Legal names are typically chosen when an individual is born or becomes a citizen of the United States. Another common time for name changes is upon marriage, when a woman may choose to take the last name of her new husband. This name change is a common process that needs to be completed through the U.S. Social Security Administration so you can properly change the name on all your official documents, including your passport, driver's license and Social Security card. A nominal fee is usually involved, but the process has been streamlined to make changing your name easy.
Step 1
Obtain Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration. This form will link your existing Social Security number to your new name, which will make your name change legal. The form can be obtained on the Social Security Administration's website or through standard mail. You can request this form by calling the agency at 1-800-772-1213.
Step 2
Fill out form SS-5, including your official old name, new name, marriage license information and personal identifying information.
Step 3
Mail the form to a nearby Social Security office for processing. Don't send the materials to the national Social Security Administration office--this office does not process name changes and will return your materials to you.
Step 4
Use your new Social Security card, which you'll receive in the mail, to change other registrations and personal identification documents.
Tips and Warnings
- Once your name is legally changed, inform your employer of the official name change, and obtain new government-issued I.D. such as a driver's license and passport. Until then, carry a copy of your marriage license to show that you are the same person featured on your identification. If you're filing Form SS-5 through the mail, consider sending the form through secure mail.
- Changing some forms of identification or registration, such as passports and driver's licenses, may involve small fees.
