Your Social Security Number and Card: Name Change
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you need to inform the Social Security Administration so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also inform your employer.
If you do not inform the Social Security Administration when your name changes, it may
- Delay your tax refund
- Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits
If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show the Social Security Administration a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include the following examples:
- Marriage document
- Divorce decree
- Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name
- Court order for a name change
If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give the Social Security Administration enough information to identify you in the Social Security Administration's records or if you legally changed your name more than 2 years ago, you must provide the Social Security Administration with additional documentation.
Marriage, Divorce, or Annulment
In addition to showing the Social Security Administration a legal document proving your marriage, divorce, or annulment, you must provide an identity document. That document must show your old name, as well as other identifying information or a recent photograph. (The Social Security Administration can accept an expired document as evidence of your old name.)
Adoption, Naturalization, or Other Name Change
In addition to showing the Social Security Administration a legal document citing your new name, such as a court order, adoption decree, or Certificate of Naturalization, you must provide the Social Security Administration with two identity documents, including
- One identity document in your old name (which can be expired)
- One identity document in your new legal name, which must be current (unexpired)
Both of these documents must show identifying information or a recent photograph.
Citizenship
Also, if you are a U.S. citizen born outside the United States and the Social Security Administration's records do not show you are a citizen, you will need to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, the Social Security Administration will ask to see your current immigration documents.
Your new card will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name.
Social Security Administration. (Updated 2013, October). Your Social Security number and card (SSA Publication No. 05-10002, ICN 451383). Retrieved November 7, 2016, from http://www.ssa.gov/