How To Change Your Name On Your Social Security Card
Performing a name change with the Social Security Administration is a reasonably simple process, but you will want to ensure you have the proper documents. You will need to complete the application and show the Social Security Administration documentation of your name change.
Changing your name on your Social Security card is straightforward, but you must follow the proper process. If you are missing documents or attempt to do things incorrectly, it can make getting a new card much more difficult. Here are the steps you should take to quickly get your name changed on your Social Security card.
Gather The Required Documents
To change your name on your Social Security card, you must prove both your name change and your identity to the Social Security Administration. To verify your name change, you can use one of the following documents:
Marriage document
Divorce decree
Court order of name change
Certificate of naturalization showing your new name
In addition to proving your name change, you will also need to confirm your identity. This is typically done with one of the following documents:
Driver's license
State-issued non-driver's identification card
U.S. Passport
Some people may not have any of the three documents shown above. In that case, the Social Security Administration may accept other documents as proof of identity. However, the document needs to be current, show your name and identifying information, and preferably show a recent picture. Some examples of ID cards that may be used are as follows:
Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
School identification card
Military identification card
Employee identification card
Since you are simply changing the name on your card, you should already have a prior Social Security card. This means that the Social Security Administration should already have a record of your citizenship status. However, if they do not, you might be required to prove that you are a U.S. citizen. Proof of U.S. citizenship can be established by showing one of the following documents:
U.S. birth certificate
U.S. Passport
Certificate of naturalization
U.S. Consular report of birth abroad
The final thing that you need to know about your documentation is that you must present original documents. Photocopies of documents or notarized copies will not be accepted. However, a certified copy that is certified by the issuing agency may be used in some cases.
Complete Form 55-5
Now that you have found all the documents you need, you will need to complete Social Security Form SS-5. This form is the application for a new or replacement card. This application requires some personal information, such as your birth name, new name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and parents' names. Once you have your application ready, it's time to get your application to the Social Security office. You cannot perform a Social Security name change online at this time.
Mail the Application Or Submit it In Person
You have the option to either mail your application or submit it in person at your local Social Security office. Remember that copies of documents are not accepted, so mailing your application means that you will need to mail your original documents. Most people choose to visit their local office in person. Upon arrival, you will need to present your application and documentation to the Social Security representative. They will get your application processed, and you should receive your new card in the mail within 14 days in most cases. They can even provide you with a letter showing that your new card has been requested. This letter can serve as a temporary Social Security card replacement in some cases.
Getting your name changed on your Social Security card is a painless process, and you will typically have your new card within a couple of weeks. Simply gather the required documents, complete the application, and head to your local Social Security office. They will process your application, and your new card will arrive in the mail soon.
AUTHOR: ODIS ROSE, PARALEGAL FOR CENTER FOR ARKANSAS LEGAL SERVICES