Question 1

How do I change my name on my Social Security record?

Accepted Answer

To change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and submit it with original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, your U.S. citizenship or immigration status (if not already on record), and the legal name change event (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You can submit the form and documents in person at a local Social Security office or mail them to the office. The SSA does not charge a fee, and there is no limit on how many times you can legally change your name on your record. Our cover letter and worksheet help you assemble a complete package so the SSA can process your change quickly.

Question 2

Can I change my Social Security record online?

Accepted Answer

For name changes, the SSA generally does not allow online submission because the agency must physically review original identity and name-change documents. Some address changes for people receiving Social Security benefits can be completed through a my Social Security online account, and the SSA continues to expand its online services. For name changes, immigration updates, and replacement card requests in most states, you still need to submit Form SS-5 in person or by mail along with supporting documents. Check the SSA website before your visit to see if your specific change can be handled online or by mail.

Question 3

What documents do I need to change my name after marriage?

Accepted Answer

To change your name on your Social Security card after marriage, you need your original or certified marriage certificate (not a photocopy), a document proving your identity such as an unexpired U.S. driver's license, state ID, or passport, and Form SS-5. If your current identity document does not yet show your new name, you can still use it as identification; the marriage certificate establishes the name change. The SSA returns original documents by mail after processing. There is no fee, and you will receive your updated Social Security card within 10 to 14 business days in most cases.

Question 4

How do I update my address with the Social Security Administration?

Accepted Answer

If you are currently receiving Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, you can change your mailing address by signing in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local office. If you are not receiving benefits, the SSA does not keep a mailing address on file for your Social Security record, so there is nothing to update — your address is maintained by the IRS, state motor vehicles agencies, and other institutions. Always update your address with the IRS separately using Form 8822 to ensure tax refunds and correspondence reach you.

Question 5

How do I get a replacement Social Security card?

Accepted Answer

You can request a replacement Social Security card by completing Form SS-5 and submitting it with proof of identity to your local Social Security office, either in person or by mail. In many states, you can also request a replacement card online through a my Social Security account if you are a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state, and are not making any changes to your record. Replacement cards are free. The SSA limits replacements to three per year and ten in a lifetime, with some exceptions for legal name changes and other qualifying events.

Question 6

Do I need to notarize my change request?

Accepted Answer

The SSA typically does not require notarization of Form SS-5 or the supporting documents. Instead, the agency requires original or agency-certified copies of the underlying documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order, passport). Notarized photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or name change. If you cannot submit originals, request a certified copy directly from the issuing agency — for example, a certified marriage certificate from the county clerk. Our cover letter clearly states what documents are enclosed and helps ensure your package is complete.

Question 7

How long does it take for the SSA to update my record?

Accepted Answer

Most name changes and replacement card requests are processed within 10 to 14 business days after the SSA receives a complete package. Complex changes — such as immigration status updates or date of birth corrections requiring additional verification — can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer. You should receive your updated Social Security card by mail to the address on record. If you have not received confirmation within four weeks, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with a copy of your submitted paperwork.

Question 8

Will my Social Security number change when I update my information?

Accepted Answer

No. Your Social Security number is assigned for life and does not change when you update your name, address, or other personal information. Only the details on your record change. In very rare cases — such as documented identity theft, sequential number assignment errors, or religious objection to the number — the SSA may issue a new SSN, but this is an exceptional remedy and requires substantial documentation and approval. For the vast majority of people, changes of information update the record while keeping the same SSN in place.

Question 9

What should I do if my SSA record has an error?

Accepted Answer

If you discover an error on your Social Security record — such as a misspelled name, incorrect date of birth, or missing work history — contact the SSA as soon as possible. For name and identifying information errors, submit Form SS-5 with supporting documents such as a birth certificate or passport. For earnings record errors, request a Social Security Statement and, if something is missing, provide W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax returns as proof. Correcting errors promptly matters because inaccurate earnings can reduce your future retirement, survivors, or disability benefits.

Question 10

Can someone else submit a change of information on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the SSA requires the applicant to submit the change request personally, either in person or by mail, with their signature. A parent or legal guardian can submit a request for a minor child. For adults who are unable to submit a request themselves due to disability or incapacity, a representative with a durable power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship can sometimes act on the person's behalf, but the SSA may also require a Representative Payee Application (Form SSA-11) if the person is receiving benefits. Contact your local SSA office to confirm the exact requirements for your situation.

Free Social Security Change in Information Forms

What Is a Social Security Change of Information?

Keep Records Current

Protect Benefits

Complete Package

Change of Information Package Preview

SSA Change of Information

Section 1: Applicant Information

Section 2: Reason for Change

Section 3: Documents Enclosed

Section 4: Signature

How to Submit a Change

Identify the type of change

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov

Gather original or certified documents

Prepare a cover letter

Submit in person or by mail

Keep copies of everything

Key Components

Sample Cover Letter

SSA CHANGE OF INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Resources

Create your Social Security Change in Information in under 10 minutes.