Being pronounced “man and wife” at the altar is a life-changing moment for a woman who plans to assume her new husband’s last name, but she must file the appropriate legal documents before the Social Security Administration recognizes the name change. Using legitimate identification documents, such as passports, birth certificates and marriage licenses, you can file a name correction request to receive a new Social Security card. Failure to request a correction after changing your name can result in a delayed tax return or create errors on your Social Security record, according to Social Security Online.
Step 1
Visit Social Security Online and print out form SS-5, an Application for a Social Security Card. You can also obtain a form by visiting your local Social Security Card Center. Residents of New York City; Las Vegas, Nevada; Orlando, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Sacramento, California or the Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Minnesota must visit a Social Security Card Center to file a correction.
Step 2
Fill out the SS-5 form with your personal information, contact details, citizenship status, the date and your signature. You must provide a government-certified document explaining your eligibility for a Social Security card if you listed your citizenship status as “Other” or “Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work” in section 5. If you cannot obtain documentation from the agency that granted your status as a legal alien, contact the Social Security Card Center for further assistance.
Step 3
Compile the legal documents you will need to prove your citizenship status. The Social Security Administration will accept a passport or birth certificate from native-born U.S. citizens. In addition to U.S. passports, foreign-born U.S. citizens can use a Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization or a U.S. consular report of birth.
Step 4
Compile the documents that you will need to confirm your recent marriage, such as a marriage license. Along with this information, you must also provide a document that includes your old name and clearly identifies you. Try to choose a document that includes a photo, even if it is expired. If the marriage and subsequent name change occurred more than two years ago, the Social Security Administration may request additional proof.
Step 5
Verify your identity using a current driver’s license, U.S. passport or non-driver ID if you are a U.S. citizen. Gather the additional documents that may be required if you cannot provide a license or passport, including your health insurance card, employee ID, school ID or military ID. Non-citizens will be asked to provide immigration documents, such as form I-551, and a current passport.
Step 6
Check your paperwork to ensure that you have all of the required documents, and then mail the forms, or deliver them to a local Social Security office. The Social Security Online website lists the offices.
Tips and Warnings
- The Social Security Administration does not accept photocopies of legal documents when reviewing a name change request. All documents submitted must be originals or certified copies issued by the agency where it originated. When you fill out sections 9 and 10 of the application, mark “Unknown” if you don’t have access to your parents’ Social Security numbers. This information is only required when the name change request is for a minor.
Things You'll Need
- Birth certificate
- Marriage license
- Passport
- Driver’s license or non-driver identification card
- Immigration documents
- Other identification documents
