Changing the Name on a Social Security Card

Change Name on Card Replacement Card Apply for First Card Social Security Card Updates

Reasons you may use a Social Security Card Start a New Job Opening a bank account Applying for government benefits Name change due to marriage Name change due to divorce Birth of a child Change of Immigration Status

Change Name on Card Replacement Card Apply for First Card Social Security Card Updates Reasons you may use a Social Security Card Start a New Job Opening a bank account Applying for government benefits Name change due to marriage Name change due to divorce Birth of a child Change of Immigration Status

When it comes to important documents that one must keep up to date, your social security card should top the priority list. Why? Because it is a preliminary requirement for a variety of standardized processes, including for transactions related to employment, health benefits, recreational licenses, and banking and credit applications, to name a few.

Among the reasons to need a social security card name change are a marriage, divorce or legal name change (i.e., a judge has officially approved a new name).

How to Change the Name on a Social Security Card

Determining how to change your name on your social security card isn’t nearly as daunting as it sounds. The Social Security Administration (SSA) simply requires specific documents dependent on the nature of why you require the social security card name change. Typically, at least one of the following original documents will need to be presented:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Naturalization Certificate
• Court order for a name change

However, if your name change occurred more than two years prior to the time at which you order the social security card name change, the SSA may require additional proof of identity. Likewise, the SSA may rule that any of the above materials are insufficient as is, and will also require supplementary proof of identity in order to process the application.

If you wish to return to your former or maiden name after a divorce, you can request that the judge include a formal in the divorce decree reinstating your former name.

In order to change your name on your social security card after marriage, simply include your original marriage license with your social security card name change application.

Remember, an up to date social security card isn’t just your numerical identity to the Social Security system, it’s also extremely important for a variety of critical exchanges. Still, it’s a process that does take time so don’t wait until the last minute to make the social security card name change!