Social security administration name change after marriage

Nevada allows you to designate a new married name on your marriage documents, but you still need to take all the following steps to legally change your name. 

Step 1: Get Married

You must have a marriage ceremony in the state of Nevada conducted by a licensed Marriage Officiant.

Step 2: Obtain Certified Proof of Marriage

After your ceremony, your Officiant has 10 calendar days to file your Marriage Certificate with our office. Once filed, obtain a certified copy for your records as it will be necessary to legally change your name. 

Step 3: Change Your Name Legally

Gather all the documents that show your complete history of name changes from birth forward including previous marriages, divorces, court orders, etc. Government agencies accept certified copies or original documents only - no photocopies! Once you have all your necessary documents, do the following in order:

Social Security

You must first notify the Social Security Administration of your name change if you have a U.S. Social Security Number.

  • U.S. citizens must present the Marriage Certificate and a U.S. Driver’s License/ID or a U.S. passport
  • Social Security accepts come alternate ID documents and may ask for additional documentation
  • Non-citizens must present the Marriage Certificate, proof of immigration status and proof of work eligibility
  • For more information, visit ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213

Driver’s License

After changing your name with Social Security, wait two business days for your records to be updated so that DMV may verify your name electronically. Nevada requirements are listed here; other states are similar. For more information visit dmvnv.com/realid or call (702) 486-4368.

  • Existing Real ID or Standard License: You may present your current license or ID, certified Marriage Certificate and Social Security Card with your new name.
  • First-time Real ID Applicants: You must present your certified Marriage Certificate, Social Security Card with your new name, U.S. birth certificate or passport or immigration documents, and two documents to prove your residential address.

U.S. Passport

If you have a passport or will be applying for one, make sure you change your name on your Social Security Card or Driver’s License first.

  • In most cases, a certified Marriage Certificate and government-issued ID in the new married name will be sufficient, but additional documentation may be required.
  • For more information, visit travel.state.gov or call (877) 487-2778

Social security administration name change after marriage

Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name.

Changing your name on a Social Security card is easy—as long as you provide the right evidence. These steps are for people who already have Social Security cards. You'll need proof of identity, citizenship, a completed Social Security form, and proof of your name change.

Social security administration name change after marriage

How to Notify Social Security of Your Name Change

If you've changed your legal name, the first step is to inform the Social Security office of your new name. To get a Social Security name change on your card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires three types of documents, regardless of how or why you changed your name. These documents must indicate and prove your:

  • New legal name
  • Identity
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. immigration documents

You can't change the name on your Social Security card online because the SSA requires original documents. You can either mail in the originals or certified copies from the issuing agency, or you can take your documents directly to the nearest SSA office in your county. Going to an SSA office is the quickest and best way to get a Social Security name change, and it provides you with peace of mind that you'll get your original documents back. The SSA also returns mailed original documents, but there's always a chance they could get lost.

You must submit documents to the SSA to show proof of your name change. If you've had more than one name, provide documents that show the order in which your name has changed. For example, if you were married, then divorced, and then remarried—changing your name each time—you'll bring your marriage licenses and divorce decree.

If you've only had one name change since you got your last Social Security card, you may show only the last document in which you received your new name, such as a marriage license or a court order, depending on how your name changed. Keep in mind, though, that the SSA has the right to ask for documents showing your previous names, so when in doubt, it's best to supply them.

The documents needed for proof of name change include one of the following:

  • Court order in a name change proceeding
  • Marriage license
  • Divorce decree or judgment
  • Certificate of naturalization with a new name
  • Order or judgment of adoption

A certified copy of your birth certificate can show proof of your name when you were born. You can use other documents to validate your prior names so long as they're either originals or certified copies. You can also use expired documents.

Proof of Identity

There are several ways to prove your identity, although you only need one. The best ways are:

  • U.S. driver's license
  • State ID card
  • Unexpired U.S. passport or other passport if you are a noncitizen

If those are unavailable, you can show the following if they contain your photo:

  • School or student ID card
  • Employer ID card
  • U.S. military ID card
  • Health insurance ID card

Proof of United States Citizenship or Other Status

Proof of U.S. citizenship or other legal status requires providing one of the following, such as a:

  • U.S. birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Report from the U.S. Consul of a birth abroad
  • Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa) with your unexpired foreign passport
  • I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit)
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport

Other Documents Needed for a Social Security Name Change

Once you have your documents, you'll need to fill out Social Security Form SS-5. The form is relatively easy to fill out. The full name you want to use goes in the first block. This is the “name to be shown on card." Then fill in the name you were born with, followed by the other names you've used.

You don't need to fill in your parents' Social Security numbers because this isn't an original application for a Social Security number. Listing your parents' names is sufficient. Complete Nos. 1 through 18 on the form. Bring the form with your documents to your local SSA office, or mail the form with your documents.

While you must provide the SSA with several documents and the completed SSA Form SS-5, the process is simple and takes only a few weeks to get a new card. Once you've changed your Social Security card to your new name, you can make changes to other documents, such as your driver's license, much more easily.

Does your name have to match your Social Security?

No. You can elect "married filing jointly" filing status without changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Make sure that the name shown on your social security card matches the name you use on your tax return.

How do I change my name after marriage with Social Security in Virginia?

Mail to or visit a Social Security Office with: Completed Social Security Administration Form SS-5 (PDF) Include a. Certified copy of your marriage record..
For more information please visit the Social Security website..