. Now 3 years later, I am separated from my husband and went to get a driver's license and put it in my maiden name. Was that a mistake?

    • Hi Jean. It's not so much a mistake, but something that can lead to problems renewing down the road due to a name mismatch with the SSA.

  19. When changing my name with social security, do they have database that will share my name change with the social service administration?

    • When changing my name with social security, do they have database that will share my name change with the social service administration?

      Yes, as it's the same organization.

  20. Hi there! I am a U.S. citizen that married my foreign husband in his country a few years ago. Our marriage certificate is certified but in Spanish. Will we need to get that translated to English in order to pr sent that to SS and change his name to mine due to our marriage (he's decided to take my last name)? Also, since then, we have also gotten married here in the USA in the Catholic Church and have a marriage certificate through the church too (but I don't think that one is certified–just issued through our Church). Thanks for your help.

  21. Hi! I entred as an F1 student and I have my 1 year EAD. I just got married and I file the documents with my husband last name as my surname for my for Green Card and to Renew Work Permit as not for student anymore. Can I just change my SSA after I get my GC and other permits? Or I need to change it now?

  22. Hello,
    I sent in my documents to the local Social Security office about 8 weeks ago and I’ve really messed this up. Since almost every website explaining the process wasn’t as helpful as yours, I sent in a copy of my license, rather than the actual ID. I haven’t heard from the office at all and I’m getting worried. Should I call them? What do you suggest I do? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

    • Hi Maggie. Yes, you can contact them to find out where things stand. It's possible your packet may have been lost in the mail.

  23. Hello Valera,
    My wife recently got a SS card that says Valid for work only with DHS Authorization. The number on that card has changed from her original card (she got several years ago when working in the US temporarily). Is it okay that her number changed?

    • Hi Alec. The SSA does assign new numbers under certain circumstances, so it's not unusual. It's even possible to request a new one under certain situations.

  24. Hi- I live in NY and am getting married in March. I want to add my husbands name to my name without a hyphen. (First, middle, maiden, spouse last name). I was told when we got our certificate I had to hyphenate it. I don’t want to do this. Is there a way around this? Can I just file my request with the SSA after we are married? If so, what should I put on our license?

    • Hi Shawuan. You could either hyphenate or combine surnames without a space. Space-separated surnames aren't acknowledged. You can obtain a court order if you're adamant about the space.

          • I am being told by SSA on the phone that i need a court order to change my middle name to my maiden name. I submitted the application with the desired name: First Name, Maiden Name, Married Last name and they sent me a card with: First Name, original Middle Name, Married Last name. Please suggest the best way to fix. Thanks.

          • Hi Natalie. You'd need a court order if you're in one of the few states that do not permit replacing the middle name with your maiden name. It would also be required if you're in a state that has an option to choose a new middle name during the application process, but you chose not to do so at the time. Did one of these instances apply to you?

  25. Good Morning,
    Someone is going to change her name after Marriage, but when she adds maiden plus husband's last name, the new last name has 3 words, my question is, how long can a name be in the SS Card? is there a limit of characters to include?

  26. Hi Valera,

    I live in NY and got married last month. I went to the SSA today to change my last name to my husband's last name; can I go to the DMV tomorrow, or do I need to wait until I receive my new SS card? Also, will I need to change my name with the post office? Thank you.

  27. Hi. I got married last April but never changed my last name. I was getting ready to do it tomorrow until I realized all of the things that I will need to do to change right away. I am moving to Florida in 3 months and wondering if it makes more sense just to change everything over there all at once. Starting from the Social Security office, to the DMV, to the bank, Etc. However, I am worried that I will not have sufficient enough paperwork to change my license such as bills in my name since I'll be living at home with parents. Also, to get a license there you need to have proof of insurance. If I change my name over with the Social Security office but go to the DMV with my maiden name or my car insurance and registration will that cause any issues? I hope you can understand this and appreciate any help thank you.

    • If I change my name over with the Social Security office but go to the DMV with my maiden name or my car insurance and registration will that cause any issues?

      No, it shouldn't be an issue. One's federal and the other's state. You could do your SSA now in your current state of residency or wait until you're in Florida.

  28. I have to wait another 2 months for the EAD update for my name possibly.
    Do I need to wait for it or can I change the name without.

    Thanks

  29. Hello, I will be getting married in a couple months, and currently live overseas. My fiancé and I will come to America for our wedding and than return overseas two days after the wedding. If I change my name at the SSD can I continue to travel on my passport and visa with my maiden name? We’re trying to save some money and time in not doing a new passport and apply for a new visa to the country we live in.

  30. Hi,

    Im on a visa and changed my passport to my married name.
    Before I could get my SSN I had to get my EAD for some reason there was a section missing I believe.
    Do I need to update my EAD first before changing my name with SS?

    Thanks

      • Sorry its confusing, no I was given my EAD with my maiden name.
        Have a new passport with my married name but after one year the EAD needs to be updated so they have said it will be another 2 months until my new EAD is ready.
        As I couldn't get my social security number until I had my EAD last time, Im wondering If I have to wait for the updated EAD before updating my social security

        Thanks

        • Hi Lesley. You don't have to wait. Just bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you when going to SSA.

  31. Question: When I got married, I chose to hyphenate my maiden and husbands last name. Now that I have considered going to SSA, I want to just include my husbands. Is this possible or do I need a court document in order to just put his?

  32. i am divorced and remarried almost 6 years ago but never changed my ss info. I am now in the position of wanting/needing to apply for an enhanced drivers license. I have all of the document to trace my name changes from birth, first marriage, divorce and re marriage. However, on the SSA website it says something about needing additional info if the name change took place over 2 years ago in the form of an identity form in my old name, which I do not have. If there something else that I can submit? I have a drivers license in my new married name. Not sure if this would suffice.

    • Hi Michelle. If you don't have an identity document in your old name, they'll accept an identity document in your new name. It must be unexpired.

  33. Hello,
    When I got married I did not change my last name to my husband's on our marriage license. We just welcomed out first child and now I want to change my last name to match my husband's and child's. Can I still go to SS with the marriage certificate and other required docs or do I need to file a name change with the court since my marriage license only reflects my maiden name?

    • Hi Alexis. If you live in a state where the marriage license application did provide a blank space for you to specify a new name after marriage and you chose not to do so, there's a good likelihood you'll have to go to court. Some states are quite strict interpreting these rules, while others are more ambiguous.

      • Do you know if California is one of the strict states? Also is there a time frame for changing my name if it is allowed to just go through SS? We got married 4 years ago. I appreciate your help!

        • Do you know if California is one of the strict states?

          Yes, it is.

          Also is there a time frame for changing my name if it is allowed to just go through SS? We got married 4 years ago.

          There's no time frame/limit.

  34. Hi Valera – I was planning on going to the Social Security office today to change my name; however, I have a domestic flight booked for next week. Can I wait to change my name on my drivers license at the DMV and use my ID with my maiden name for purposes of flying (since the airline ticket is issued in my maiden name and I've heard it is pretty much impossible to get the name changed on the ticket without purchasing a new ticket)?

    In other words, if I change my name with Social Security, am I going to have a problem checking in for a flight with my maiden name?

    • In other words, if I change my name with Social Security, am I going to have a problem checking in for a flight with my maiden name?

      No, you can delay the change until afterward.

  35. Does anyone know the address I can mail my application and original documents to? I live too far away from a local social security office to take a whole day off work, so I'm mailing my application and my original marriage cert and driver's license to have my name changed due to marriage. I cannot find the mailing address anywhere online. It should be on the application, but it's not.

    • How long do I have after getting married do I have to change my last name if I choose to do so?

      There's no time limit. Change it when it best suits you.

  36. Hello, I live in Texas but will be marrying my first cousin in California (since it is legal in Cali) will the marriage be valid in Texas? And do I have to make any changes or notify anyone even if we have the same last name?

    • I live in Texas but will be marrying my first cousin in California (since it is legal in Cali) will the marriage be valid in Texas?

      Yes. Such a marriage would only be susceptible to voiding if established in Texas.

      And do I have to make any changes or notify anyone even if we have the same last name?

      No, as there's no change.

  37. Hello I got married October 6th of last year well I can not find my original social security card, will that affect me on changing my last name?

  38. Hi,
    I got married in July of 2017. I have not changed anything to my spouse's last name. I have seen in above comments that it doesn't matter if the marriage certificate originally says I was going to change my maiden to his name. If I decide I want to keep my maiden name and just add his last name. Do I legally need to change my social security card, drivers license, insurance, etc?

    • I have seen in above comments that it doesn't matter if the marriage certificate originally says I was going to change my maiden to his name.

      That's not a given. If there's a new name specified on the certificate and you're looking to deviate from that, it may not be accepted, especially at state-level institutions such as the DMV.

      Do I legally need to change my social security card, drivers license, insurance, etc?

      Notifying these institutions is relevant once you've decided to move forward with a name change.

  39. Hello,
    I recently got marries. Do I need to n pay for a new passport after I change my last name? Does Social Security send out the new last name change to my credit cards, bank, dmv, or do I have do do that myself? Also what information do I need to bring to the SS office besides my Marriage Certificate, and Drivers License?

    • Do I need to n pay for a new passport after I change my last name?

      There's a renewal fee if your passport was issued more than one year ago.

      Does Social Security send out the new last name change to my credit cards, bank, dmv, or do I have do do that myself?

      You'll have to do that yourself.

      Also what information do I need to bring to the SS office besides my Marriage Certificate, and Drivers License?

      That's all. Make sure the certificate is an original or certified copy and not a photocopy.

  40. When i got married i changed my last name to my husbands at the ss administration got a new card and license all of that…but when applying for credit or anything with my social they can not do it. It is still coming back to my maiden name. Can you tell me whats going on and what i need to do?

    • Hi Chasity. While it shouldn't normally be necessary, you may have to write the credit agencies alerting them to your name change. Include a copy of your marriage certificate with your letter.

  41. Just recently I changed my last name in the social security office since I got married however I want my maiden name back but I’m still married, how do I change that? Is that against the law?

    • Hi Maria. You can go back to your maiden name, but you'll have to present the SSA with a court order that restores it.

  42. Hi, I got married in 2012. I changed my name in 2014 through social security but I still had my old ss card and never changed anything else. It is now 2018 and I’m still going by both names. Is this wrong? Can there be any legal repercussions because of it? I know I need to actually finish the process soon.

    • Hi Michelle. Your legal name is what you changed it to. Your name on your old SS card is no longer valid. You'll have to use your legal name for legal purposes and filling out government forms. Unless one were to use another name to commit fraud or evade debts, it's unlikely to result in serious trouble. That doesn't make it a good idea though.

  43. I just got married and need to change my last name on my SS card and license , but I don't have my birth certificate, what do I do?

  44. I just got married and need to change my name with Social Security. I live in Kentucky, but work in Ohio,
    there is a Social Security office close to my work, can I go there to change my name? Or do I need to go to the office located in my state?

    Note there is not an office in the County I reside in.
    Thanks

    • I live in Kentucky, but work in Ohio, there is a Social Security office close to my work, can I go there to change my name? Or do I need to go to the office located in my state?

      You can go to the Ohio office.

      Note there is not an office in the County I reside in.

      It doesn't matter. You can go to whichever office is closest.

  45. I received my official marriage certificate but it does not include my married name, just my previous legal name. I’ve successfully updated my name with SSA and DMV and received those new documents as well. My question is, do I need to get some kind of document stating both my original and married names? Though the names are not too different (my previous last name is now my middle name), my SS and DL do not match up to my birth and marriage certificates. Will this cause issue down the road?

    • Hi Shauntel. You don't need an additional document. Since you've successfully changed your name already, you shouldn't face any problems later on.

  46. I got married about 2 weeks ago, and I am going tomorrow to get my name changed with the social security office, and then the day after I will go to the DMV. I live in NC and I wanted to check to see if when I go to the DMV will they take my old license, or will I get to keep it? I have a weird time thing where my honeymoon is the 13th and my passport has my maiden name, so I have to have my license with my maiden name as well- but I start a new job on the 29th when I get back and I need my new license with my married name at that point. Thanks!

    • Hi Jessie. If necessary, you can request that your license be retained for travel purposes. You can also order a duplicate license online with your maiden name and by the time it's mailed you'll be able to forfeit your old license when you go in office.

  47. I married last year in December and kept my last name hyphenated with his last name. Do I have to change it on my social security card? It is currently a work authorization number only but we are planning on applying for green card in 2018 and will also be filing jointly on our taxes for the 2017 season, and I need to reapply for my Mexican passport as well in 2018.

    • I married last year in December and kept my last name hyphenated with his last name. Do I have to change it on my social security card?

      No, you do not.

      • You do not IF you don't want to use the full hyphenated version legally. However, if you plan to use the whole thing legally (e.g. for tax forms, etc.) you'll need to go to the SSA and have it changed. For example, the name your employer will use will be whatever name is on the identification you provide for your I-9 form, typically either a social security card and driver's license or a passport. If your maiden name is all that's on your social security card, that is what they will use.

  48. Hi,
    Would really appreciate your advice, I got a bit of situation. I live in MA. After marriage I’ve changed my last name on every document except SSN. I honestly totally forgot about it since my hasband handles our taxes and I never got a visual reminder:/

    I received a letter from RMV saying that my lisence won’t be renewed because of mismatched information with SSA. Realizing that it was my last name I went to my local office to change it. Unfortunately they were not able to process the update because I have a 1 year extension letter to my 2y green card that I received. I’m still waiting on my permanent card and never had a problem traveling or using this letter for any other purposes.

    Was it the office worker who didn’t know how to process my docs correctly? Anything I can do to resolve this? My license will expire in a month and getting my permanent green card might take another 3-4 months..

    I have to drive for work so this situation worries me a lot. Also is there anything else I can use to beard an airplane instead of lisence. Someone suggested to get specual stamp in my passport ( it’s like the other version of my extension letter) thank you in advance.

    • Hi Natalia. The RMV should accept other official immigration documents if you don't have a permanent resident card. Contact the RMV to get a list of acceptable documents. You can also contact USCIS regarding documents they may be able to provide you to satisfy RMV requirements.

  49. If I go to the SS office in person to change name to my new married surname will they still keep the original copies of my Birth Certificate, passport etc and mail them back to me or will I be able to take with me when I receive my temporary card? I dont feel comfortable leaving those documents to be mailed back.

  50. I changed my name through social security however, now USCIS is saying things would run more smoothly with my petition if I had left my maiden name on all my documents including my social security. Is it possible to change my name back to my maiden name?

  51. I remarried and once I received my marriage license I went to the SS office. He told me to wait a day and go to the DMV since I would be in the system. I did that and was refused because if I wanted a "Real ID" the federally approved one with the start, I had to show them my actual SS card. You may want to update your blog post's last paragraph to reflect that. I live in Wisconsin.

  52. Hi, there.
    I came to the USA with student visa. In 2014, I got 1 year work permit after finished school, so I used the peemit to apply for the SSN.

    Now, I just got marriage and in the proceess of applying for Green Card. And I decided not to change my name.
    Couple days ago, I just got the work permit through marriage, so my question is…. do I have to do something with my SSN , or I can just use the same one.

    Thank you.

  53. I have been separated for almost 2 years from my husband and I would like to change my last name back to my maiden name on my social security card. Can I do that without filing for a divorce?

  54. Hello,

    Sorry if this has been asked, I browsed quickly!

    I changed my name at the social security office on Monday; does it change in their system immediately? I was able to create a new account with mySocialSecurity using my SSN and my new last name, so I'm hoping that means it's been changed! (I won a jackpot at the casino and hadn't yet updated my married name, so I need my ID and SSN to match before they'll give me my money!)

    • Hi Jackie. You'll have to contact your local SSA office to determine if it's been fully processed or placed in a queue.

  55. I was married before and separated when my then husband passed away. i was remarried last weekend and when i went to the DMV to have my name changed they said that i would need a court order showing that i could use the middle name that is on my birth certificate. i am confused because the social security office let me change my middle name to the one that was on my birth certificate. so who is right in the situation? doesn't your name have to match on your social security and your drivers license?

    • Hi Amber. They could both be right as the SSA is governed by federal law and the DMV by state law. Not all states allow flexible middle name changes or restorations due to marriage.

  56. On my SS5 where it asks for my signature at the bottom, do I sign with my married name or the last name shown on my current SSC?

  57. I changed my name as part of a divorce 6 years ago but never updated my SS card or license. Is it to late? Do I have to do more to complete the process now?

    • Hi Tyler. No, it's not too later to change your name as long as your divorce decree contains an order restoring your preferred name. The process is the same.

  58. In our country we could use Ma for shortcut instead of Maria. All my documents has Maria except for my drivers license which is Ma. What documents do I need to take to DMV to have it change to Maria?

    • Hi Maria. You'd have to take a document that confirms you're legally eligible to change your name, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order.

  59. This seems like a pretty useful post.

    Does anyone know if I can add 'De' and my husband's last name or will this be a problem? Where we come from when married you add De then the newly taken on last name. Instead of having so many names I will be dropping my middle and maiden name but wanted to know if anyone has had any issues with adding De. Explain: Judith Marie Hernandez is married and will now be Judith Marie Hernandez De Asencio..in my case Judith De Asencio since I want to drop my middle and maiden. Hope no one is too confused and maybe can help.

  60. Hi ive already changed my name on my ssc. I lost that one and im getting a new one soon.do i still need to bring in my marriage certificate or do they still have it on file? Please help

  61. Do I need to send my actual driver's license in the mail to show proof or can it be a copy of my driver's license?

  62. Hello,
    I’m a GC holder married last month to my hispanic husband. I was planning to change my last name to his last name (SSN, DL) however, there was a bit of confusion on my part.

    1. My husband’s legal name (first, middle, mother’s last name, father’s last name)
    *this also appeared on our marriage license, as well as in our marriage certificate
    But he is using (first, middle, mother’s last name)

    He wanted me to use his mother’s last name as my married last name which did not appear as his legal last name in the certificate. He wanted also the same thing in our child’s last name once he’s born.

    How do I go about this, I want everything legal.

    2. I don’t want to change anything on my GC (I’ve read it’s expensive just to have the name changed in the GC) but do I need to inform the USCIS that I’m married.
    I wanted my GC and my foreign passport to have the same legal name (I renewed my foreign passport last month and will have to wait 8-10 weeks to get it- meaning, I still don’t have it with me but the details states my maiden name same as my GC)

    Once everything is resolved,
    3. Will my SSN,DL and other docs (with married name) affect my GC and passport (with maiden name)?

    Thank you so much for your help and for being patient in answering our queries.

    • He wanted me to use his mother’s last name as my married last name which did not appear as his legal last name in the certificate. He wanted also the same thing in our child’s last name once he’s born.

      Your children's name may be changed as preferred, but you'd have to take on the full name reflected on the certificate. Otherwise, you'd have to petition the court.

      I don’t want to change anything on my GC (I’ve read it’s expensive just to have the name changed in the GC) but do I need to inform the USCIS that I’m married.

      Name changes should be reported.

      Will my SSN,DL and other docs (with married name) affect my GC and passport (with maiden name)?

      No, your green card is the primary. The other documents shouldn't impact travel.

  63. I have been divorced for over 20 years and would like to change my name back to my maiden name. Do I need to go to the SSA or Probate Court?

    • Hi Karen. If your divorce decree contains an order restoring your maiden name, then you'll just need to obtain an certified copy of your divorce decree to effect a name change. If your decree has no such order, you'll have to petition the court for a name change.

  64. I am about to take my husband's last name 7 years after our wedding. Our children, 2 of whom were born before we wed, all have hyphenated last names. Can I change their names, basically just drop my maiden name the first part of the hyphenated name, or would I have to pay and petition to have their names be just their fathers. (he is listed on thier birth certificates)

    • It can be another original document, such as a passport, state-issued ID card, employee ID card, or student ID card or record. You could also order a duplicate of one of your ID's and send that. Your identity document should be returned to you after processing.

      Alternatively, you can take care of business in person at your local office.

      • The document must have your birth date and not be expired…so if you do not have another document with all that information do you just send your driver's license?

  65. Hello,
    I live in New York, was married in August 2015 and have yet to change my name with SSA, DMV, etc.
    Is changing my name to the name on my marriage certificate with SSA what makes it "legal?" Or is my current legal name my married name even though nothing has been changed with SSA? Will the date of name change be on my new SSA card?

    • Is changing my name to the name on my marriage certificate with SSA what makes it "legal?"

      Yes.

      Or is my current legal name my married name even though nothing has been changed with SSA?

      No.

      Will the date of name change be on my new SSA card?

      No.

  66. Good afternoon.
    I went to the social security office to change my name. I wanted to hyphenate my current maiden name with my new last name, but I was told that I can't since it is not showing on the marriage certificate. I am confuse…. How would my new name already be printed on the marriage license?
    I live in FL.

    • Hi Patou. Were you trying to take in a copy of your marriage license or marriage certificate? Was there a spot for a new name choice to appear when you applied for your marriage license?

  67. My husband and I just got married. He is Russian and in Russian culture, the wife takes the husbands last name, but adds an "a" to the end. I went to the Social Security office to change my name from my maiden name to his last name with "a" added to the end. I was told that I could only change my name to the EXACT way he spells it. I would have to change my name to the masculine form of his last name. Obviously he was not happy and felt insulted that I would have to use the masculine form. I was told that I would have to petition the court for a name change to add the letter "a" which includes a filing fee of $401, plus the cost of finger printing and a criminal background check. I ended up just changing it to the masculine form in the mean time and Ill have to go through the long and expensive process of adding the "a" at a later time. Are there no considerations for cultural differences for name changes in Social Security? I just want to make sure they are correct before I begin this whole process.

    • Are there no considerations for cultural differences for name changes in Social Security? I just want to make sure they are correct before I begin this whole process.

      No, there are no considerations made. You were given accurate information.

  68. Hi. I got married in 2016 and until now I haven’t change my name yet. Is there a time frame wherein I have to change my name? I’m in California by the way. Thanks.

    • Is there a time frame wherein I have to change my name? I’m in California by the way.

      No, there's no time frame.

  69. Hi,

    Do I need to mail my social security card with my maiden name on it with my documents to change my name and get a new social security card with my new last name?

  70. After years of being married and having an identification in my married name, I came to find out that my name was never changed on my SSC. I found this out when I went to renew my drivers license even though my previous licenses have been in my married name. I had to change my license back to my maiden name. I cried thinking I am not legally married. How do I fix this? Please help.

    • Hi Suzanne. Whether or not your name was ever changed with the SSA doesn't affect the validity of your marriage. After all this time, you can still go to the SSA to change your name to your married name.

  71. I got married back in May. I have not changed my name on my SS yet. Due to moving to Germany shortly after marriage, I was afraid I wouldn’t get it back in time. I was unaware I could do it at an office. Do you have any tips on how to change it from over seas? My husband is stationed here, I just got hired on base but they need my SSN. Is there ANY way to expedite the process? With all the things I had to do with the military, changing my SS was the last thing on my mind. I’ve been out of work for over 3 months and I Cannot afford to wait up to 6 weeks to get it back. Maybe I should go to the office on base and see what they say? I’ve noticed military doesn’t really like dependents much.

    Also, if you live in OK, they don’t need your SSC, just the marriage certificate, same with the banks. That’s how I changed it before I moved.

    Thank you

  72. Hello, I live in Florida and I wanted to know if I change my name in my SS and my drivers license but my passport still has my maiden name will my passport still be valid? We have a trip coming up in a couple of weeks and another in about 3 months and I didn't want to go through the hassle of changing my passport just my drivers license and SS. But want to make sure my passport will still be valid with my maiden name.

    • Hi Yanni. Your passport will remain valid. Make sure the name on your tickets matches the name on your passport.

      • Thank you! I just wanted to make sure because I know you have 10 days to update your license but wasnt so sure about the passport

  73. Hi!
    Just change my name to my husband's paternal name after our marriage at the SSA with no problem at all, but when I tried to change it at dmv in PA they did not allow me to just use his paternal name, they told me that I have to use both of his last name since he is latino and that is the way names are in our countrys, and that is how appears in out married certificate; they told me that SSA is federal and DMV is statal so laws are different. I only want to use one last name since that is how our daughter's BC is too, is there a way that I can get that change?

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