🪪 How to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Record
After a legal name change, update the Social Security Administration so employment, wage, tax, and benefit records match. The Social Security number stays the same; SSA issues a replacement card with the updated name.
Begin at the official SSA personal-record page. Answer the screening questions to see whether the request can start online or requires an office appointment.
Use original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency when SSA requires evidence. Photocopies and notarized copies generally are not accepted as substitutes for certified records.
Coordinate timing with payroll so the employer's wage reports match SSA records. Keep the legal-change document available for banks, licensing agencies, insurers, voter records, and travel documents, which must be updated separately.
If the identity document shows a different name, follow SSA's document rules rather than altering or annotating the original. Ask the office how non-English records or recent immigration changes should be handled.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Proof of legal name change such as marriage, divorce, or court order
- Current identity document in the old or new name
- Citizenship or immigration document when requested
- Current Social Security card or number
- Replacement-card application information
- Certified English translation when required
🪜 Step-by-step
- Complete the legal name-change process.
- Open SSA's personal-record page and select name change.
- Answer screening questions for the available route.
- Gather original or agency-certified evidence.
- Submit the replacement-card request.
- Attend an SSA appointment when prompted.
- Keep the receipt and wait for the card by mail.
- Update payroll, tax, bank, license, and passport separately.
| Estimated cost | SSA does not charge to update the record or issue a replacement Social Security card. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | After SSA completes the update, a replacement card commonly arrives by mail within about 5 to 10 business days; review can add time. |
Frequently asked questions
Will my Social Security number change?
No. A name update changes the record and card, not the assigned number.
Can I submit a photocopy of a marriage certificate?
SSA generally requires an original or a copy certified by the issuing agency.
Does SSA update my license and passport?
No. Each agency and organization has a separate process.