If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order or need to correct your name for other reasons, you must tell us. This way you can get a replacement Social Security number (SSN) card with your correct legal name. Visit Defining the legal Name for an SSN for more information.
Visit our SSN and Card webpage and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply for your corrected card. In some states, you can use your personal my Social Security account to request a corrected card. Otherwise, you can start your application online. You may be eligible to self-schedule an appointment online to complete your application at your local Social Security office or Card Center. Scheduling an appointment can save you time when you visit us.
If you are unable to use our online services, you will need to complete a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and show us the required documents. To get an SSN card with a corrected name, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, your new legal name, and name change event. You may need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status.
For a list of documents you may need, go to the Learn What Documents You Need page and select “Corrected” under the “Type of Card” heading.
Read the Your Social Security Number and Card publication for more information.
FAQs
Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) (PDF) and bring it to a local office along with unexpired identification and proof of name change, such as a marriage or divorce document, adoption decree, amended or corrected birth certificate, court order with the name change, or tribal document.
How long does it take to correct name on Social Security card? ›
Make Changes to Your Record
Either way, you'll receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 days after your application is completed.
How much does it cost to change your name on your Social Security number? ›
Update your name on your Social Security card through the Social Security Administration. There's no fee. If you have more questions, contact your local Social Security office.
How do I correct my SSN information? ›
Learn what documents you will need to correct a card or get an original card for an adult or child, citizen or non-citizen. Print and fill out the application, Form SS-5. Find your local Social Security office's address. Then, bring your completed Form SS-5 and supporting documents to your local office.
How long do you have to report a marriage to Social Security? ›
Be sure to tell us about the change by the 10th day of the month after it happened. For example, if you get married on January 27th, tell us about the change to your marital status by February 10th. If you're not sure if the change is something that's important for our records, let us know anyway.
Is the name on my Social Security card my legal name? ›
The first and last name listed on the number holder's (NH) SSN card must agree with the first and last name shown on the document submitted as evidence of identity or legal name. A middle name or suffix is not considered part of the legal name.
Can you update your Social Security record online? ›
If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address or direct deposit information online. You can do this using the My Profile tab in your personal my Social Security account.
How do I inform Social Security that I got married? ›
Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office to report your marriage and get additional information.
How do I make an appointment at my local Social Security office? ›
AS WE EXPAND IN-PERSON SERVICE, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO: -GO ONLINE AT WWW.SSA.GOV, - CALL OUR NATIONAL 800 NUMBER AT 1-800-772-1213 OR 1-800- 325-0778 TTY, TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE.
How do I change my name on my Social Security records? ›
If you are unable to use our online services, you will need to complete a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and show us the required documents. To get an SSN card with a corrected name, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, your new legal name, and name change event.
If you want to correct or update your name or date of birth on your Social Security record, you must apply for a corrected Social Security card. Go to Get Or Replace A Social Security Card and follow the instructions.
How to get your SSN changed? ›
You must fill out the Application for a Social Security Card form or Form SS-5 to apply for a new Social Security number. You can obtain the form on the SSA website or by visiting your local SSA office. You must provide your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and information about your parents or spouse.
Does Social Security notify IRS of name change? ›
The IRS matches the name and SSN reported on your tax return with the records at the SSA. Therefore, you do not need to let the IRS know you've changed your name – as long as you have changed your name with the SSA office.
Where can I update my SSN? ›
If your name or number on the Social Security card is incorrect, contact any Social Security office to make changes. Check your Form W-2 to make sure your employer's record is correct and, if it isn't, give your employer the accurate information.
Why do I have to wait 30 days to change my name with Social Security? ›
You should wait at least 30 days after the date of your marriage to request a replacement card. This allows the state time to update its records. If you got married in another state or the District of Columbia or you are unable to use our online application, visit Your Number and Card webpage.
Why would my Social Security number not match my name? ›
This mismatch can sometimes happen due to simple errors like a misspelled name or transposed numbers. Since the Social Security Administration has confirmed that your information is correct, the issue might be with how your information is being reported for tax purposes.
How do you update your Social Security record? ›
Changing Information on Your Social Security Record
To change the information on your Social Security number record (i.e., a name or citizenship change, or corrected date of birth), you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change.
How do you change your name? ›
In most cases, you must file a petition with your local court to change your name. To do so, you may need to file paperwork and appear before a judge to complete the process. Find your local government website and contact your circuit court to get information about how you can legally change your name.
