Social Security Name Change: A Complete Guide for 2023
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 gives the complete picture.
Note: 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
- Ethnicity
- 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.
You do not have to include your old social security card with your application. It is 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.)
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. Space is mandatory; names can't be flush.
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 unbounded 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 shows acceptable alternative IDs, 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
It may be possible to use your name change document as ID. 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, were your name Jane Doe before changing, your document must show likewise.
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 big 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 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 returning your license and certificate.
- Another 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 help.
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.
When I went to the SSA it wasn't "that bad" a wait. I had to wait but it was less than I thought. Had I thought about it I should have tried to make an appointment first but I have a feeling it's one of those things where it probably wouldn't matter if I had an appointment or not. I have a feeling I was gonna end up waiting anyway.
By the way where I went there wasn't a line of folks standing around. They had chairs so you're not on your feet the whole time. But they were pretty filled up.
Hi Terri. Thanks for sharing your experience. You're right, the SSA isn't quite the slog many folks make it out to be. If you get there at a good time, you can be in and out relatively quickly.
When I got married I put the name I wanted to change to on my marriage license. I havent changed it yet and now I'm having second thoughts. Am I required to change my name now?
Hi Deanna. No, you're not required to change your name. You can wait to do it later, or not at all. Just because you specified the intent to change your name when you applied for your marriage license doesn't obligate you to follow through. Simply doing nothing will keep your current name as-is, and unchanged.
While at the Social Security office, we tried to change my spouse's name on his newly issued Social Security card. We had our certified marriage certificate but were told that they don't except marriage certificates from LA county (the county we were married in and where this Social Security office was) and that we'd have to get remarried in another county, like Orange County, in order to have the name change processed. Have you ever heard of such a thing?
Hi Gregory. Did your spouse specify the "change to" name on the marriage license application, prior to getting married?
Yes, we did the name change on the marriage application. We ended up going to a different Social Security office who put the name change through no problem. Apparently the initial office had the procedure wrong. Thanks for responding!
Hi Gregory. I'm glad you got it sorted out.
I married in 2013 – I have changed my name from
Married to maiden on both my SS card and with the dmv. I am now entering into a personal business and using my maiden name. My concern and question is – if I can legally do this ? Or how will I file taxes? Under maiden or married?
In addition I'm Now worried that although I was married in 2013 – I did not alert the IRS in my taxes of the marriage or the name change. I just changed name with as and dmv in 2015. What should I do? And my last question is about Social Security benefits obtained under my maiden name. Will they carryover to my married name in order that I may use them when necessary?
Correction to my first sentence above …. I meant to say I changed my Social Security card and DMV name from "Maiden to married"
Look into registering your maiden name as a DBA.
When you change your name with the SSA the IRS is notified of it. If there were name mismatch problems, you should have been alerted of it. When you file your taxes, you'll need to use the name that matches your social security record.
Yes.
After scouring boards and websites and blogs, I feel like I have finally found the right place to ask this question!!
My fiancé and I are getting married in a few weeks in Maine. We currently live in Chicago. When we get married we are hoping to change our last name to his current middle name. Do we need to put this new name on the marriage license to have it be valid at the social security office? Will there be an issue because it's not his current surname? I guess we could just attempt to send in the documents and hope for the best? Or would you recommend going into a SS office?
Any guidance would be grand!!
This wouldn't be possible without a court order document.
Hi,
If I indicate the name change from maiden surname to married on the marriage license and have a marriage certificate does that "legal" change affect any of my current government issued IDs? I will be travelling internationally and was hoping to change to my married name with the SSA, passport, etc. when I return. I just want to be sure that when they scan my passport it won't somehow pick anything up about the legal change. Will I be okay to travel as long as I do not change anything with the SSA and my passport and travel documents both have my maiden name?
Specifying a name change on your marriage license doesn't result in your name legally changing. You have to update your records with the necessary government entities to effect a name change.
That's reasonable; to wait until later.
It won't pick up anything.
Yes, you'll be fine.
Social Security Administration is Federal. Is there a Federal Law requiring you to change your name after you get married, or is it optional, due to your AS Number never changes?
I meant SS Number! Not AS.
It's optional.
Hi,
When I got married last year I changed my last name to my husband's. On my SS card I had the option of keeping my maiden name for my middle name or dropping my maiden name altogether. I went with the latter. However now I regret it. I wish I still had my maiden name as a legal part of my name. Is it possible to change it now?
Hi Keri. You would have to get a court order to restore your middle name.
I recently got married in DC. My wife and I chose an entirely new last name, and for practical reasons she legally changed her name prior to our wedding. On our marriage license, her name is on there with our new last name, but we wrote my current/unchanged name (not with the intended new last name) on the marriage license. Is this going to create a problem changing my name to our new last name at the SSA going to be a problem (since I never put down my intended new last name)?
(The other complication is obviously that I'm a guy (sort of) taking my wife's last name, which I've heard can be more problematic and may not even be possible in some states. …And I want to keep my current last name as an additional middle name.) Any help would be immensely appreciated!
Hi Neil. You'd have to go the court order route for such a name change.
I got married in court 5 years ago and have legally changed my maiden name to my married name. The problem i had after that, was that i'd lost my (original/maiden) SS Card before getting married. So after filling out forms to obtain a new social security card with my married, the SSA finally gave me a new card (and of course with the same number). The thing is, when i have applied to a couple other jobs, they did background checks on me but for some weird reason, they couldn't pull up any record on file but they went ahead and hired me anyway. It also happened when i had to apply for a car insurance. They couldn't find anything but i got the insurance. What am i missing? When i went to the SSA office, i thought it was obvious that i needed a name change along with getting a new card to replace the lost one. What should I do?
Hi Jenny. As you know, when you change your name your SS number stays the same. Name changes should bubble up to the credit bureaus, but it's possible it didn't fully propagate in your case. You can contact the credit bureaus to see if their records have been updated. Inquire about sending documentation confirming your name change. You may have to do it in writing. You can also order credit reports to see what they have on file.
IF I change my name on my SSC by mail what documents do I need to mail along with the form?
Hi Julia. A document detailing what prompts the name change (e.g., certified copy of marriage license or divorce decree, or court order) and supporting document verifying your identity.
Hi. I was wondering if you could tell me if when you change your name on your SS card (recently married) do they notify everyone for me? Ex: post office, creditors, IRS, etc…
I have seen websites where you can pay them to do this but I didn't feel like I could trust that nor do I want to pay for that service if I don't have to. Thanks !
Hi Tori. They'll only notify the IRS.
I successfully changed my name with SSA and kept my maiden name and middle name as a middle name and took my married name as last name. Went to the DMV yesterday with new SSC and marriage license. They changed my name on my Drivers license to just my original middle name and now married last name, They said they couldn't include my maiden name as middle name because they said it wasn't written as is on the marriage certificate. But now my SSC and Drivers Licence don't match. I am annoyed. Are they right?
Hi Jessica. SSA's federal. DMV's state. They have separate standards. It's not unheard of.
This really is annoying and no ine at the DMV could help. My husband has 2 last names, I only took on the first one with SSA, but DMV put the 2 last names. It made no sense, how will this affect me? Another question no one could answer, I was told to go change my name again. If I'm going to carry 2 last names I want my husbands and mine not both my husbands. Do I need a court order to fix this?
Hi Krystalle. Yes, you would need a court order to change it again.
I went to the SSO last week to change my name dropping my maiden name, keeping my middle name and took my husband's last name, got my new SSC and realized I really want to keep my maiden name too. Is it to late to have this corrected?
Hi Angela. You wouldn't be able to go back and change your name again with just your marriage certificate. You'll need another document showing a new name change event, such as a court order.
I just get married and want to change my name to my husband name.I have ssc already n my JA passport, marriage certificate what else I need plz .
Hope you can help me
Hi June. JA passport? I assume you're referring to your Jamaican passport? You'll also want to update the following, if they exist:
U.S. passport, driver's license, state and/or military ID. Contact your place of employment to make sure your name is updated in their records and tax filings. Make sure your taxes are filed in the proper name. If your address has changed as well, notify the IRS and USPS. Finally, any non-government organizations, such as doctor's offices, online accounts, reissue of credit cards and checks in your new name. And on and on.
Hi, are you able to mail in SS name change in all states?
Hi Rachel. Yes, it can be mailed to whichever office is closest.
Thanks. Does it usually take a lot longer by mail?
Yes, it'll take a little bit longer by mail compared to going in office.
Hi,
I have a few questions. I got married 6 months ago and wrote my intended name change on my marriage certificate but have not changed it legally yet. My husband will be moving to a different state soon and I will follow him about a year after that, so at first I was thinking of putting off changing my name until we move so that I can get a new drivers license with my new name at the same time I have to get one for the new state anyway.
1. If I change my name through the SS office do I have to immediately change it at the DMV as well?
2. What happens if I wait more than 2 years after our marriage to change my name?
3. If I change my name through the SS office do I immediately have to have my job change my name for IRS purposes as well? Then do I have to file taxes from the 1/2 of the year I was my maiden name and the 1/2 I was my married name? Or would it still be one tax document?
4. If I choose to mail my application to the SS office do I also need to send them my drivers license or just my marriage certificate with the SS5 form?
5. Are there any cons of not legally changing my last name for ~1.5 years? It seems like it would be easiest to do it after I finish my time at my current job and when I am required to get a new state drivers license anyway.
Thank you so much for all of the above answers. I have been stressfully procrastinating my name change for the last 6 months and I feel like you are finally giving me peace.
Some states mandate that your driver's license be updated within X days of updating your SS card. The consequence of not doing so can be vague to nonexistent, so it can act more as a motivator rather than a penalty.
Nothing happens, assuming you've not changed it with any institution. If you've updated with SS but not with the DMV, then when it comes time to renew, you'll have to renew it in your new name. If you lose your driver's license or need one reissued, you'll need to do so in your new name. If your state requires your name be updated with the DMV within a certain period of time following the SSA, then you'll have to deal with whatever consequence arises from that delay.
Yes, update your employer. You want what they report to match with what's on file with the IRS.
One tax document using your legal name; the name that's on file with the SSA/IRS. When you update with the SSA, they'll auto-notify the IRS of the name change.
First, I'll assume you're a U.S. citizen and your citizenship is sufficiently established with the SSA. If that's not the case, you'll have to confirm your citizenship by providing a supporting document, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate or U.S. passport.
You'll have to send in a certified copy of your marriage certificate no matter what. The question is, do you need to send in your driver's license as well?
Let's assume that your marriage certificate provides enough information for the SSA to identify you in their records and you ultimately change your name within two years of marriage: In that case, you wouldn't need to provide your driver's license or another supporting identity document.
If you only send in your SSA application and a certified copy of your marriage certificate and the SSA is not able to identity you in their records, you will be contacted to provide an identity document, such as driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport.
No, but if you wait more than two years, you must provide a supporting identity document.
Will they mail my documents back to me? And how long does that usually take to receive them back?
Hi Rachel. Yes, they should send them back. Turnaround time can range between 2-6 weeks.
If they don't return my items to me, and I don't receive any information after 6 weeks, what should I do then?
Hi Rachel. You can phone the SSA to inquire where things stand. You don't have to wait 6 weeks. You can call anytime to try and get an update.
Ok, thank you. They will be able to tell me if they received my items? I am just worried since I mailed them in, and haven't received any information yet.
Hi Rachel. Yes, they should be able to provide a status update.
I am divorced and have been since 1997, I didn't change my name at the time of the divorce because at that time my daughter was young 6 yrs. old and I wanted my name to stay the same as hers. Now my daughter is 28 years old and I would like to go back to my maiden name. Can I just go to the SSA with my divorce decree, ID and birth certificate and have it changed back to my maiden name?
Scenario 1: Your divorce decree has an order restoring your maiden name, even though you have opted not to use it since 1997:
Then, yes, you can use your divorce decree to change your name back to your maiden.
Scenario 2: Your divorce decree does NOT have an order restoring your maiden name.
No, you'll have to petition the court and get a court order.
if a same sex couple gets married and are not changing any names, do you need to report the martial status change to the Social security office?
Hi Rick. Reporting marital status and name change isn't really related. The pertinent form to report name changes doesn't ask for the marital status.
I just received my new SS card with my name change due to marriage. Now I want to inform my payroll dept to match my SS card. My question would be … can I use a middle initial or do I have to have it match entirely?
Hi Mary. That's up to payroll, but in all likelihood they'll report the full name in order to prevent a name mismatch with the IRS.
Hi,
I just got married in Cancun, Mexico and realized after returning back to the US, that my name stayed the same on our marriage license, even though I was planning on taking his last name. The certificate and license are both in Spanish, so I'm in the process of getting them translated and notarized before I head to the Social Sec. Office. Will I have any issues changing my last name to his, even though my full name is listed on these documents?
Hi Karla. You shouldn't face a problem.
Quick question: do you know if I have to bring my old SS card with me to the SSA when I change my name due to marriage? I cannot find my card for the life of me and I am panicking. I have a license and my US passport (with my maiden name) to show identity. Just not sure if they will ask for the old card or not. Thank you!
No, you don't.
When I send in my passport as proof of identity is it ok that it expired October 2016 (it is currently January 2017). I don't want to send my drivers license as I don't want to be without it for 6 weeks.
I am in a same sex marriage me and my wife recently got married in Vegas on our marriage license we put our full name I had every intention on adding my wife's last name to mine my intended name change is not on the marriage license and the certified marriage certificate will I have a problem with changing the last name without this being written on both those documents at the Social Security department
Hi Sahrah. You should be fine using your marriage certificate as-is.
That's crazy I just did mine today and I didn't notice that I didn't add his last name on mine I used my last name but I was able to change my social security card today with just having the certificate it work for me today and I got married in Vegas also this year congratulations
I got married a yr ago and still haven't changed my name yet.. I am pregnant and is due in March. If I dont change my name on my SSC will my last name remain the same on birth certificate while my sons last name will be his dads even if our marriage certificate shows my nrw last name?My insurance and a couple of other places (banks) have my married name and even when I sign docs I use my married name is that legal?
Yes
You, the mother, will be the one who fills out the birth certificate paperwork, so it will be whatever you choose to write down: your maiden name only, dad's last name only, hyphenated name (yours-dad's), flipped hyphenated name (dad's-yours).
If you haven't changed your name yet, then your legal name remains your maiden name. That's what should be used. Other institutions, like banks, insurances companies, may allow greater flexibility because they can, for the most part, set their own internal rules.
For legal/government documents, use your legal name.
Hi!
My husband's last night is hyphenated. I want to take his last name but drop the hyphen (Smithjones instead of Smith-Jones). Is this still a simple trip to SSA with the right form or is this a larger issue? I appreciate the help!
Hi Pam. That sort of name change would entail petitioning the court instead of just using your marriage certificate.
I got married in September and I was told by ssa I could go to the dmv to change my dl to my married name before I could go to get a new ss card as long as i had my birth certificate, so i did. Now I'm being told my new dl won't work as a valid proof of identity but I don't have anything else other than proof of marriage and proof of birth. What do I do???
Hi Jennifer. If you explain to the SSA your lack of identity, they'll propose alternatives, such as passport, state ID, student/employer ID, etc.
Hi i went to get my last named changed on my ssn since am married . They told me i had to use both of my husband last name . And not one f mines . They explain but i did not understand much . He sad something about being to long my name is 6 letters and my last name also 6 letters. My husband first last name is 8 letters and his second last name is 6 letters can some one explain to me please.
Hi Vianey. How were you trying to change it. Hyphenation? Or using just a part of his last name?
I was wondering I been married a year March 22nd I'm from Louisiana and i still wasnt able to change my last name to my married name on my social security card or identification card will I get in trouble for that and being I wanted so long can I still do it ?
Waited *** sorry
Hi Sandee. No, you won't get into trouble for not changing your name. Name change is optional.
My husband had his name changed through a court order, and we're now trying to get his name changed on his social security card but we've run into an issue: the only proof of identity he has is his driver's license, and he really can't go without that for more than a day. He doesn't have a passport, school ID, or medical insurance card. If he goes in person to the SSA office will they process the name change that same day and give him his DL back?
Hi M. Yes, they'll give it back.
Hello,
I was married in 2009 in Canada, where I currently live. The province I live in does not allow women to change their name upon marriage.
I have been hoping to get my name changed in the United States and then use that document to change the name on my Canadian passport, thereby bypassing the province of Quebec.
Today on a visit to South Carolina I went to the SSA office to change my name. I took my U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Canadian marriage certificate and Canadian act of marriage and official translations of these. I was told that I cannot do it anymore because it has been over two years.
I question this because this amount of time appears nowhere on the Internet including the SSA pages, and also because the clerk tried to direct me to the DMV to get a South Carolina ID card first, when in actuality the DMV would have first required a name change at the SSA.
Is there anywhere where this "unwritten law" appears in writing? Is there anything else at all I can do?
Thank you!
Hi Hannah. It's not that you can't change it due to marriage after two years, it's that you'll need an additional identity document in your new name, which is why they directed you to get a state ID. Also, a SC state ID is not the same as a driver's license. Both are issued by the DMV, but they're different documents.
Hello, I was married in NYC in 2008. At that time I did not select to charge my surname and kept my maiden name. I now wish to change my surname and take my husbands last name. Since 2008 we have moved to PA and I am wondering if I have to take care of this in NYC or can this be handled in PA? Per NYC website, it is saying that to do this I would have to get remarried. Is this the only way and if so does this have to happen in NYC or can it happen in PA. Is there a simpler solution?
Hi Ellen. You can take care of it in PA.
I have been divorced over 15 years now and I never changed my married name to my maiden name on my social security card, I never really had a problem until recently. I have been using my maiden name on everything. Is it illegal to use the name on my ssc until I get it changed.Confused please help
As you describe it, the name on your SS card is your legal, married name, so it wouldn't be illegal to use it. If you meant is it illegal to use your maiden name when you should be using your married, than that's a different story. Generally speaking, using the wrong name can get someone into legal trouble if they're doing it to avoid debts or commit fraud.
Hi
I got married in Hawaii on 5/15/15. On our marriage certificate it has my full maiden name (first,middle,last)- as brides name; and my declared middle name (maiden middle name) & declared surname (maiden last name).
I would like to actually have my husbands last name and keep my maiden first & middle, but since I did not declare it on the certificate when we got married does that mean I will have to do a name change petition and appear in front of a judge?
Hi Krystina. It depends on the state. It's a good idea to contact your local DMV and SSA office to determine if they'll accept your certificate. Some states require the name on the certificate match what you'll be changing it to, while some states are non-binding.
Hi, my maiden name was Aaa B. Caa but I changed my name to my husbands as Aaa B. Waa…Now I wanna use my maiden name as my middle name like Aaa Caa Waa…Is it possible?
Hi Ann. Yes, it's possible, but you'll have to get a court order to change it again.
Bow can i change my marry name back to my maiden name if im a widow at th SS office
Hi Rose. You'd have to petition the court.
Hi, i just have a question i got married in 2009 but i did not change my name then i filled everything out under my maiden name. How do i go about changing it to my married name now if i do not have any paperwork showing my married name?
Hi Diana. Same as the usual way, by acquiring a certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof of marriage.
Hi!
Thank you for the great advice on your page. I recently got married this week and plan on going to the SS office to change my name. I also plan on completing my 2016 taxes next week. Should I hold off on the name change until after my taxes are submitted in order to avoid any confusion? Thanks in advance!
Hi Leslie. Even though the SSA will notify the IRS of a name change, it certainly wouldn't hurt for you to hold off until your tax filings are submitted, accepted, and resolved.
When changing my name with Social Security, how does this affect my birth certificate? I work for a company that requires 2 proofs of identity for example Drivers License and Certified copy of Birth Certificate – to become badged I currently have a badge but with my maiden name — and it states on our application that our "legal name" is what is listed on our birth certificate so I am just trying to clarify how when I change my name with Social Security how it will affect my birth certificate.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Brianna. It doesn't affect your birth certificate. It doesn't change the name on your birth certificate. Identity verification doesn't necessary mean the names have to match. People undergo name changes for a variety of reasons (e.g., marriage, divorce, adoption) and the bulk of those name changes doesn't alter the original birth certificate.
Thank you! :)
I can not get my social security card because my identity doesn't match …I've never been married , but somehow I'm married (confusing yes it is to me also )… the last name on my card has been the same for 43 years , I recently lost all of my documents (birth certificate , social security card , etc …) I tried to get a replacement card , but I can't ..how do I rectify this …it's very frustrating
Hi Karimah. I'm not sure what you mean by you're not married but you are. As for identity, the SSA can accept alternative identity documents if the primaries are unavailable. You'll have to contact them to 1) determine which secondary documents are acceptable, 2) how many such documents you must provide, and 3) how to resolve your overall situation.
hi so I have been married for 5 years. I changed my name with ssa but not my DL. should I do it anyway or will I get in trouble with Maryland for not changing my ID.
Maryland law says that the MVA should be notified of name changes within 30 days. Some other states have similar statutes. Finding information about raising awareness of this requirement and how it's enforced (if at all) doesn't turn up much. The penalty for not doing so seems to range between the vague and non-existent. The question is, what happens if you don't do it? These statutes appear to exist partly as motivators to get people to update their records so that their own database can be kept in sync.
MVA may query the SSA database when you ultimately attempt to renew your license. When the name mismatch occurs, you'll be told you'll have to renew your license in the name that matches what's on your SS card. That shouldn't be a surprise when that time comes, as you were just delaying the inevitable. The question is, what happens when you're a few months away from having to renew your license or registrations? Does the MVA query the SSA database during those times? If so, what happens if there's a name mismatch?
Will not updating your driver's license potentially cause you problems? Possibly. Is it advisable for you to update your driver's license to reflect your new name? Yes.