To complete a social security name change, you must provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or driver's license, and legal documentation of the name change, including a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A completed Social Security Administration (SSA) Form SS-5 is also necessary to process the request. Submitting these documents ensures the SSA updates your records accurately and promptly.
What Documents are Required for Social Security Name Change?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Name Change Order | A certified name change order is a crucial document required for a Social Security name change, serving as official proof issued by a court validating the new legal name. This certified order, alongside other documents such as a birth certificate or passport, must be submitted to the Social Security Administration to update records accurately. |
| 2 | Court Decree of Name Change | A Court Decree of Name Change is a legally binding document required to update your name with the Social Security Administration, serving as official proof of your new legal name. Submit the original or certified copy of the court order along with your application to ensure the name change is properly recorded in Social Security records. |
| 3 | Marriage Certificate (Original or Certified Copy) | Submitting an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate is essential for processing a Social Security name change, as it serves as primary legal proof of your new name. This document must be official, issued by the appropriate government authority, and accurately reflects the name change to ensure successful verification by the Social Security Administration. |
| 4 | Divorce Decree Restoring Former Name | A Divorce Decree Restoring Former Name is essential for updating your Social Security record after a name change due to divorce, serving as legal proof of the name restoration. This document must be original or certified and submitted alongside a completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) to ensure successful processing. |
| 5 | Amended Birth Certificate | An amended birth certificate is a primary document required for a Social Security name change, providing legal proof of the updated name after a court order or marriage. This certified copy verifies identity and supports the Social Security Administration's records update process. |
| 6 | Affidavit of Name Consistency | An Affidavit of Name Consistency is a crucial document required for a Social Security name change to verify that multiple names refer to the same individual. This affidavit supports the Social Security Administration's identity confirmation by legally affirming name variations, ensuring accurate record updates alongside primary documents like a birth certificate or marriage certificate. |
| 7 | SSA-89 Authorization Form | To change your name with Social Security, you must submit the SSA-89 Authorization Form, which grants the Social Security Administration permission to verify your identity and access your financial records. This form is required alongside primary documents proving your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. |
| 8 | Real ID-Compliant Identification | To change your name with Social Security, you must provide a Real ID-compliant identification such as a valid state-issued driver's license, state identification card, or U.S. passport that reflects your current identity. This documentation verifies your identity and supports the legal name change process per Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 9 | Naturalization Certificate with New Name | A Naturalization Certificate with a new name is a primary document required for a Social Security name change as it serves as legal proof of the new identity granted by the U.S. government. Alongside this certificate, the Social Security Administration typically requires a completed application form and valid identification such as a passport or driver's license to process the update. |
| 10 | USCIS Form G-639 Supporting Documents | USCIS Form G-639 for a Social Security name change requires supporting documents such as a government-issued photo ID, original or certified copy of the legal name change certificate, and proof of United States citizenship or lawful immigration status. Submitting official documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order will validate the requested change and ensure compliance with Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements. |
Introduction to Social Security Name Change Certificate
Changing your name on your Social Security records requires submitting specific documents to verify identity and legal name change. It is essential to provide accurate and official paperwork to ensure the update is processed smoothly.
- Proof of Identity - A valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver's license is required to confirm your identity.
- Legal Name Change Document - Provide an official court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that legally authorizes the name change.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Status - Submit a Social Security card, U.S. birth certificate, or immigration documents to verify citizenship or lawful status.
Eligibility Criteria for Name Change
| Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Name Change | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Legal Name Change | Certified court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or valid name change certificate |
| Proof of Identity | Valid U.S. driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Immigration Status | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or lawful immigration documents |
| Social Security Card Application | Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) with updated name information |
Essential Documents for Social Security Name Change
To change your name on your Social Security record, you must provide specific legal documents verifying the change. These essential documents ensure the update is processed accurately and securely.
- Proof of Identity - A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport is required to confirm your identity.
- Legal Name Change Document - Submit an official court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that legally authorizes the name change.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status - Documents like a U.S. birth certificate or an immigration visa validate your eligibility for a Social Security card update.
Acceptable Proof of Legal Name Change
To change your name on your Social Security record, you must provide acceptable proof of your legal name change. Official documents accepted include court orders, marriage certificates, or divorce decrees that clearly show the new name.
You should submit an original or certified copy of these documents as photocopies are not accepted. A valid identity document such as a passport or driver's license is also required to verify your identity. Make sure all documents are current and legally valid to ensure smooth processing of your name change request.
Identification Documents Required
To change your name on Social Security records, specific identification documents are required to verify your identity. You must provide original or certified copies of these documents for the application to be processed successfully.
Commonly accepted identification includes a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or a U.S. passport. If these are not available, other documents such as an employee ID, school ID, or military ID may be used but must prove your identity clearly.
How to Complete the SS-5 Application Form
Changing your name on your Social Security record requires submitting specific documents and correctly completing the SS-5 application form. The SS-5 form is essential for processing your name change and must be filled out accurately to avoid delays.
- Proof of Identity - Provide a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport to verify your identity.
- Proof of Legal Name Change - Submit an original or certified copy of the legal document that authorizes your name change, like a marriage certificate or court order.
- Completed SS-5 Form - Fill out the Social Security Administration's SS-5 application form with updated personal information reflecting your new name.
Submit the SS-5 form along with all required documents to your local Social Security office either in person or by mail to complete the name change process.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must gather specific documents that prove your identity and legal name change. Required documents include a government-issued ID and a certified copy of your legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Start the application process by completing the SSA's Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). Submit the form in person or by mail, along with the original documents or certified copies, to your local Social Security office.
Submitting Your Application: Methods and Locations
To submit your Social Security name change application, you must visit a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or apply by mail. The SSA requires original or certified copies of legal documents proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Ensure your completed application form, along with the required documents, is accurately prepared before submission to avoid processing delays.
Processing Time and Receiving Your New Certificate
To change your name on your Social Security record, you must submit a completed application along with legal documents proving your name change, identity, and citizenship or lawful immigration status. Processing time for a Social Security name change typically ranges from 7 to 14 business days after the Social Security Administration receives your application and supporting documents. You will receive your new Social Security card by mail, confirming the update to your name in the system.
What Documents are Required for Social Security Name Change? Infographic
