If you’ve recently gotten married, divorced, adopted, or legally changed your name, updating your Social Security records is a step you can’t afford to skip. Without updating your Social Security card, you could face delays in tax refunds, trouble with employment verification, or even issues accessing government benefits.
The good news? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made the name change process simple, quick, and completely free. All you need is the right documents and a clear understanding of the steps involved. This guide will walk you through exactly how to update your name on your Social Security card in 2025 — explained in easy-to-follow language so you can get your new card without stress or confusion.
Why You Should Update Your Name with Social Security in 2025
Keeping your Social Security records up to date is crucial if you’ve changed your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or a court order. When the name on your Social Security card doesn’t match your legal documents, you could face serious problems, such as:
- Tax return delays due to mismatches with IRS records
- Employment verification issues when applying for a new job
- Errors in credit and employment history
- Complications in claiming Social Security benefits in the future
Updating your name ensures all your official records remain consistent, helping you avoid unnecessary stress and delays.
Documents You’ll Need for a Social Security Name Change
Before applying for a name change with the SSA, you must gather the right original documents or certified copies — photocopies and expired IDs are not accepted. The Social Security Administration generally requires three types of proof:
| Type of Proof | Examples You Can Use |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport, or state-issued ID card. If you don’t have these, acceptable alternatives include a school ID, employee ID, health insurance card, or U.S. military ID. |
| Proof of Legal Name Change | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certificate of naturalization showing your new name. |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship (if not already on file with SSA) | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or certificate of citizenship. |
Important Tip: If your name change happened more than two years ago (or four years for minors), the SSA may require additional documents showing your previous name.
How to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card in 2025
If you’ve changed your name after marriage, divorce, adoption, or a legal court order, you must update your Social Security card with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to keep your records accurate. You can change your name on your Social Security card in three ways: online, by mail, or in person.
1. Social Security Name Change Online (Fastest Option)
You may be eligible to update your name on your Social Security card online if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a U.S. mailing address
- Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID from a participating state
How to Apply Online:
- Visit the My Social Security account portal.
- Select “Apply Now” for a replacement Social Security card.
- Enter your personal details and name change information.
- Submit the application online.
- Take your proof documents to your local SSA office within 45 days to complete the process.
2. Social Security Name Change by Mail
If you’re not eligible to apply online, you can request a name change by mail.
How to Apply by Mail:
- Download Form SS-5 from SSA.gov.
- Complete the form on your computer or print and fill it out by hand.
- Gather all required original or certified documents.
- Mail your completed form and documents to your local Social Security office.
- Your documents will be returned once the SSA processes your name change request.
Tip: Send certified copies instead of originals when possible to reduce the risk of document loss.
3. Social Security Name Change In Person
If you prefer face-to-face service or have urgent needs, you can apply for a Social Security card name change in person.
How to Apply In Person:
- Collect your proof of identity, proof of legal name change, and proof of U.S. citizenship (if required).
- Use the SSA Office Locator to find your nearest Social Security Administration office.
- Call ahead to check if an appointment is necessary.
- Fill out Form SS-5 and submit it along with your documents at the SSA office.
Reasons to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card
Keeping your Social Security Administration (SSA) records updated is very important whenever you legally change your name. If the name on your Social Security record doesn’t match your legal documents, it can cause issues with taxes, job verification, and government benefits. Here are the most common situations where you may need a new Social Security card with your updated name.
- Marriage or divorce
- Adoption
- Correcting a birth record
- Transitioning to a new gender identity
- Personal preference or legal name change
- Becoming a U.S. citizen
Updating your Social Security card in these situations ensures that all your official records match your legal name, helping you avoid unnecessary delays or problems in the future.
Pros and Cons of Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
Updating your Social Security card after a legal name change has clear benefits, but it also comes with a few extra tasks you’ll need to handle. Knowing both the advantages and disadvantages will help you prepare for the process.
Benefits of changing your name on your Social Security card
- All your government and non-government records will match, making it easier to prove your identity in the future.
- Government offices will have the same name on file, which can help you avoid problems like delays in getting your tax refund.
- Your Social Security contributions will be recorded under your new name, ensuring you can claim your benefits without any issues later.
Drawbacks of changing your name on your Social Security card
- You’ll need to update many other records, including employment files, voter registration, insurance policies, bank accounts, mortgage or utility accounts, deeds, credit cards, medical records, and pharmacy profiles.
- You will have to get updated physical IDs, such as your driver’s license and passport, to match your new name.
- If you file your taxes before your Social Security record is updated, it could cause problems or delays with your return.
Keeping your records up to date with the Social Security Administration (SSA) may take some effort, but the long-term benefits of having accurate and consistent information far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.
What to Do After Updating Your Social Security Card
Once you have your updated card, remember to change your name with:
- Your state DMV for your driver’s license or ID
- Your employer and payroll department
- Banks and credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- IRS and voter registration office
- Utilities and other personal accounts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending photocopies instead of certified originals
- Forgetting to update your employer, DMV, and bank after SSA changes your name
- Filing taxes before your SSA record is updated
- Using an expired ID
How Long Does It Take?
Most people receive their updated card within 7–14 business days after the SSA receives all required documents.
Will My Social Security Number Change?
No — only your name will be updated. Your Social Security number stays the same.
FAQs on Social Security Name Change
Q: When should I update my name with Social Security?
Update it immediately after a legal change to keep records accurate and avoid delays in benefits or identification.
Q: Can I apply for a Social Security name change online?
Yes, you can, if you meet the Social Security Administration’s online eligibility criteria.
Q: Is there any fee for changing my name with Social Security?
No, the process is completely free of charge.
Q: Will a Social Security name change affect my benefits?
No, your benefits will remain unchanged after the name update.