How to change last name on social security card

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Can I Change My Name on My Social Security Card Online?

How to change last name on social security card

Bill Oxford / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Originally intended to track Social Security contributions, your nine-digit Social Security number now is used for a wide variety of purposes.

See: Social Security Updates To Know for August 2022
Find: 7 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Reach Your Retirement Goals

Although some U.S. institutions will accept a taxpayer or employer identification number, virtually every major financial task in life — filing your taxes, opening a bank account, applying for a federal loan, passport, driver’s license or public assistance program, enrolling in Medicare, buying a car or home — requires you to present your Social Security card for identification and tracking purposes.

In the event of a name change, whether due to marriage, divorce or another reason, you need to notify the Social Security Administration of the change. You can apply to the SSA to have your name changed or corrected on your Social Security card, but you cannot do it online.

For a U.S.-born adult, you will need to present — either in person or by mail — at least two (not expired) original documents that verify your citizenship, name change and identity for your corrected Social Security card. The SSA might use one official form of ID, like a passport, for two purposes, but you are still required to show at least one more document.

Here are the accepted records you can use to prove your citizenship, name change and identity.

Citizenship:   

  • U.S. birth certificate

  • U.S. passport

Name Change:

  • Marriage document

  • Divorce decree

  • Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name

  • Court order approving the name change

Identity

  • U.S. driver’s license

  • State-issued non-driver identification card

  • U.S. passport

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If you cannot provide the above, the SSA will ask for supporting documents, including:

  • Employee identification card

  • School identification card

  • Health insurance card (not Medicare)

  • U.S. military identification card

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Can I Change My Name on My Social Security Card Online?

If a person needs to change the name on his or her SS card due to marriage, divorce or any other reason, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be notified as soon as possible so that officials can update his or her file and send a corrected card to ensure that he or she receives the benefits he or she has earned.

However, to have a new card you will need to complete Form SS-5, a standard Social Security card application, which can be downloaded from the Social Security website.

Copies of documentation are not accepted

Once you have completed the form, along with original copies of documents proving your legal name change and identity, you must mail or hand-deliver it to your local Social Security office.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must also show proof of your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already on record.

In this regard, all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, as photocopies or notarized copies are not acceptable.

To prove your legal name change, you must show one of the following documents:

- Marriage document.

- Divorce decree.

- Certificate of naturalization with the new name.

- Court order of name change.

Now, as proof of identity, it is necessary to provide a government-issued photo ID that has not expired, such as:

- A U.S. passport.

- A driver's license.

- A state-issued identity document.

It should be noted that if you do not have one of these documents, Social Security staff may also accept a school, work or military identification card or a health insurance card.

Free of charge

To prove your U.S. citizenship you will also need to show one of the following documents:

- U.S. birth certificate.

- U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

- U.S. passport (not expired).

- Certificate of naturalization.

- Certificate of citizenship.

An important fact is that there is no charge for a new card and after processing it, it should arrive at your home within 10 to 14 days. When you receive it, the name modification that was requested should appear, but the Social Security number will be the same.

It is important to know that the local Social Security offices reopened completely on April 7, but before going to them it is recommended to call in advance and schedule an appointment in order to avoid long waits.

How do I get a new Social Security card in Minnesota?

You can go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply. If you aren't able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card, you can still begin the process online and complete it in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.

How do I get a new Social Security card in Oklahoma?

Information.
Step 1: Gather documents proving your:.
Step 2: Complete an Application for a Social Security Card..
Step 3: Take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office..