Can I change my name with Social Security online?
Sometimes. A last-name change after marriage can be requested online in some states; a change from a divorce or a court order cannot, and needs original documents in person or by mail.
The honest answer has two halves, and which half applies to you depends on what changed your name.
When it cannot be done online
If your name changed by divorce or by a court order, Social Security wants to see the original or certified document itself. That means in person at a Social Security office or by mail. There is nothing to upload, and no online route completes it.
The marriage route, in some states
Social Security runs an online replacement-card request that covers a last-name change after marriage in participating states. The conditions are narrow: you are 18 or over, a US citizen, you have a personal my Social Security account, and you hold a driver license or state ID issued by a participating state.
Which states participate is Social Security’s own list, it changes, and a list printed anywhere else goes stale quietly. Check with Social Security whether your state is one rather than taking a list from anybody, us included.
Either way, the document does the work
Every route asks for the certified document that changed your name. Photocopies are refused, and where you hand it over in person or mail it in, it is returned to you. Your kit carries the SS-5 filled in from your answers on Social Security’s own PDF, which is what you sign and send if the online route is not open to you.
Related questions
- Does my Social Security number change?
- No. Your number stays the same for life, and your earnings record follows the number rather than the name. Only the name on the record changes.
- Is there a fee for a new card?
- No. Social Security does not charge for a card, on any route.
Other questions people ask
When you’re ready to do it
Two questions about your situation first, because there is one answer that means we can’t help — and we would rather tell you that before you pay than after.
One payment. No subscription.