How to Legally Change Your First and Last Name On Your Social Security Card
A Social Security card is essential to get a job, collect benefits and receive certain government services. All U.S. citizens, permanent residents and temporary working residents are entitled to a Social Security number. The number appearing on the card became the national identification number in 2005. Holders should not carry their cards in their wallets but should place them somewhere safe with other important documents. To change your name on your card, you need to submit a form to the Social Security Administration.
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Instructions
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Visit the Social Security Online website. Download and print the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
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Take the completed form to your local Social Security office, along with an original document proving your identity. Alternatively, mail the form to the Social Security office. If you mail it, you also will have to mail the original documentation, so you might prefer to visit the office in person.
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Provide a document proving a legal name change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization with a new name, or court order for a change of name. Additionally, include a document in your old name and a second document in your new name if the initial document does not contain enough information to identify you or if you changed your name more than two years ago.
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