Your Social Security number allows the federal government to identify and accurately record all the covered wages or self-employment earnings you have collected while working. It is also used to monitor and pay Social Security benefits when you become eligible for them. Show
Everyone needs a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. The number is recorded on a Social Security card, which should be stored in a safe place with other important documents. Your Social Security number never changes – but your name might. If your name changes for any reason, such as marriage, divorce, court order or personal choice, you must alert the Social Security Administration (SSA) so it can update your information, send you a corrected card and ensure that you will get your earned benefits when you are eligible to collect them. How to Change Your Name with Social SecurityTo change your name with SSA, you must provide documents that prove your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must provide a document proving your U.S. citizenship if you have not already done so. SSA requires that you provide the original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies. To prove a legal name change, you must show one of the following documents:
How to Prove Your IdentityYou must also prove your identity. To do so, you must show an unexpired legal document showing your name, identifying information and photograph, such as:
SSA says that those who don’t have one of those documents may be able to prove identity with one of the following:
How to Prove U.S. CitizenshipTo prove your U.S. citizenship, you must provide one of the following documents:
What Should Noncitizens Do?Legal immigrants who are not U.S. citizens can still get a Social Security card and change or correct a card. You must provide:
SSA has posted a pamphlet online with more details for noncitizens. Where to Find the FormsThe form needed to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card, and to correct or change any information on the card, is available on the SSA website. You can fill out the form online, print it out and mail it to SSA. Be careful to follow the instructions to make sure your Social Security card is delivered in a timely manner. If you prefer to apply in person, you can find your nearest SSA field office. Be sure to bring the required documents listed above. How Much Does It Cost?There is no charge to apply for or receive a new or corrected Social Security card. The new card should arrive 10 to 14 days after your application is processed. You will keep the same Social Security number. What If I Don’t Tell Social Security?Failing to notify SSA of a name change can have serious consequences. If your legal name does not agree with the name on your Social Security card, the IRS may have issues processing your tax returns and Social Security benefits may not be credited to you. For more information, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Or go to www.socialsecurity.gov. Once you’ve changed your name—either by marriage, divorce, or the legal name change process—your first step should be to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your Social Security card. With an updated Social Security card, it will be easier to change your name on other important documents. In fact, to update your driver’s license, you’ll first need to change your name on your Social Security card. To help ensure you know everything you need to take this critical step in changing your name, this page will cover all the requirements and procedures you need to understand to update your Social Security card. Changing Your Name on Your Social Security CardBefore you can get a card with your new name on it, you’ll need to gather the required documents and fill out an application. Then, you must submit the documents and application to a Social Security office near you. You can also mail your paperwork, but unfortunately, you cannot submit anything online. Generally, you’ll need documents to prove your name change, your citizenship or legal residence, and your identity. The documents you’ll need (which are covered in the next section) will depend on how you changed your name and your citizenship status. If figuring this all out sounds overwhelming, remember that Update My Name makes this process simple by providing the necessary documentation, compiling your information, and auto-filling your applications. But if you’re ready and willing to go it alone, keep reading. Documents Needed to Change Your SSA CardAs mentioned, the first step in updating your Social Security card is to gather documentation to prove:
To prove that you’ve legally changed your name, you’ll need to provide a certified copy (no photocopies!) of one of the following documents:
It’s possible that one of these documents could provide enough information for the SSA to verify your identity, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need to submit another document to prove your identity. To prove your identity, all of the following documentation may be accepted:
To prove your prior name, any of the above documents will be accepted—even if they’re expired—as long as they match your name in the SSA’s records. If you don’t have an ID document with your prior name, you can use an ID document with your current name as long as the SSA can verify your identity in their records. Finally, if you do not have a passport, license, or state-issued ID card and you can’t get one within ten days, you can use one of the following documents:
You’ll only need to prove your citizenship or legal residence status if you haven’t already registered your status with the SSA. For this, you’ll need an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport. If you’re a U.S. citizen born in a foreign country, you’ll need to provide a Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561), Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570), Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350), or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, CRBA) to the SSA if you haven’t already. If you’re a legal resident but not a citizen and you haven’t already updated the SSA with your status, you’ll need to provide proof of legal residency. Accepted documents for this purpose include Form I-766, I-551, or I-94, or an admission stamp on your current foreign passport. Applying to Change Your Name with the SSAOnce you’ve gathered your documentation, it’s time to fill out your Social Security card application. To obtain a copy of the application, you can download it online, request a copy by phone from the SSA at 800-772-1213, or visit an SSA office and pick up a copy. Keep in mind that regardless of whether you’re applying to update your name, request an original card, or replace a lost card, the application form is the same. Look over the instructions for filling out the application and complete it as best you can. If you’re not sure about anything, you can contact the SSA by phone here. It’s better to be sure than to submit your application only to have it denied. Submitting Your Documentation and ApplicationOnce you’ve completed the application and gathered the necessary documentation, you must submit both to the Social Security Administration. As mentioned, you can submit your paperwork by mail or by visiting an SSA office near you. You will not have to pay anything for your new Social Security card nor will you have to pay any fees. Other than the cost of your time, the service is completely free. To find an SSA office near you, you can visit the Social Security Administration’s website, check the telephone directory, or call the SSA number at 800-772-1213. Once the SSA processes your application, your new card will generally be issued within ten business days. However, it may take some time for them to process your application. So, assuming you didn’t forget any documentation or miss anything on your application, you can expect to receive your new Social Security card in two to six weeks after you’ve mailed everything in. FAQCan I change my name with Social Security online? You cannot change your name with Social Security online. You can, however, access the documents and applications that you need, fill them out online, and mail them in. What documents are needed for Social Security name change? Jump to this section to see which documents are needed to change the name on your Social Security card. How long does it take to change your name on social security? According to the SSA, you will get your card within 10-14 business days from the date your application is processed. However, it can take some time for your application to be processed because it may take some time for the SSA to verify your documents. Expect to wait a minimum of two and a half weeks from the date the SSA receives your application. How do I change my name on my Social Security card after I get married?To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
How do I change my name with Social Security online?You can't change the name on your Social Security card online because the SSA requires original documents. You can either mail in the originals or certified copies from the issuing agency, or you can take your documents directly to the nearest SSA office in your county.
How do I inform Social Security that I got married?By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
How long do you have to report marriage to Social Security?Report Changes in a Timely Manner
You may also be penalized if you report the change later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred or lose SSI for not reporting the information we use to determine eligibility for payments.
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How to change name on ss card after marriage
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