How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card? (2024)

FAQs

How do I fix my wrong name on my Social Security card? ›

Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) (PDF) and bring it to a local office along with unexpired identification and proof of name change, such as a marriage or divorce document, adoption decree, amended or corrected birth certificate, court order with the name change, or tribal document.

Make Changes to Your Record

Either way, you'll receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 days after your application is completed.

Update your name on your Social Security card through the Social Security Administration. There's no fee. If you have more questions, contact your local Social Security office.

Learn what documents you will need to correct a card or get an original card for an adult or child, citizen or non-citizen. Print and fill out the application, Form SS-5. Find your local Social Security office's address. Then, bring your completed Form SS-5 and supporting documents to your local office.

Be sure to tell us about the change by the 10th day of the month after it happened. For example, if you get married on January 27th, tell us about the change to your marital status by February 10th. If you're not sure if the change is something that's important for our records, let us know anyway.

The first and last name listed on the number holder's (NH) SSN card must agree with the first and last name shown on the document submitted as evidence of identity or legal name. A middle name or suffix is not considered part of the legal name.

If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address or direct deposit information online. You can do this using the My Profile tab in your personal my Social Security account.

Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office to report your marriage and get additional information.

AS WE EXPAND IN-PERSON SERVICE, WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO: -GO ONLINE AT WWW.SSA.GOV, - CALL OUR NATIONAL 800 NUMBER AT 1-800-772-1213 OR 1-800- 325-0778 TTY, TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE.

If you are unable to use our online services, you will need to complete a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and show us the required documents. To get an SSN card with a corrected name, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, your new legal name, and name change event.

Do I need to contact Social Security when I change my name? ›

If you want to correct or update your name or date of birth on your Social Security record, you must apply for a corrected Social Security card. Go to Get Or Replace A Social Security Card and follow the instructions.

You must fill out the Application for a Social Security Card form or Form SS-5 to apply for a new Social Security number. You can obtain the form on the SSA website or by visiting your local SSA office. You must provide your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and information about your parents or spouse.

The IRS matches the name and SSN reported on your tax return with the records at the SSA. Therefore, you do not need to let the IRS know you've changed your name – as long as you have changed your name with the SSA office.

If your name or number on the Social Security card is incorrect, contact any Social Security office to make changes. Check your Form W-2 to make sure your employer's record is correct and, if it isn't, give your employer the accurate information.

You should wait at least 30 days after the date of your marriage to request a replacement card. This allows the state time to update its records. If you got married in another state or the District of Columbia or you are unable to use our online application, visit Your Number and Card webpage.

This mismatch can sometimes happen due to simple errors like a misspelled name or transposed numbers. Since the Social Security Administration has confirmed that your information is correct, the issue might be with how your information is being reported for tax purposes.

Changing Information on Your Social Security Record

To change the information on your Social Security number record (i.e., a name or citizenship change, or corrected date of birth), you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change.

In most cases, you must file a petition with your local court to change your name. To do so, you may need to file paperwork and appear before a judge to complete the process. Find your local government website and contact your circuit court to get information about how you can legally change your name.