Social Security Name Change Information

by Janey Lewis

Overview

Your Social Security card is not only your link to the U.S. government, but the government's link to you. This card featuring a nine-digit number is used to keep track of people for billing taxes. If you change your name for any reason, you need to notify the Social Security Administration. Your number will not change even though your name is different.
Necessary Documents

In order to change your name at your nearest Social Security Administration, you'll need to take one of the following documents: a marriage license, a divorce decree, a corrected birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a court order for a new name.

Picture ID

You will also need an ID, such as your driver's license, your passport or an identification card issued by your state for non-drivers. The ID must have your picture.
Citizenship

You must also show a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. You can use your birth certificate or a U.S. consular report of birth if you were born outside the country, a U.S. passport , a certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship.
Originals Only

The Social Security Administration will only accept original or certified copies as proof of your name change. A certified copy means the agency or organization that gave you the copy certified it with a seal. Your documents will be returned to you.
Replacement Cards

Although the Social Security Administration limits you to three card replacements in a year and 10 per lifetime, new cards for name changes are the exception. You can get a new card every time you change your name.
More Information

Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 for more information or visit the website (see Resources for a link).