Date Name Change: Wedding Or Social Security First?

When it comes to changing your name, the first step is to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is because every federal and state entity links your identity to your SSA record.

You can change the name on your social security card by completing the SS-5 application and providing proof of name change, proof of citizenship or lawful immigrant status, and identification.

The SSA will then notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your name change. You will also need to report your name change to the State Department to get an updated passport, and to your local post office, state taxing authority, and state benefits program, if applicable.

It is important to note that there is no deadline for changing your name after marriage, divorce, or court order. However, once you start the name change process, various state-level deadlines may apply.

How to change your name on your social security card

Changing your name on your Social Security card is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it:

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

First, you will need to collect the necessary documents to prove your identity, your name change, and your citizenship status.

Proof of Identity:

For proof of identity, you will need to present an unexpired document that includes your name, identifying information, and a photograph. Acceptable documents include:

• A U.S. driver's license.
• A state-issued non-driver's identification card.

If you don't have either of these, you may be able to use other forms of identification, such as:

• An employee identification card.
• A school identification card.
• A health insurance card.
• A U.S. military identification card.

Proof of Name Change:

To prove your name change, you will need to provide documentation that shows the reason for your name change. This could be:

• A court order approving the name change.
• A certificate of naturalization showing your new name.

If your name change occurred more than two years ago (or four years if you're under 18), you will also need to provide records that use your previous name.

Proof of Citizenship:

If you haven't already established your citizenship status with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need to provide proof of citizenship. Acceptable documents include:

• A U.S. birth certificate.
• A U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• A U.S. passport (unexpired).
• A Certificate of Naturalization.
• A Certificate of Citizenship.

Step 2: Submit Your Request

There are three ways to submit your name change request: online, by mail, or in person at a local SSA office.

Online Request:

You can submit your request online if you are 18 years or older and have a U.S. mailing address. The online application will guide you through the process by asking a series of questions. Once you've submitted your request, you will need to visit an SSA office in person within 45 days to provide proof of identity and name change.

Mail or In-Person Request:

If you prefer to fill out a paper application, you can download the "Application for a Social Security Card" (Form SS-5) from the SSA website. You can fill it out by hand or on your computer before printing it. Along with the completed form, gather the necessary documentation (proof of identity, name change, and citizenship).

Then, you have the option to either mail the application and documents to an SSA office or visit an SSA office in person to submit them. If you choose to mail your documents, consider using certified copies to avoid losing the originals.

Step 3: Wait for Your New Card

After submitting your application and supporting documents, the SSA will process your request. You should receive your new Social Security card with your updated name in the mail within 14 days.

Please note that your Social Security number will remain the same, only the name on the card will change. Remember to update your name with other agencies and organizations to ensure all your records are consistent and to avoid any issues in the future.

What documents do you need to change your name?

The documents you need to change your name will depend on your reason for doing so. Here is a list of common reasons for changing your name, along with the documents you will need for each:

Marriage

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate. You will also need to fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and bring it to a local office along with unexpired identification.

Divorce

If you are changing your name back to your pre-marriage name after a divorce, you will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree. You will also need to fill out Form SS-5 and bring it to a local office along with unexpired identification.

Court Order

If you are changing your name by court order, you will need to file a petition with your local court and may need to appear before a judge. You will likely need to undergo a background check and provide any previous names and your financial history. You may also be required to publish a public notice of your name change in a local newspaper.

Adoption

If you are adopting a child and changing their name, their legal name will be changed on their new birth certificate. You will not need to do anything further to change their name.

Personal Reasons

If you are changing your name for personal reasons, you will need to follow your state's name change procedure in court. This typically involves providing a completed application, a copy of your birth certificate, proof of identification, proof of residency, a sworn statement of proof of good character, and a sworn statement declaring any outstanding tax or child support obligations. You may also need to provide state and federal background checks and fingerprints, and pay a fee.

How to change your name at the Social Security Administration

Changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a straightforward process. You'll need to provide proof of identity, proof of your name change, and proof of citizenship.

Proof of Identity

You'll need to show a document or record that includes identifying information, such as your date of birth. The SSA prefers that the documentation includes a recent photograph. This can be a US driver's license, a nondriver ID card issued by your state, a US passport, or a US military ID card. If you don't have any of these documents, you can use another form of ID, such as a school or employee ID, a health insurance card, or a foreign passport with an arrival/departure record.

Proof of Name Change

You'll need to provide documentation that shows why you're changing your name. This can be a court order showing the approved name change, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a certificate of naturalization with the new name, or an amended or corrected birth certificate. If you changed your name on other documentation more than two years ago, you'll need to provide records that use your previous name.

Proof of Citizenship

If you haven't previously provided proof of citizenship to the SSA, you'll need to do so now. You can use a US birth certificate or a US passport.

Submitting Your Request

There are three ways to submit a request to change your name: online, by mail, or in person at a local SSA office. All three methods use the same application form, the SS-5. If you submit your request online, you'll need to provide proof of identity in person at an SSA office within 45 days. If you choose to mail your request or submit it in person, make sure to include all the required documentation. The SSA will return any records you send, but consider using certified copies to avoid losing original documents.

How to change your name at the DMV

Changing your name at the DMV can be a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change your name with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Step 1: Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Before updating your name with the DMV, you must first inform the SSA of your new name. This step is crucial, as the DMV will verify your information with the SSA. You can visit an SSA branch to process the name change, and it typically takes a few days for the update to appear in their system.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

The documents you need to gather will depend on the type of DL/ID card you are applying for. If you are applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, you will need to provide:

• Proof of identity
• Social Security Number
• Two proofs of California residency

If you are applying for a non-REAL ID DL/ID, you only need to provide proof of your true full name. This may include documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or a court order for a legal name change.

If you have legally changed your name multiple times, be prepared to provide proof of all former name changes, even if the DMV was not previously notified of those changes.

Step 3: Complete a New DL/ID Application

You can apply for a new DL/ID card with your updated name using the online application on the DMV website. During the application process, you will have the option to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card if desired.

Step 4: Visit a DMV Office to Complete the Process

Changing your name at the DMV is not finalized until you visit a DMV field office. You can make an appointment or walk-in at your convenience. Bring your current DL/ID, proof documents, and be prepared to pay the licensing fee and provide your thumbprint to protect against identity theft.

If you are applying for a driver's license, you will receive a temporary license valid for 60 days. For ID card applications, you will receive a receipt as proof of application. Your new DL/ID card should arrive in the mail within 3-4 weeks. If you have not received it after 60 days, follow up with the DMV.

How to change your name on your passport

The process to change your name on your passport varies depending on your situation. If your passport was issued less than a year ago and your name was legally changed, you can submit the following by mail:

• Form DS-5504 (find mailing instructions on the form)
• Your most recent U.S. passport
• An original or certified document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order

You will not have to submit any passport fees unless you want expedited service, which costs an extra $60.

If your passport was issued more than a year ago or your name was legally changed more than a year ago, you may be eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82 or apply in person using Form DS-11. If you are eligible to renew by mail, submit the following:

• Your most recent U.S. passport
• Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• One colour passport photo
• Fees, which vary depending on your age

If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail, you can apply in person and submit the following:

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of that evidence
• Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• Valid ID and a photocopy of that ID
• One colour passport photo
• Fees, which vary depending on your age

If your name has changed due to marriage, and you show an ID issued in your new name, you do not need to submit proof of your name change. You must include the details of the marriage on the second page of Form DS-11.

If you cannot show a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate, you can apply in person and submit:

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship
• Valid ID issued in the name you are currently using and a photocopy of that ID
• One colour passport photo
• Fees, which vary depending on your age

If your name is different from what is on your citizenship evidence, or you cannot show your new name through marriage or a court order, you may need to fill out Form DS-60: Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name. This form must be completed by two people who have known you by both names. You must also submit three certified or original public records showing that you have used the new name for five years or more.

Frequently asked questions