Application for new social security card after marriage

If you change your name because of marriage, divorce or another reason, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible so officials can update your file and send you a new Social Security card.

You'll need to fill out Form SS-5, the standard application for a Social Security card that you can download from the Social Security website. Mail the form or deliver it in person to your local Social Security office, along with original copies of documents proving your legal name change and your identity. 

Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits. Evidence of the name change could be:

  • A marriage certificate. 

  • A divorce decree.

  • A certificate of U.S. naturalization. 

  • A court order granting the name change.

For proof of identity, provide an unexpired, government-issued photo ID such as: 

  • A U.S. passport.

  • A driver's license. 

  • A state-issued ID card.

If you don't have one of these, Social Security also might accept a school, employer or military ID card or a health insurance card. 

You also may need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship if that status is not already reflected in Social Security records. Acceptable documents include:

  • A U.S. birth certificate. 

  • An unexpired U.S. passport.

  • A certification of naturalization. 

  • A certificate of citizenship.

  • A U.S. consular report of birth abroad. 

Noncitizens must provide immigration documents proving their identity and authorization to work in the United States, along with their foreign passport and a legal record of a name change. The SSA pamphlet "Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens" has details.

Your documents must be originals or certified copies from the agency that issued the original — for example, the county where you received your marriage license. Social Security will not accept photocopies or even notarized copies. The documents will be returned to you. 

You will not be charged to apply for or receive the new card, which should arrive 10 to 14 days after your application is processed. Your Social Security number will not change.

The Social Security website has an interactive page with more detailed information on what you need to get a new card. For name-change requests, click the tab that says “Corrected” under “Type of card." 

Keep in mind

  • Failing to notify the Social Security Administration of a name change can have significant consequences. If your legal name does not match the name on your Social Security record, it could prevent the agency from crediting earnings to you or cause delays in processing your tax return. 

  • If you aren't changing your name but simply need to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, you can request a new card online in most states, using your My Social Security account.

Did you recently get married or divorced and need to change the name on your Social Security card? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

The name change process can be a pain, especially without proper guidance. It all starts with your Social Security name change.

This guide outlines the right way to change or correct your name on your social security card. Let’s get started!

Overview

The first thing you need to do after your legal name change (through marriage, divorce, or court order) is to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The SSA is the United States issuing agency for Social Security cards.

Your updated Social Security card is the gateway to your name change process.

Every federal and state entity links your identity to your SSA record, so you need to update it to get a new driver’s license and passport, and any other form of photo ID.

Updating your social security card is a fairly straightforward procedure, and the new card can take as few as ten days to arrive in the mail. However, you cannot apply online, so you must visit your local SSA office in person or mail in an application.

If the very thought of going to a government office is making you reconsider your name change, follow this guide to navigate you through the process and reduce the stress.

Social Security Name Change Checklist

  1. Gather the required documents
  2. Complete Form SS-5
  3. Mail your application in or take it to your local Social Security office
  4. Be patient
  5. Start changing your name everywhere else
1. Gather the required documents

To change your name, you’ll need to provide official documents as 1) proof of identity, 2) proof of your citizenship status and 3) proof of legal name change.

For each acceptable document, you need to provide either the original document or a certified copy (government-issued with raised seals). Photocopies will not suffice.

To prove your identity, you must provide one form of valid photo ID:

  • U.S. driver’s license
  • State-issued nondriver’s identification card
  • U.S. Passport
  • Employer identification card
  • School identification card
  • Health insurance card
  • U.S. military identification card

To prove your U.S. citizenship, you must provide one of the following:

  • U.S. Birth Certificate
  • U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship

Note that if you bring your passport, it fulfills both identity and citizenship requirements—so you might only need one document.

However, if you don’t have an unexpired US passport, you will need two separate documents—one to prove identity and one to prove citizenship.

You also need to provide proof that your new name is official. Bring whichever of the following documents is relevant to your new name:

  • Marriage Certificate
  • Divorce Decree
  • Court Order
  • Certificate of Naturalization with your new name

With these three proofs in hand, now it’s time to fill out your application.

2. Complete Form SS-5

No bureaucratic process would be complete without paperwork!

Form SS-5 is an application for a social security card.

Because you changed your name, you will need to apply for a new social security card.

You can download it online here.

Print out Form SS-5, fill it out, and sign it in your new name.

3. Mail your application in or take it to your local Social Security office

The last step to your social security name change is to submit your application.

Start by finding the closest SSA office.

Click the ‘Locate An Office By Zip’ button. Then enter your ZIP code and click ‘Locate’.

The nearest SSA office will appear.

You then have two choices. You can mail your application and documents to this SSA office, or you can visit in person.

We suggest that you visit in person if you can. That way, you don’t have to mail in sensitive documents you may need before they return in the mail.

You’ll also receive a receipt listing the details of your name change—which means you can proceed to the next steps of your name change process that much sooner.

You will receive your new SSA card in the mail in approximately 10-14 business days, along with your documents if you mailed them in.

Your Social Security number will not change.

As an added bonus, the SSA will also notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your name change. One less thing to worry about when tax season rolls around!

4. Be patient

If you mail in your application, we recommend waiting until you’ve received your new social security card in the mail before submitting a name change request at any other government offices.

If you submit your application in person, wait at least 48 hours for the SSA records to update before submitting a name change at a DMV or any other government office.

Important Tip: If you choose to update your name elsewhere before receiving your new Social Security card, remember to bring your SSA receipt with you.

Your new name and your social security number must be printed on the receipt to be accepted.

5. Start changing your name everywhere else

Now that you’ve completed your social security name change, we suggest updating your government-issued photo identification such as your passport and driver’s license. After you update your photo ID, then we suggest updating all of your personal accounts such as your bank, credit cards, frequent flyer accounts, etc.

We hope this guide helps you feel more confident as you approach the first big hurdle in updating your name.

Updating your social security card is the first of many steps you’ll need to take to change your name.

 Want to make the rest of your name change easy?

If you want to take the stress of this process completely out of the equation, NewlyNamed provides personalized name change kits complete with everything you need.

Our kits take a few minutes to fill out and help you with your social security card, driver’s license, vehicle title and registration, passport, and even all of your personal accounts like banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and much more.

We even offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your name change kit so there’s no reason not to learn more.

Get started on your name change today!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does a Social Security name change cost money?
No, updating your name with the Social Security Administration is free.

Will I receive a new Social Security card with my new name?
Yes, you will be mailed a new card.

Do I have to pay for a new Social Security card after changing my name?
No, there is no charge for a new Social Security card.

What documents do I need for a Social Security name change?
You’ll need to provide 1) proof of identity (valid photo ID), 2) proof of your citizenship status (Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport) and 3) proof of a legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order).

When is the best time to visit the Social Security office?
It varies by location but for the majority of offices, the best time is to visit is mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) during the morning.

Can I set up an appointment for a Social Security name change?
No, the Social Security Administration does not take appointments for name changes.

Can change my name with Social Security online?
No, Social Security name changes can only be processed by mail or in person.

How long do you have to report marriage to Social Security?

Report Changes in a Timely Manner You may also be penalized if you report the change later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred or lose SSI for not reporting the information we use to determine eligibility for payments.

How do you change your name with Social Security after you get married?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

How do I inform Social Security of my marriage?

You can report your change online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or by calling toll free at 1-800-772-1213. If you're deaf or hearing-impaired call TTY 1-800-325-0778. Mail the information to your local Social Security office or in person if you prefer.

What proof do I need to change my name on my Social Security card?

Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:.
Marriage document;.
Divorce decree;.
Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or..
Court order approving the name change..