Social Security Card Name Change

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If you legally change your name, you must update your Social Security card to match. This is true whether you get married or divorced, or if you get a court order. There is no fee, but you cannot change your card online.

To change your Social Security card, you will need to:

Find the required documents. This means proof of identity and citizenship. Other documents you’ll need depend on the reason for the change.
Submit an Application for a Security Card. You can find this document online, print it, and fill it out ahead of time.
Bring your completed application to a local Social Security office.

Or, you can hire a service like Online Application to automate and simplify the Social Security card name change process.

Marriage

Getting a marriage license with your new name isn’t an official, legal change. As mentioned above, you’ll need to go to a local Social Security office and submit the paperwork.

Updating Your Social Security Card

First, you’ll need that marriage license–the original with the raised seal. If you didn’t receive your copy, you can call the clerk’s office for information.

Next, you’ll need a completed application for a new Social Security card. You can print the blank form, or get a copy at the office. Although the application suggests you’re getting a brand new card, you keep the number. Only the name changes.

Getting your new card should take up to 10 business days; it will arrive in the mail.

Other Things to Remember

Once you’ve received your new Social Security card, head to the DMV for new identification. Be sure to take all the documents your DMV wants; this includes:

your new Social Security card
your certified marriage certificate
your current driver’s license

Next, you’ll need to remember to update your bank account. This is especially true if you’re planning to set up a joint bank account with your spouse. Take your new identification and marriage license to a branch location, and be sure to get a new debit card. If you use checks, update those as well. Depending on your bank, you may need to pay for your new debit card.

After these major updates, the rest should be simple. Some services only want a phone call, but others may want to see your documents. Other services you may need to update include:

Employers
Post office, if you also moved away
Credit card companies
Utility companies
Schools and alumni associations
Insurance companies, such as car, home, and life
Mortgage company or landlord
Voter registration office
Doctor’s office
Passport office
Investment account providers
Attorney, for your will and other legal documents
Airlines, to transfer accumulated miles

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Divorce

There exist tax implications for huge lifestyle changes, like getting divorced. Yet, the biggest consequence may the headache of changing your name again. Any mismatch between Social Security Administration and your tax return causes refund delays.

If you change your name following a divorce, you must inform both the SSA and the IRS. The SSA requires a certified copy of your divorce decree. If you don’t have one, you can call the clerk’s office to get one.

While there is no such thing as common law divorce, some states do recognize common law marriage. Under these circumstances, you do need to get a bona fide divorce.

You can either mail your documents to the SSA office, or you can deliver them in person. Always take the precaution of tracking your documents if you choose to mail them. Original documents will be returned to you.

As before, you should get your new card in the mail within 10 business days. Again, it will have the same Social Security number, but displaying your new legal name.

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Court Order

You can change your name even if you’re not getting married, but you must complete a court petition. Sound intimidating? It’s actually a straightforward process. Once it’s done, you apply for a new Social Security card in the same way as always.

Changing Your Name

Changing your name first requires proof of state residency. This is usually as simple as your ID, or a utility bill mailed to your home. Then, you’ll need your current Social Security card, driver’s license, and birth certificate.

With these documents, you file a Petition for Change of Name to the local court clerk. This document lists your current name, desired name, and Social Security number. In some states, you must also sign an affidavit stating you have no outstanding warrants.

Once you’ve filed the form, you’ll receive a date for a hearing. During the hearing, the judge asks why you want to change your name. After the judge signs your form, you receive a certified copy to present as verification.

Keep in Mind

Changing your name is a straightforward process, but there are some restrictions involved.

State law has the final say on what you can name yourself. While this leaves you with lots of options, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid.

For example, you cannot change your name to hide from criminal liability, escape debt, or to commit a crime. Likewise, you can’t pick a racial slur as a name, or something offensive and intimidating.

You may also not change your name to mislead people, such as by choosing a celebrity’s name. Individuals also cannot use punctuation or numerals in their names.

In some cases, you may need to announce your name change in the papers.

Finally, don’t forget to inform the necessary parties. This includes your employer, the post office, the doctor, your attorney, and so on.

Conclusion

After reading this, you may think changing your Social Security card is straightforward. Still, it’s not hard to make a mistake along the way. It can also still be confusing to understand, or time-consuming to get all the documents. To help save you time and sanity, a service like Online Application can automate the Social Security card name change process.