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 got married in 2014 and haven't changed my SS card yet.. on my marriage licence I put my maiden name but I want to change it to my husbands last name. Does it need to be his last name on the marriage licence? If so what do i need to do to fix it? Thank you!
Some states require your name change to match what's on the certificate, while others do not.
You can typically only amend a certificate if there's an error. Preferring a new name wouldn't count as an error unless the mistake was on the clerk's part.
hi i was married twice and didnt change my ss card at all. i cannot find my first marriage certificate or divorce decree, i am married now and i have proof to my current name from my previous married name but not from my birth name. What do i do for documents? i have my birth certificate and my Drivers license. insurance card etc….but my ss card is still in my maiden name. i just need to know what i need to bring to get this figured out.
Thank you,
Dawn
Hi Dawn. The documents you have now are sufficient.
Go to a District Court in the State you received your Divorce Decree. You will need Certified Copies of your Divorce Decree that you can show to the SS Office that you were granted a name change back to a maiden name in your Divorce Decree. If you didn't ask for the name change in your Divorce Decree, you would have had to apply and pay for it separately.
If you did neither of those bring an official Birth Certificate to the SS Office and well and any other documents that show proof of your name changes.
Hi!
I live in Cali. I just got married last week and received our marriage certificate with request of changing my last name into my husband's last name. Now i change my mind not to take my husband's last name. Is it ok and legal if i don't change my new last name on any official documents. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much.
Yes, it's fine.
I posted my comment last month to you and never got a response.
Hi Gwendolen. You're viewing the wrong page. You actually left your comment on the Georgia name change page, which was replied to.
I got married last November and when I went to renew my plates and license in April at the dmv I asked about changing my name, I had my marriage certificate with me and she let me change my name on my license without having my name changed at the SOcial security office. I still haven't changed my name on my Ss card. Is my ID already having my married name going to mess up changing my name on my Ss card?
No, it will not cause a conflict.
just got married i do not have a birth certificate to take to ss i just have id and ss card and marriage certificates will this be enough
Hi Joyce. Yes, that should be fine.
I recently got married (9/3) and I went to the SSA and DMV and changed everything; However I am just now learning that in Nebraska I cannot drop my middle name, and I can either drop my maiden name entirely, or just add my Husbands name on the end of it. I have to go and get my License adjusted to First Middle Maiden Last instead of what it is currently (the guy at the DMV messed my name up, so it just says First Maiden Last) – Naturally I went to the SSA first to change my name and my SSC now says First Maiden Last. When I update my License it will be First Middle Maiden Last, does my SSC need to match the name on my license, or can I leave it as is? – I also need to get my passport updated, should I provide them with the name on my License or the name on my SSC?
Sorry this is a little long – I don't know what to do and I am very lost.
Thank you
The SSA doesn't go by what's on your license. However, the DMV is prone to go with what's on your SS card.
Since your license will likely have to match the name on your SS record, it would make sense to have it reflected on your passport as well. This ensures consistency across your identity documents.
I recently got divorced and immediately ran to the ssa to change my name back to my maiden name, which was a mistake. But now I realize I want to keep my married name. What can I do?
Hi Tanya. If you've already went through the name change with the SSA, the you'll have to get a court order to change it again.
I got married but don't want to change my name. Do I have to? How do I link my ssn to my husband ( for survivor benefits, for example).
No, name change isn't required.
The same as your normally would. Name change isn't related.
Hi. I recently got married and i have changed my name at social security office, but that's the only change I've done. I haven't change my at the MVA or anywhere else. I'm graduating from nursing school in December but I want to graduate with my maiden name, would there be a problem if I don't change my name in school
Hi Sandra. That's something you'll have to take up with your school. Perhaps they'll allow the use of an alias, or using your preferred name publicly and legal name internally. If you don't want to disclose your identity, then you can inquiry anonymously via telephone.
I am looking to change my name with the SS office through the mail. Can I mail a photocopy of my driver license for proof of identity or do I need to mail the actual license? Seems strange to me to mail in the actual document. Any info would be great. Thanks.
Hi Heidi. Originals. No photocopies.
But then would be driving without license. Can that be done??
Hi Elizabeth. You don't have to use your driver's license. You can also use an employer, student, or state-issued ID card. You can also go into a local office and change it directly without having to forfeit any identification.
I was married on July 15, 2017. We have a honeymoon in September, a cruise in February and a European trip in May. Plane reservations have been made. Since my passport has to match my plane reservation / ticket name exactly. Is there any time frame where I must complete the social security name change? Is it required for filing joint income tax returns? Can I change everything else after my May 2018 trip? Example change social security now but change drivers license, bank accounts, credit cards, passport after May? What is your advise?
No.
No.
Yes.
Yes, you could do that, although some state driver's license offices mandate they be alerted to name changes within a certain period of time.
Ok so there was a similar question already but did not give me the answer I needed.
I recently updated my Green Card ( not cheep to renew) and want to work on my citizenship which will take me a couple of years which will be expensive as well and I am getting Married in a couple of weeks.
How long do I have to change my SSA info to what will be on the marriage certificate? I rather wait to update everything when I get my citizenship rather than having to pay for a new green card now and than again when I become a citizen.I know I can keep my current name and not change anything. I also know I can change my name when I get my citizenship. However what I can not find is, if there is a time frame by which it has to be done? Thanks in advance.
There is no time limit. You can change it later, when it's optimal for you.
Hi i got married so i went to social security and changed my last name into my husband's ,and i displaced the order of my first n middle name so de problem is they refused to give me a driver's license cus the displacement of my first and last name is not permitted.last week i went to social security and changed the first and middle name to its original order its been 12days to day but my new card hasn't come.please could dere be any problem with my situation?
Hi Nchangwi. Having processing time take at or longer than 12 days isn't unheard of. You can contact your social security office to determine its present status.
Ok thanks for the response
Hi. I filed for a petition for my husband and it was approved. But i used my maiden name when i filed for it. Included is our birth certificates and marriage certificate. Can i just change my marital status at ss without changing my surname yet?i would love to change it but i worry that nvc might get confused with my new name and cause delay of my filed petition.
Hi Maria. Could you clarify what you mean by petition?
Can I send in my paperwork via mail to change my last name? It has been several years and I did not opt to change my last name when wed, but I want to now and my job does not let me off work unless it is an emergency. How do I go about requesting a name change through the mail without any hiccups.
Hi Megan. You can submit your social security name change form through the mail or in office.
My husband and I were married a little over 2 years ago. I didn't change my name right away because I'm a flight attendant and wanted to wait for my passport to expire (and also putting off the huge hassle of changing my name at work). Now that it's getting close to expiring, I'd like to change my name. Can I just take our marriage certificate to our local SS office and change it? It only states my maiden name. Our lisence is also from Virginia and we now live in Wisconsin.
Hi Taran. Yes, just take a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you to change it.
Hello. I will be getting married this October. I want to get my name changed as soon as possible. With that being said, we plan on going to our local Social Security Office as soon as we get back from our honeymoon. My question is…I am from PA and we just recently moved to CA 2 years ago. Even though I was not born in CA, but born in PA, am I able to still get this taken care of a our local Social Security Office in CA…or will I have to send off the documents to the Social Security Office in PA?
Hi Alexsis. You can get it dealt with at your California office.
I got married in pa, but moved to ky before changing my name ID etc. I still have a pa license. Anyway I could change my name legally in ky with a pa marriage certificate and ID.
And if so, what would be my first step. Changing my license, then to the social security office then back to the DMV?
Hi Brittany. SS office, then DMV.
Yes, you can.
Hi there! My husband and I married on June 26th 2017. We currently live in the state of Ohio but married in Jamaica. We did receive a certified marriage certificate. I spoke to a lady in our county to find out if we would need to register the marriage here in the states and she couldn't give me much info other than to the take certificate to the social security office and see if they would grant the last name change. Could you provide me with some info? I was guaranteed that this is a legal binding marriage but the last I spoke with said SS may not consider Jamaica as a county that would be validated. I've tried to google and came up with nothing. The certificate we received does have the raised seal. Should I take this certificate along with my identity documents? The lady I spoke with said we might have to be married here to make it official. Help!! Thank you!
Hi Nicole. Just take the certificate to the SS office as you would any other certificate.
Can I go to any social security office to change my last name to my new husbands last name or so I have to do it at my local office?
Hi Victoria. You can go to any office.
Hello,
I am getting married in September 2017, we applied for our marriage license and I told the clerk that i want to keep my last name and hyphenated his last name. Do I necessarily need to change my last name to his in my social security, drivers license and other documents? I want to keep my Dad's last name in his honor. Please advice.. Thank you
Lani
No, you do not have to change your last name, regardless of what you specified on your marriage license.
Hello!
My wife is trying to get her name changed. We have our certified marriage certificate copies (the one we signed after the wedding), and on it it says before marriage name. No where on there does it have the new, desired last name. Is this an issue? We have NO documents that have her first name and new last name, so can we still get her a new drivers license and SS card?
Hi Jorge. In some states, the certificate you may receive immediately after the ceremony isn't actually a certified copy. It may say "marriage certificate" or "certificate of marriage," but it's not certified until it's been recorded and issued as a certified document from the proper office. Every state does it differently, so I can't say with much specificity if you can use that document to change your name just yet. What state did the marriage take place in?
Hi i have a quick question i just came from my local SSA Office, i changed my name due to marriage, they didnt gave my my old social security card back do they stay with it? Do they provide anything so you can have it on you meanwhile the new card arrives?
Hi Mayela. No, they don't typically provide a temporary card while they retain the old one.
How long does it take for the social security office to get confirmation of a marriage from another state so that I can receive my new card with the name change?
Hi Freda. The "state" or other third-part entity doesn't notify the SSA of your marriage or name change. You'll have to make that contact yourself.
If I go to the SSA office in person, is there any way to expedite my new card? I then need to expedite a new passport in my married name.
Hi Jessica. I'm not aware of any option to expedite the processing of your social security card. Your passport can be expedited though.
The county misspelled my maiden last name on my marriage certificate, will I still be able to get my named changed if I take the certificate to the SSA office?
Hi Alysa. It depends on the state. You can contact the office that recorded your certificate and have it corrected. They'll explain the procedure. If the clerk made the mistake, they'll typically make the correction free of charge.
Whomever wore this has a dialed-in sense of humor! Thanks for the info AND the chuckles.
Hi Elle. Glad you enjoyed the read. Cheers.
I changed my name after I got married with ssa. I am due with my first child soon so I want to wait to change it with the DMV until I drop some baby weight from my face. In the mean time what is my legal name. Can I use my new last name on the baby birth certificate?
It's what's on your most current SS card.
Yes, you can.
Me and my fiancee are getting married soon the funny thing is we both already have the same last name does she still need to file anything with the Social Security Office after we are married?
No, she doesn't need to file anything.
I applied for my new card with my married name on June 21,2017 and I still hvent recieved it.
Hi Tera. Contact your local SSA office to get a status update.
Hi,
I am Green Card holder and I have not change my last name after marriage. I been married for 3 years and I would like to change my name. Can you please answer me below question.
1) What document do I need to submit in SSN for name change . (Note: I have foreign passport which contains old name, and all other documents contains old name)
2) Do I need to first change my name in my foreign passport ?
Hi Tina. You'll need to present a certified copy of your marriage certificate/record to change it with the SSA. You don't have to update your passport first.
If I'm getting a divorce but chose to keep my married name sence I have used for 10 years and have on all my documents. Except ss card can I still change the name on my ss card. Does the paperwork change do I need a copy of my divorce that states I get to keep my name?
Hi Sarah. You can change it if your divorce decree contains an order restoring your maiden name.
I just changed my name at social security in the state of MA. They do not give temporary cards.
Is my name changed officially the day of for payroll purposes at my job.
I can't do my license or anything else until I get the card in the mail……
Hi Tracey. If you made the change in office, it typically takes place the same day. You can phone the SSA to determine if the processing has been completed.
Good evening.
I have a question. Can you please clarify something for me please. I married in 1996 however never changed my name on my SS card but I did change it (hyphenated) on my license. Since it was not changed officially through SSA is it legally my last name? I divorced 10 years ago and will be remarrying next year and wanted to know if I need to drop it legally?
No, it would be your maiden name.
That depends on what your intention are after remarriage. If you intend to take your new spouse's name, you could use the marriage certificate to effect a name change with SSA and the driver's license office.
If you'd rather just stick to your maiden name, then you could restore your maiden name to your driver's license if your divorce decree contained an order restoring your maiden name.
If you want to go back to your maiden name and your decree contains no such order, you'll need to get a court ordered name change.
I got married and decided to keep maiden , do I still have to notify SSA and DMV since I'm not changing anything
Hi Fabiola. No, you don't have to notify anyone since nothing's changing.
After I got married in San Francisco back in 1979, I immediately applied for name change. However when the new SS card arrived, noticed that I was given a new set of SS #s along with my new last name. Went to a local SS office to make correction, but was told that once SS #s is issued there is no way to remove it. Just don't use the new set of SS #s for anything. So my question is, is it really okay to have two sets of SS #s? Thank you
Hi Alice. When the SSA assigns someone two social security numbers, the records are supposed to be cross-referenced, so you may want to make a visit to your local SSA office to make sure this was done.
Hello I'm 8n Texas and recently got married. My husband is hispanic and has 2 last names and no middle name. So it's his paternal and maternal name in that order. Well he uses the 1st one which is paternal as our kids do. And he also only uses the 1st one on bank and other matters or his signature. So when I went to change my name they gave me the last one which is maternal and him nor our children use it. Only option I had was to carry 2 or go and amend name at marriage license office. They told me I wouldn't be able to change anything since it's his legal name. What can I do now? Please and thank you
Hi Amber. You'd have to get a court ordered name change.
I changed my name back to my maiden name after my divorce. I am now in the process of changing my legal documents (ss card, drivers license). I still have my old ss card with my maiden name, can I just use this instead of getting a new one? I'm guessing no because the ss admin won't be aware of the change, but I just want to double check. Thank you!
You're interpretation is correct. It wouldn't be valid to use your old card.
While applying for a first time passport, the agency had a problem I need to sort out with my name on my birth certificate as different from my social security card and other legal documents. They want to make sure I am one in the same person, of course, and will now require a legal name with a judge's court seal as my best, fastest route- seeing as my 90 day deadline is ebbing away.
I changed my name in 1991 after a divorce. It is in the decree. I went to the SSA and DMV and all other entities and changed it. I placed my first and middle name together to form a new name with a slightly different spelling. I took my maiden name for my middle name. I took a last name that was not connected to anything other than symbolic to me. That is the name I have had for over 20 years.
Now then, I have had one marriage since and one divorce. I guess I skipped the legal name change by accident and never changed at the SSA (as I did not the first time), an yet went by the married names, just did not realize I missed steps (therefore I suppose I was never legally either married name). I suppose I have remained the only name change name this whole time. 'But without a judges seal or it shown in the last divorce final divorce decree (way back in 1998)- it has made it complicated.
I have wondered now "Gee, what name am I? What name have I been this whole time?" and now I am unable to be passed for a passport unless resolved. I did not realize any of this until I began this passport process. So~ in my petition for a legal name change to make sure this all gets legal (to the name I have on my social and all documents) and straightened out: Do I put my "maiden name" for the original legal name???? (and then this other name for the one I want to be make certain is my legal name?)
Hi Kristy. It would likely be the name you've used for the last 20 years, which is what you have the most corroborating evidence for. Consult the court for further clarity.
I was married in 1999 and hyphenated my name. I never changed my name with ss due to credit accounts being in maiden name. My name is hyphenated with the drivers license and military(husband is retired military) for insurance purposes as well. I will be 62 in October and need to file for social security benefits. Will not changing my name cause issues? What docs will I need to file for ss?
Hi Gay. Not changing your name with SSA shouldn't impact you, but it may affect future renewal of your driver's license. Generally, it's not a good idea to have a name mismatch across your government-issued identification.
You can learn about how to file for social security at the retirement benefits website.
Hi Valera,
I got married to my husband in Connecticut in 2008. I live in Texas now and I was able to update my driver's license and passport to my husband's surname but not my social. I have to change my name on my social because it is interfering with my payroll. When reading about the documents required I realized I don't have my marriage certificate and would have to request one from Connecticut. Since my marriage occurred over 2 years ago would it be sufficient to show a document with my maiden name (like my current social) and my passport with my married name? Or do I have to order a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
Thanks!
Hi MZ. You'll still need your marriage certificate.
I changed my name before I got married as a legal name change. Do I have to change my name on my birth certificate now? What if I want to leave that unchanged?
Hi Jennifer. Changing your name on your birth certificate is optional. You can leave it alone if you'd prefer.
Hi, I just returned from my Federal Social Security office to process a name change due to marriage. I was informed that since I did not reside in the same county as the office, they would not be able to process my name change. Why would a federal office not be able to process a name change within the state?
Hi Ann. Can you provide further details, such as the state?
I was married on 5-17-17. I'm battling with the whole name change. I was going to hyphenate it and decided that wouldn't work either. How long do I have to make that decision and if a long time has passed will I have to pay or be penalized for not changing it after marriage? If I don't change it do I let the DMV know or what if my w2s say single and 0 do I change that now to married and 0. This is all so confusing weather you take his last name or not. :(
There's no time limit.
No.
If you haven't chosen to change your name, there's nothing to notify them about.
It should reflect your current status, which is married.
As previously mentioned, you don't have to decide now. You're not racing against the clock. There is no clock.
Hi I need help! So I just got married and I am waiting for my marriage certificate. However, my green card is expired. I have lived in the US since 1995 but my green card expired 2 years ago and I just don't have the money to renew. Will this cause an issue with changing my name with SSA? I still have the card it's just expired…my status isn't expired, just the card itself.
Hi Melody. No, it shouldn't pose a problem.
Hi, I have a question maybe you can help me with. I married for the first time 17 years ago. I took my husbands name and had 3 beautiful children. Since than we divorced not I have just recently remarried. I did not change my last name back to my maiden name after the divorce. I wanted to keep my last name the same as my children. Now that I have remarried, I would like to hyphenate my last name. I would like to use my previous married name – new married name? Is that ok. I know on the paperwork we filled out for the marriage license it asked for maiden name, which I filled out, but I also wrote on it my current name which was my married name. If I am still legally lets say Sally May, and I just married Mr. June. On my SS card and everything else, can I be known as Sally May-June?
Hi Michelle. It depends. Which state did the marriage take place in and which state are you a resident of?
HI I got married on 10/10/2016, changed my last Name but did not Change my SSC or DL so far. I have to get a new DL asap with my new legal Name . Can I apply at the DMV first without being at the SSC? or do i HAVE to go to SSC first and then to the DMV to get my DL: I Need the DL asap and the time Frame is tight:-(
Hi Nicole. You may be able to get your driver's license done first, but it's unlikely. You don't actually have to wait until your new SS card arrives before changing your name with the DMV. If you wait around 24 hours between the two, the DMV may be to query the SSA database to look for a name match/mismatch.
Hi, so I mailed all my information in over 2 months ago and they have YET to process my application. I sent everything needed and they sent that all back to me, minus my marriage certificate. I have called several times and each time the person is surprised it hasn't been processed and says they will make sure it gets in the next day..but it still hasn't. I moved to a new state so unfortunately it limits what I can do since I can't transfer anything. Would there be a reason it would be taking so long? Or why they haven't processed it yet? I live in a small town.
Hi Paige. Did you try visiting a local office?
Hello,
I hope this has not been asked already, I tried to read through and didn't see that this had been asked. I just went in today to get my certified marriage certificate so that I can go and get my last name changed to my husbands and was a little confused. It stated that "proof of citizenship was required unless they already have proof" wouldn't my current SS card be that proof, or do I still need to bring in my birth cert. Normally I would just bring it but it is with my parents who do not live near to me.
Short question is this, will my certified marriage certificate, drivers license and current SS card be enough for me to do the name change or will I need to somehow get a copy of my birth certificate?
Not necessary, as it's already in their records.
If you'd prefer to bring it anyway, you can just order a certified copy and have it mailed to you. You don't need your parent's copy.
Those documents are sufficient. The birth certificate isn't required.
Hi there. It might be out of topic, but i hope you can give some advice. I got married 3 years ago and have my husband's name as my new surname. My status now is permanent resident. I got my GC through petition in 2012. During 3 years of marriage i didn't change my new name to SSA, GC or other legal docs. I decided to apply for naturalization this year. And here is my concern.
1. On the form N-400 it asked my current legal name. Does it mean i have to put my maiden name? Because i haven't change anything on my identity.
2. Is it going to be a problem if i don't change my new name first on my GC? I really don't want to request new GC with my new name, because it cost a lot of money and at the end it will be discarded once i become citizen.
3. In the form N-400, part 2 point 4. Do i need to request name change and put my husband's name as my new legal name? Is it going to confuse them if i show them my marriage certificate? Or i shouldn't show them my marriage certificate? Because i wanted to change any legal docs with my husband's name after i become citizen. And i want my certificate of citizenship has my new name on it, not my maiden name.
Thank you in advance.
You can still put the married name, and show proof of marriage using the original or certified copy of your marriage record.
No, it shouldn't.
This should match the name on your green card, so maiden name.
No, it won't confuse them. You're situation is one they encounter on a continual basis.
No harm in showing your certificate. Name change as part of the naturalization process is common.
Thank you for your respond. They ask me to send copy of my green card. Is it should be certified as well, or just plain copy would be fine?
Photocopy, front and back.
I apologize if this has been asked before, but I've searched and searched and not gotten a straight answer as of yet, so I'm hoping you all could please help.. It was granted in my divorce decree that my children's as well as my last name would all change to my maiden name. When I went to the social security office with the divorce decree, my driver's license, my children's insurance cards, birth certificates (basically anything and everything I thought I might need), I was told it couldn't be done there, that I would have to send my divorce decree to Nashville –I believe maybe TN's main office. My question is, what all should I send in order to have my children's last names and my last name changed? I just don't want to make any mistakes and it take any longer than it should. Any help or advice is very much appreciated; thank you!
Hi Danielle. Can you give a little more context about why they couldn't process your request?
I just got married. I went to the SS office and changed my named. I wasn't offered a temporary card. SS told me it will take up to 24hrs for name changed to be updated. DMV says 48. Is the letter from SS not good enough to have my drivers license changed….
No, your letter wouldn't be used. They'll access the SSA database for verification. Go by the DMV's wait time.
I just gor married and was wondering will i get new social security number
Hi Angela. The Social Security Administration isn't going to automatically send you an updated social security card just because you got married. You'll have to notify them of your name change directly.
You won't get a new SSN, just a new card with your new name. You will have to go to the SSA office to get your name changed and a new card with your new married name.
Hi! This thread has been very informational!
I have a question and some help is very appreciated!
I am currently on a work visa and my husband is a US Citizen. We got married in Feb'17 in TX. Right after we got married, I got my name updated to my married name on my SSN card using my marriage certificate. The SSA updated my name and I had no problems there.
I went to the DMV when I got my SSN card with the updated name to get a state ID. There I was told by the officer that I would have to get my name updated with immigration first! How do I do that? We have a greencard application in process, will this affect the application?
Also, I am applying for a drivers license where I will need to present identification and it wont match because the SSN has the married name and all my other IDs have my maiden name! Can the DMV still give me a license in my maiden name? I have never had a drivers license in the US before. I am in such a fix!
Any help on this is appreciated!
You'll have to contact USCIS about amending your application.
You'll can present an alternative identity document. Review the list of acceptable documents on TxDPS.
I am getting married 6 months before I turn 21… can I just wait until I'm 21 to renew my license or will I have to do it twice? W
Hi Moriah. Some states require you to update your license within X days if you've changed your name with the SSA, although many of the enforcement mechanisms are ambiguous, weak, or nonexistent.
If you're getting married, but won't actually be updating any of your identity document, then you don't have to renew early as there will be nothing to update.
Someone please help. I got married in 2014, got my named changed at the SSA and just finding out this year that i cant look up my cresit report, cant create and SSA account for my sons disability, and the power company still seens my maiden name with my SS# not my married name. Im afraid im eventually going to run into issues when i try to apply for something but i need it to be my married name. I want to go to college, when i go to fill out the dederal aid form it has all my previous loan information under my maiden name as well. When i get my taxes filed though, i give them my maiden name on my ss card and ive never had an issue getting a refund. Theres some places i havent gktten in changed, like a state ID or drivers license, but i thought since i made it legal through SSA that anything to do with my SS # would show me as my married name by now.
Credit bureaus eventually become aware of name changes, although it can take time. You can write a letter to each of the bureaus and include a certified copy of your marriage certificate with a name change notification that specifies your old and new name.
You'll have to contact the SSA about this.
You'll have to notify utilities of your name change.
You'll have to update your profile's name.
Taxes need to be filed under the name on your SS card, which is your married name.
That's not the case. Changing it with the SSA only results in the IRS being automatically notified. Every other government and non-government institution must be notified separately.
Why does new card have copy on it after name change?
Hi Ron. What do you mean by "copy?" Please provide more details.
When I was 19, I got a court ordered name-change in California (I guess back in 1990 you didn't need to show a child's birth certificate when applying for a SS card and my step dad put his last name as my last name, preventing me from getting a state issued ID when I needed it). When my husband got our marriage license in Louisiana, the court clerk refused to put my legal last name on the marriage license, saying that she had to use what was on my birth certificate (even though she was provided with the court documents needed to verify my legal name change).
So…my marriage certificate has my one last name (which I am incredibly mad about) and my entire identity is another last name (never used the birth last name). How am I going to go about changing my name with SSA?
Hi Ashley. As I understand it, you attained a court order to change your name, but it's not clear that you ever took your court order to the SSA to change the name in their records. If that's the case, the name on your birth certificate has been your legal name, which is why the clerk required you to specify that. If this is true, you'll have to petition the court to change your name.
I have question – …. I went to US on a j1 visa through my employer and got Ssn also for that period. After coming back from US , I got married and my husband purchased house in my new last name after marriage though I am yet to change my new name in my passport and other govt docs. I also have educational degree certificate from US. Now my passport is going to expire next year and my husband wants me to change my maiden name to his last name. Will I face any difficulty in future when I go to USA as I will have to change my last name in Ssn card at that time only as my visa expired already now. Also can I get name change done in my education certificates by online providing marriage certificates? I am from India and will marriage certificate from here be accepted there in US
Have documents in your possession showing your prior name (e.g., birth certificate) as well as documents explaining how your new name came about (e.g., marriage certificate).
You'll have to contact the institution. Most would want it done by mail with proof inluded, such as your marriage certificate.
It should be accepted, although some institutions may request it be translated and notarized if not in English.
Hi,
I recently got married and chose to adopt my husband's last name on my marriage certificate. I reside in NJ, and I read that in NJ for you to add maiden name as a middle name (I didn't have a middle name to start with) you need to petition the court, which is a long and expensive process. I don't believe it's worth it. However, I know it's not a problem for me to get my maiden name added onto my SSN with the show of my marriage certificate. My question is – if I add my maiden name as middle name on my SSN, but leave it out on my NJ driver's license and only change my last name, since it requires a more tedious process, would this affect anything? Thanks!
That may not work if the MVC performs a look up against the SSA database and it results in a name mismatch.
Some local married people informed me that as long as I add the maiden as middle name on my SS first, which isn't a problem, the NJ DMV would use the SS name change as official document and proceed with adding my maiden as middle name. Do you know if this is the case? Thanks!
Hi Joy. This may work, as you had no previous middle name established. It's not guaranteed.
Joy – what did you end up doing?
the same thing happened to me. NY DMV did not accept my middle name either without a court order, so only my SS has the maiden middle name, even when I told them I have updated with SS. So do I now have to go back to SSA to drop the middle name?
I'm so confused as what to do now… for my w2/notifying my employer, do i tell them to add the middle name or no?
I have been divorced from my 3rd husband since 2007. I still have his last name. I am currently planning on getting married soon (to my first ex-husband) and would like to take his last name, but wonder if I will have to change my current name on my house deed, my bank documents, my passport, etc. to my new spouses last name if that's what I put on the marriage certificate. (I was married 25 years to my recent ex and actually cannot remember how the process works.) All of my children are grown, so the last name is not an issue regarding them, but I'm nervous about all of my legal documentation. I haven't had to file income taxes in several years as I've had no income other than personal loans and my savings to live on. Once married, will my new spouse and I file jointly with the IRS with me as his dependent whether I change my name or not? Will him carrying me on his health insurance policy need me to have his same last name? Help! Thanks so much!
You'll only have to change them if you update your SS card.
Your name doesn't affect how you file. You can file as married filing jointly or married filing separately.
No.
I am married but I am not using my husband last name which is Andrew. I put Wells on my son who is five months birth certificate but I want it to be Andrew. I contacted vital records and they said I could add Andrew but to remove Wells I would have to do a legal name change. If I add Andrew to my son's name does he have to go by wells-Andrew or can he go by just Andrew. I want us all to match because I'm going to turn in my marriage license to SSA and start going Lori Andrew. Can you please assist? Thank you
Hi Lori. If you just add a name to your son's, he can go by just Andrew informally, but his legal name will be Wells-Andrew. If you don't him to have to deal with juggling these names, you'll have to petition the court to have his name changed.
I need to find out when my aunt changed her name due to marriage, this is to settle her estate. Can the social security office provide me with this information
Hi JG. Yes, they would have a record of when the change was processed.
Hi,
On a DC Marriage application we have to put our names as we are identified before being married. I did that and my maiden name is on the certificate because that's who I was when I applied for the license.
My maiden name is hyphenated. Can I change my middle name on SS application SS-5 to only part of my hyphenated maiden name and last name to my Husbands last name?
What are the restrictions (within SSA) for name change in Virginia after being married in DC?
Hi Karina. I don't believe a partial hyphenation is permitted.
Hi I have a question.
I am a man taking his wife's last name as her dad has no other grandchildren than our son.
We are going to change both of our names (myself and son) to his so he can have someone to carry on his name. My father has 15 other grandchildren and I discussed it with him.
My father in law is a veteran and it is just the right thing to do.
If I were to simply file the ss-5 with the supporting docs and then go to the DMV would this work?
I think it is discriminatory to make a man pay to have this done.
Hi BW. It depends on the state. Most states do require the husband pay to do this through the court system.
Would my social security amount change if I get married & my future wife does not want to change her name , cause she would loose her deceased husbands money how would it work out with SSI .. would anyone be in trouble
Hi Nick. Benefits aren't affected by name change.
Hi! I just got my certified marriage certificate this afternoon and then headed to the Social Security Card Office that was down the street (thankfully both are walking distance to my office). I told my boss I may be a few hours at the Social Security Office, because when I drive by in the morning there is a line 100 people deep waiting to get into the Social Security Office. I had tried to call to make an appointment, but I was told that location wasn't taking appointments.
I walk into the social security office 30 minutes before it was closing and there wasn't a single other person there waiting! They had 9 windows open and not a person in the waiting room. I was in and out in 5 minutes! They didn't even ask to see my license, my marriage certificate was proof enough of my identity. I did find out my mother's maiden name is misspelled in the SS computers, but they won't change it without a certified copy of my birth certificate which I didn't have with me. Thankfully that shouldn't affect me at all for awhile. Even though their waiting room was empty, the clerks still had zero sense of humor. Oh well that's what government work will do to you.
Now the big hassle will be the DMV. They aren't taking any appointments until May, so I am going to risk it and go when they open tomorrow. Thankfully it is next to my house. I am impatient so hopefully the SS system updates overnight, otherwise I will have to try again. Also, the social security office did not give me a temporary card when I went in person, just a "receipt" with my new name and my address recognizing I applied for a new card and that it should arrive in 2 weeks. Wish me luck!
Hi Kate. Thanks for sharing your in office experience.
Are they supposed to give you a temporary card? They didn't give me anything. It's been a month since I applied and I have yet to receive my new card. Is there a way to check what's going on?
Hi Bea. No, I don't believe temporaries are distributed.
I'm having the same issue as Bea. No temp card, just a "receipt" with my new name on it. I applied in-person 8 business days ago and still haven't received it. I've been to the DMV already (7 business days ago) and am also waiting for my new license to arrive. What is taking so long? The SS guy put my campus address on the receipt and I wish he hadn't because the DMV lady used it as my address (campus address = I can't use it in a month). Water under the bridge until I move, I guess. Is the Post Office holding my mail or something?
Hi Elle. At this point, you'll have to contact your local SS office to get a status update.
Hi, I have two questions:
– Will a U.S. passport be sufficient for my U.S. citizenship? My birth certificate is with my mom out of state.
– Will the SSA keep my certified marriage certificate? I only have the original and not a certified copy.
Thanks!
Yes.
They should return it. If you're concerned this might not be the case, then you can order a certified duplicate copy from the office that houses your certificate. Then you can use the duplicate and keep your original at home.
I recently got married and kept my maiden name as my middle name. I had no problem at the social security office and on my social security card it reads: my first name, middle name (which now is my maiden name) and my new last name. However, at the DMV in NJ they told me they could only change my last name and not my middle initial. So right now my SS card states First, Maiden, New Last Name and my license states First, Old Middle initial, New last name. How can they not change this when it's already changed on my SS card? I feel like they were wrong here?
Hi Julie. What you were told is accurate. New Jersey doesn't permit middle name changes as a result of marriage. It's further discussed in the maiden to middle article. See the last two paragraphs.
Hi, I've been married to my second husband since 2001. I have my drivers license, all my bills, bank account…everything in my second husbands name. So for 18 years I have had my seconds husbands last name except on my social security card. My last name is still my first husbamds name on my SS card. I've even filed my taxes with my second husbands name. I now want to legally change it to what it should be on my social security card. Is this going to be a problem?
Hi Kelly. It shouldn't be a problem since you have multiple supporting identifications in your second husband's name. You'll still need to have a certified copy of your marriage record to effect a name change.
I'm married but I got my social security card change but it got both of our last name with his name last name last but I haven't changed my I.d and I still go by Maiden name at my job do I need to change it and go by my husband last name
Hi Khadji. By ID, are you referring to your driver's license? Some states require you update your license in the event of a name change within X number of days. It's not clear what their enforcement mechanism or penalty for not doing so in a timely manner is. If you don't update your ID soon, you'll eventually have to do it later, such as renewal time.
As for your job, you'll want to make sure they're using the name that matches what's on your social security card for tax purposes. You don't want a name mismatch there.
On my marriage certificate, I put down for two middle names (my previous middle name and maiden name as middle names). Now I am thinking I just want to have one middle name (my maiden name). I haven't made any changes yet at social security. Will I be required to change my name exactly as written with two middle names on my marriage certificate or can I decide to just use my maiden name for my middle name when I make the legal change? If I want to just use my maiden name as middle name, will that require a court order?
I am in California
Hi Chelsea. You'll likely need a court order. They'll want your name to match what you specified on the certificate.
I recently moved to Texas from Wisconsin after getting married. I currently have a Wisconsin Drivers License that will expire on my birthday. I just changed my last name with the social security office but they said it could take up to two weeks to get a new social security with my husbands last name. My current out of state Drivers License will expire prior to these two weeks. Do you know if I go to a Texas DMV to get my id switched, will they allow me to do it prior to getting my new social security card with my new last name?
Hi Christy. They should be able to change it beforehand, as they can likely query the SSA database remotely.
I got married in Cancun Mexico in Nov 2016. The documents were in Spanish so we got them translated to English but the translator didn't certify the Wedding Certificate with the raised seal only the circle and writing that looked liked the seal but wasn't raised. My question is can I use my marriage certificate to change my last name at the SSA, DL and my Bank ? It's certified with the seal but it's not the rIsed seal.
Hi Melissa. Yes, you should be fine.
I'm getting married in NY, but I live in KY. Can I start the name change process while I'm there or do I have to start it when I get back home? I'll have all my documentation and the time to do it there.
Hi Dreca. Yes, you can start it there.
Just to clarify, If I just got married, the only documents I need to change my name (by mail) on my Social Security Card is going to be the SS-5, certified copy of marriage certificate, and copy of birth certificate?
Hi Ceira. That should be sufficient.
Are there any issues hyphenating ones name after marriage? Basically I want to take my maiden last name and hyphenate with my husbands last name. I haven't changed my SS card yet, but need to do so. Do I still just go to SSA with my certified marriage certificate and they will do that, or is there something special that needs to be done when hyphenating a name?
No, there are no issues.
No, nothing special or extra to do. The process is the same whether or not your hyphenate.
The SSA office told me that they do not use punctuation and refused to put the hyphen in my last names. This is now an issue at work and I'm sure it will be whenever I get through the DMV… I'm trying to find a way around this, because I know that people have this done. It is so frustrating.
Hi Julie. What's the basis for their refusal? Insufficient proof of name change? You can try a different agent or office or mail in your paperwork instead.
I have an interesting question. The SSA knows me by the last name I was born with (Kueny), which is different than what I go by (Wick). What I put as my last name on my marriage license (Wick), is not my legal name (with the SSA), but it is the name that is on all other documents aside from my SS card. So, my birth certificate, my passport, and drivers license all have Wick, which technically is not legal. How this happened, I do not know. It happened during childhood somehow. So, anyways, the marriage certificate has a non-legal name on it. When I send it in, the supporting documents all have different last names. Make sense? Am I even going to be able to change my name to my husband's last name with the huge mix up?
Hi Ashley, yes you should be able to change it fine. At worst you'll be requested to provide some secondary identity documentation.