To change the name on a Social Security card, you must provide proof of your identity and legal name change. Required documents include a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and an official name change document like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Submitting these documents ensures the Social Security Administration can accurately update your records and prevent identity discrepancies.
What Documents are Necessary for a Name Change on a Social Security Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Marriage Certificate | A certified marriage certificate serves as primary legal evidence for updating your name on a Social Security card to reflect post-marriage changes. Presenting this official document, along with proof of identity, ensures the Social Security Administration processes the name change accurately and efficiently. |
| 2 | Certified Divorce Decree | A certified divorce decree is a legally recognized document required to update your name on a Social Security card, proving your legal name change due to divorce. This document must be an original or certified copy issued by the court, clearly showing the name change order. |
| 3 | Certified Court Order for Name Change | A certified court order for name change is a crucial document required to update your name on a Social Security card, serving as legal proof of your new name. This official record must be original or certified by the court and typically includes a judge's signature and court seal to validate the name change request. |
| 4 | Certificate of Naturalization with New Name | A Certificate of Naturalization with a new name is a primary document required to update a Social Security card after a legal name change, serving as proof of both identity and legal name. This certificate must be original or a certified copy issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to verify the new legal name for Social Security Administration records. |
| 5 | State-Issued Driver’s License or Identification Card | A state-issued driver's license or identification card is essential for verifying identity when requesting a name change on a Social Security card, as it provides government-issued proof of current identity. This document must be valid and reflect the applicant's new name or be accompanied by official legal name change documents such as a court order or marriage certificate. |
| 6 | U.S. Passport | A U.S. passport serves as a primary document to verify identity when requesting a name change on a Social Security card. Providing the updated or original passport demonstrates U.S. citizenship and supports the Social Security Administration's requirements for legal name change processing. |
| 7 | Birth Certificate (if applicable) | A certified birth certificate is a primary document required for a name change on a Social Security card, especially if the name change involves updating the original birth record. This document must be an official copy issued by the vital records office to verify identity and legal name change. |
| 8 | Social Security Card Application (Form SS-5) | To change the name on a Social Security card, submit a completed Social Security Card Application (Form SS-5) along with original documents proving identity, legal name change, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status; acceptable documents include a court order, valid passport, birth certificate, or state-issued driver's license. The Social Security Administration requires these documents to verify the applicant's identity and legal name before processing the name change request. |
| 9 | Immigration Documents (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, if not a U.S. citizen) | Immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or valid visa are necessary for non-U.S. citizens to verify identity and legal status when requesting a name change on a Social Security card. Presenting these documents ensures compliance with Social Security Administration requirements for updating personal information. |
| 10 | Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Immigration Status | To change your name on a Social Security card, you must provide original documents proving U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization, or lawful immigration status, like Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) or Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) with an eligible immigration status. These documents must be current and directly issued by the relevant U.S. government agencies to verify your identity and legal presence. |
Introduction to Name Change on a Social Security Card
Changing the name on your Social Security card requires specific documentation to verify your identity and the legal name change. The Social Security Administration mandates proof of identity, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, and legal evidence of the name change. Understanding the necessary documents ensures a smooth and efficient update process for your records.
Importance of Accurate Identification Documents
Accurate identification documents are essential for processing a name change on a Social Security card. These documents verify your identity and ensure the correct update of personal records.
Primary documents include a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Proof of the name change, like a marriage certificate or court order, must also be provided. Social Security Administration requires these to prevent identity fraud and maintain accurate personal information.
Primary Proof of Identity Requirements
To change your name on a Social Security card, primary proof of identity is required. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. driver's license, a U.S. passport, or a state-issued identification card. These documents must be current and show your legal name to ensure proper verification.
Acceptable Forms of U.S. Citizenship Evidence
To change your name on a Social Security card, you must provide acceptable forms of U.S. citizenship evidence. These documents verify your identity and status as a U.S. citizen.
Primary acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These items must be original or certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency.
Valid Immigration Status Documentation
What documents are necessary to prove valid immigration status for a name change on a Social Security card? Valid immigration status documentation includes current, unexpired immigration papers issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Common documents accepted are Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card), Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document), or a valid foreign passport with an appropriate visa.
Supporting Name Change Documents
Supporting name change documents are essential when updating your Social Security card to reflect a new name. These documents prove the legal basis for your name change and must be valid and original or certified copies.
Common supporting documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change. The Social Security Administration requires these documents to verify your identity and name change before issuing an updated card.
Requirements for Minors and Children
Changing the name on a Social Security card for minors requires specific legal documents that prove identity and the legal name change. These documents ensure that the Social Security Administration accurately updates their records for children.
- Proof of Name Change - Submit an official court order, divorce decree, or adoption decree showing the child's new legal name.
- Proof of Identity - Provide a birth certificate or passport for the child to verify their identity during the name change process.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status - Present a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or valid immigration documents as evidence of the child's citizenship or lawful status.
Special Considerations for Non-Citizens
| Document Type | Description | Special Considerations for Non-Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Legal Name Change | Official court order or marriage certificate confirming the new name. | Must be a certified copy recognized by U.S. authorities; foreign documents may require translation and notarization. |
| Identification | Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. | Non-citizens should provide a valid foreign passport along with a valid visa, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
| Immigration Status Verification | Documents that confirm current immigration status. | Non-citizens must present current Form I-94, I-551 (Green Card), Form I-766 (EAD), or other DHS-issued documents verifying lawful status. |
| Social Security Card Application | Form SS-5, the application form for a Social Security card. | Non-citizens must complete Form SS-5 with accurate legal name and status information to update their Social Security record. |
| Proof of Work Authorization | Documents showing eligibility to work in the U.S. | Required for non-citizens unless exempt; EAD or other USCIS documentation demonstrating employment eligibility is necessary. |
Steps for Submitting Your Identification Documents
Submitting the correct identification documents is essential when requesting a name change on a Social Security card. Following specific steps ensures the Social Security Administration processes your application efficiently.
- Gather Required Documents - Collect proof of legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree, along with identity documents like a valid U.S. passport or state-issued driver's license.
- Complete the SS-5 Form - Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) accurately with your updated personal information and name change details.
- Submit Documents In-Person or by Mail - Deliver your completed SS-5 form and original or certified copies of identification documents to the local Social Security office or mail them according to SSA guidelines to avoid delays.
What Documents are Necessary for a Name Change on a Social Security Card? Infographic
