How to Change a Name on a Social Security Card

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Change your legal name.

Spurred by the Great Depression and the economic woes that gripped the nation, the Social Security Act was enacted in 1935. Today, every legalized citizen of the United States who earns an income is issued a unique Social Security number. Learn to change your name on your Social Security card to secure your benefits.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Go to the Social Security Administration website or visit the Social Security office in your area to fill out an SS-5 application. If you have questions, call (800) 772-1213.
Step 2

Figure out what legal documents you must provide to change your name. If you are recently married, take your marriage license. If recently divorced, a divorce decree is necessary. If you are a new citizen of the United States, provide a Certificate of Naturalization. A Certificate of Adoption is needed to change the name of a recently adopted child.
Step 3

Take the required legal documents with you when submitting the SS-5 form. To change your name legally, you must provide a form of identification with your old name and one with your new name. These documents must be original copies or additional copies provided by the original issuer. Photocopies or notarized copies are not permissible.
Step 4

Wait for your new card to be mailed to your address. The name will change but the number remains the same.

Tips & Warnings

Delaying your name change with the Social Security Administration affects the amount of money put into your Social Security benefits and delays tax refunds.
To help prevent identity theft never carry your Social Security card with you.

Resources

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