How to Change the Name on Your Social Security Card

2023-09-03

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Your Social Security card is an important document that is used to verify your identity and work authorization. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you will need to update your Social Security card to reflect your new name.

The process of changing your name on your Social Security card is relatively straightforward. You can do it online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to change your name on your Social Security card.

Before you begin the process of changing your name on your Social Security card, you will need to gather some documents. These documents include:

Change Name on Social Security Card

Here are seven important points to keep in mind when changing the name on your Social Security card:

Gather documents: Proof of identity, new name, and U.S. citizenship/lawful status.
Apply online, by mail, or in person: Online application available for limited circumstances.
Processing time: Varies, typically within 2 weeks if applying in person.
Notification: You'll receive a new Social Security card with your new name.
Update other documents: Driver's license, passport, bank accounts, etc.
Inform employers and creditors: Provide them with your new Social Security card.
Keep old card: Keep your old Social Security card for your records.

By following these points, you can ensure that the process of changing your name on your Social Security card goes smoothly and efficiently.

Gather documents: Proof of identity, new name, and U.S. citizenship/lawful status.

When you apply to change the name on your Social Security card, you will need to provide certain documents to prove your identity, your new name, and your U.S. citizenship or lawful status.

Proof of Identity:

U.S. passport
Driver's license
State ID card
Birth certificate
Permanent resident card

Proof of New Name:

Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court order
Adoption papers

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status:

U.S. birth certificate
U.S. passport
Certificate of naturalization
Permanent resident card
Employment authorization document

It is important to note that the Social Security Administration (SSA) may request additional documents if they need to verify your identity or eligibility. Therefore, it is a good idea to gather as many relevant documents as possible before you apply.

Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents, you can begin the process of changing the name on your Social Security card. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office.

Apply online, by mail, or in person: Online application available for limited circumstances.

You can apply to change the name on your Social Security card online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. However, the online application is only available for certain limited circumstances, such as:

You are changing your name due to marriage.
You are changing your name due to divorce.
You are changing your name due to a court order.
You are changing your name due to a religious or cultural tradition.

If you do not meet any of these criteria, you will need to apply by mail or in person.

To apply online:

Go to the Social Security Administration's website.
Click on the "Apply for a Social Security Card" link.
Select the "Change Your Name" option.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the application.

To apply by mail:

Download and print the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
Complete the application and sign it.
Gather the required supporting documents.
Mail the application and supporting documents to the Social Security Administration.

To apply in person:

Visit your local Social Security office.
Ask for an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
Complete the application and sign it.
Provide the required supporting documents.
Submit the application and supporting documents to a Social Security representative.

Regardless of which method you choose, the SSA will process your application and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes within two weeks if you apply in person.

Processing time: Varies, typically within 2 weeks if applying in person.

The processing time for a name change on a Social Security card can vary depending on the method you choose to apply and the workload of the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Online applications:

If you apply online, the processing time is typically within 2 weeks.

Mail applications:

If you apply by mail, the processing time can take longer, typically within 4 to 6 weeks.

In-person applications:

If you apply in person at a Social Security office, the processing time is typically the fastest, within 2 weeks or less.

It is important to note that these are just estimates and the actual processing time may vary depending on individual circumstances. For example, if the SSA needs to verify your identity or eligibility, the processing time may be longer.

You can check the status of your application online or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive a new Social Security card with your new name in the mail. Be sure to update your records with your new Social Security card, such as your driver's license, passport, and bank accounts.

Notification: You'll receive a new Social Security card with your new name.

Once your application to change the name on your Social Security card has been processed, you will receive a new Social Security card in the mail. The new card will have your new name printed on it.

The SSA will typically mail the new card within 2 weeks of processing your application. However, it may take longer if there are any issues with your application or if the SSA needs to verify your identity or eligibility.

You should keep your old Social Security card for your records. However, you should start using your new Social Security card as soon as you receive it. Be sure to update your records with your new Social Security card, such as your driver's license, passport, and bank accounts.

If you do not receive your new Social Security card within 2 weeks of processing your application, you can check the status of your application online or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

It is important to note that you are not legally required to change the name on your Social Security card if you change your name. However, it is recommended that you do so to avoid any potential problems or confusion.

Update other documents: Driver's license, passport, bank accounts, etc.

Once you have received your new Social Security card with your new name, you should update your other documents to reflect your new name as well. This includes:

Driver's license:

You should update your driver's license at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to bring your new Social Security card, your old driver's license, and proof of residency.

Passport:

You should update your passport at your local passport office. You will need to bring your new Social Security card, your old passport, and two passport photos.

Bank accounts:

You should update your bank accounts by contacting your bank or credit union. You will need to provide them with your new Social Security card and your new driver's license or passport.

Other documents:

You should also update any other documents that have your name on them, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, insurance policies, and credit cards.

It is important to update all of your documents as soon as possible to avoid any potential problems or confusion. For example, if you try to use your old driver's license or passport after you have changed your name, you may be denied access to certain places or services.

Inform employers and creditors: Provide them with your new Social Security card.

Once you have received your new Social Security card with your new name, you should inform your employers and creditors of your name change. This is important so that they can update their records and continue to send you accurate tax forms and statements.

To inform your employer of your name change, you should provide them with a copy of your new Social Security card. You can also provide them with a letter explaining your name change.

To inform your creditors of your name change, you should contact them directly. You may need to provide them with a copy of your new Social Security card and a letter explaining your name change.

It is important to inform your employers and creditors of your name change as soon as possible to avoid any potential problems or confusion. For example, if your employer does not update their records, you may not receive your paychecks or tax forms. If your creditors do not update their records, you may continue to receive bills in your old name.

You should also update your Social Security card with the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you change your name. You can do this by completing an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and submitting it to the SSA. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your new name.

Keep old card: Keep your old Social Security card for your records.

Even though you will receive a new Social Security card with your new name, it is a good idea to keep your old Social Security card for your records. This is especially important if you have worked under your old name and have contributed to Social Security taxes.

Your old Social Security card can also be helpful if you need to prove your identity or your work history. For example, you may need to provide your old Social Security card when you apply for a loan or a new job.

There is no need to destroy your old Social Security card. Simply keep it in a safe place with your other important documents.

If you ever lose your old Social Security card, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your old Social Security number.

It is also important to keep your new Social Security card in a safe place. If you lose your new Social Security card, you can request a replacement card from the SSA. However, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your new Social Security number.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing the name on your Social Security card:

Question 1: Do I need to change the name on my Social Security card if I change my name?

Answer 1: It is not legally required to change the name on your Social Security card if you change your name. However, it is recommended that you do so to avoid any potential problems or confusion.

Question 2: How can I change the name on my Social Security card?

Answer 2: You can change the name on your Social Security card by applying online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of your identity, your new name, and your U.S. citizenship or lawful status.

Question 3: How long does it take to change the name on my Social Security card?

Answer 3: The processing time for a name change on a Social Security card can vary depending on the method you choose to apply. Online applications are typically processed within 2 weeks. Mail applications can take longer, typically within 4 to 6 weeks. In-person applications are typically processed the fastest, within 2 weeks or less.

Question 4: What should I do with my old Social Security card after I receive my new card?

Answer 4: You should keep your old Social Security card for your records. This is especially important if you have worked under your old name and have contributed to Social Security taxes.

Question 5: Do I need to update my other documents after I change the name on my Social Security card?

Answer 5: Yes, you should update your other documents, such as your driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and insurance policies, to reflect your new name.

Question 6: What should I do if I lose my new Social Security card?

Answer 6: You can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your new Social Security number.

Closing Paragraph:

If you have any further questions about changing the name on your Social Security card, you can contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for changing the name on your Social Security card:

Tips

Here are some additional tips for changing the name on your Social Security card:

Tip 1: Gather all of your documents before you apply.

This will help to ensure that your application is processed quickly and efficiently.

Tip 2: Apply for a name change as soon as possible after you change your name.

This will help to avoid any potential problems or confusion.

Tip 3: Keep your old Social Security card for your records.

This is especially important if you have worked under your old name and have contributed to Social Security taxes.

Tip 4: Update your other documents to reflect your new name as soon as possible.

This includes your driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and insurance policies.

Closing Paragraph:

By following these tips, you can ensure that the process of changing the name on your Social Security card goes smoothly and efficiently.

Changing the name on your Social Security card is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your application is processed quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Here are the main points to remember:

Gather all of the necessary documents before you apply.
Apply online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office.
The processing time can vary, but it is typically within 2 weeks if you apply in person.
Once your application is processed, you will receive a new Social Security card with your new name.
Update your other documents to reflect your new name as soon as possible.
Keep your old Social Security card for your records.

By following these steps, you can avoid any potential problems or confusion.

Closing Message:

If you have any further questions about changing the name on your Social Security card, you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213.