How To Complete An Application To Change Your Name On A Social Security Card

When you change your name for any reason, you have to update your social security card to reflect the new name. Updating your social security card will make it easier to update your name with the bank or the DMV and other government organizations. If you need to do this, there are a few steps that you need to take.

Steps to Change Name on Social Security Card

Completing Application For SS-5

Form SS-5 is the Application for a Social Security Card and will need to be completed when you want to get your first social security card or an updated one. You can download and print the social security card application from the Social Security website or you could get a hard copy from your local Social Security office. You will then have to complete the entire one-page form in either black or blue ink.

Most of the form will be self-explanatory and you should not have any problems completing it. If you have any issues with the form, there are instructions which are generally attached to the application. When you complete the form, you need to ensure that it is legible and in block letters.

Gather The Necessary Documents

As you are applying for a name change on your social security card, the most important document you need to have is proof of your name change. The actual document will vary depending on why you are changing your name. If you recently got married, you will need to provide the marriage certificate. It is important that you provide the certificate and not the marriage license as Social Security will generally not accept the license.

You will also need to provide documentation that proves your identity and your US citizenship. If you are not a US citizen, you will have to provide documentation which shows your immigration status and that you are eligible for a social security card. The document that proves your identity will need to have your full name, date of birth and a current picture.

When gathering the necessary documents, you need to note that you have to provide the original and a certified copy of the document. The certified copy is different to a notarized copy and will need to be done by the organization that provided the original document. Photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted by Social Security.

Submitting Your Application

Once you have the necessary documents and completed the SS-5 form, you will need to submit this. There are 2 options for this and that is to hand-deliver the application or mail the application. It is important to note that there are certain areas where you will have to hand-deliver your application for an updated social security card. It is recommended that you check to see if you are in one of these areas because mailed applications will not be processed.

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the new card to be mailed to you. This could take between 2 and 6 weeks. All of your original documents will be returned to you with the new social security card.

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