How to Change Your Name with Social Security in California
Regardless of the reason for legally changing your name, you must register the change with the Social Security Administration. This will change the name associated with your Social Security number, which is used to track your contributions to required federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as income taxes paid to both the federal and California tax systems.
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Things You'll Need
- Application for a Social Security Card
- Documents to prove a legal name change
- One document with your new name
- One additional document with your new name
- Photo identification
Instructions
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Only Paperwork Required
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1
Complete the Social Security Administration's official name change form, titled "Application for a Social Security Card." Obtain this online through the Social Security Administration's website, by visiting your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
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2
Prove you have legally changed your name with original documents such as a marriage license, divorce decree, immigration papers or a court order for a name change. For name changes that occurred more than two years prior to submitting the application, you also will be required to provide a document with your old name and a document with your new name.
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3
Return the completed Application for a Social Security Card and supporting documents to the Social Security Administration. The application immediately will be approved or denied. You will receive a new Social Security card with your new name in the mail.
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1
Tips & Warnings
United States citizens not born in the country might be required to prove citizenship.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will be required to provide current immigration documents.
Your Social Security Number will not change.
References
- Photo Credit legal pad and mechanical pencil image by alpy7 from Fotolia.com
