How to Change to Married Name on a Social Security Card

After marriage, changing your name on a Social Security card is a three-step process.

If your name changes due to marriage, you will need to apply for a Social Security card with your new name. To apply for a new card, you will need to gather the necessary documents and fill out an application. After you complete the application, you can mail or take it to your local Social Security office along with the required documents.

Things You'll Need

• Document proving your identity
• Document proving your immigration status (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate
• Internet access
• Printer

Instructions

1. Gather your documents. To apply for a new card after marriage, you must provide proof of your identity, marriage and citizenship (if applicable). Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, driver’s license or passport. To prove marriage, you can submit your official marriage certificate. To prove citizenship, you can provide a birth certificate, foreign birth document or immigration documents.

2. Download the “Application for a Social Security Card” and fill out the application, following the instructions. If you make a mistake, fill out a new application.

3. Mail the application and original documents to your local Social Security office. If you choose to mail your application, you will need to find the address for your local Social Security office. Mail your completed application along with original or certified copies of your documents to the office. Once your application is processed, the local office will mail your new card and original documents to you in two to four weeks.

4. Take the application and original documents to your local Social Security office if you do not want to mail your application or you will need your original documents for other important changes. Personnel at the office will review your application and documents, return your documents to you, and give you a letter verifying that you have applied for a Social Security card with your new name. This official letter may be used for other important changes such as driver’s license, bank accounts and health benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply for your new Social Security card as soon as possible. After application, it can be two to four weeks before you receive your new card. There is no “express mail” method for new cards.

• Keep your Social Security card in a safe place to prevent loss or theft.

• Be sure to apply within two years of your marriage to avoid the need for additional documents to prove your old and new names.

• Safeguard your Social Security card. Each person may only have three replacement cards per year and ten replacement cards in their lifetime (new cards for name changes do not count against the limit).

References

• SocialSecurity.Gov “Changing a Name on a Social Security Card” article
• SocialSecurity.Gov: Social Security Card Application

Resources

• SocialSecurity.Gov “Documents You Need for a Social Security Card” article