How to Schedule a Social Security Appointment for a Name Change

What to expect when you book a Social Security appointment for a name change

You will need to visit a Social Security office in person to change the name on your Social Security card. You cannot do this by mail or online. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will leave with a receipt that day — the actual card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.

Social Security has two ways to book: you can call their national number or go online through their website. Both routes lead to the same process, but calling often has shorter wait times if you reach someone. Online booking lets you see available times immediately without waiting on hold.

The office will ask you to bring specific documents. You need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of the legal name change itself — usually a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate. If you do not have these documents yet, get them before you book the appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or online at ssa.gov/myaccount.
• Bring your current Social Security card, proof of citizenship, a photo ID, and the legal document showing your name change.
• The appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a receipt the same day; the new card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
• If you cannot reach Social Security by phone, try booking online first — the website often has faster response times than the phone line.
• Bring originals of all documents; Social Security will not accept photocopies, though they may keep some documents on file.

How to book your appointment by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. This is the main number for all Social Security services. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your current Social Security number ready when you call — the representative will ask for it to pull up your record.

Tell the representative you need to change your name on your Social Security card. They will ask which office location is closest to you and show you available appointment times. You can choose a date and time that works for you. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down and keep it with your documents.

Wait times on the phone can be long, especially early in the week or early in the day. If you reach a busy signal or a long hold, try calling back later in the afternoon or on a Thursday or Friday. Some people find that calling right when the office opens (around 7 a.m. in their time zone) is faster.

How to book your appointment online

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your Social Security account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one — this takes about 10 minutes and requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions.

Once you are logged in, look for "Schedule an Appointment" or "Appointments" in the menu. Select the reason for your visit (name change) and your preferred office location. The system will show you available times for the next few weeks. Choose the date and time that works for you and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

The online system is often faster than calling because you see real-time availability and do not wait on hold. However, not all office locations offer online booking yet — if your local office does not appear in the system, you will need to call instead.

What documents you must bring

Social Security requires original documents only — they will not accept photocopies or certified copies for most items. Bring the following:

• Your current Social Security card (or a record of your number if you have lost the card)
• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship
• Legal proof of your name change: a court order, divorce decree, marriage certificate, or adoption decree

If your birth certificate or citizenship document is from outside the United States, bring the original and one certified copy. Social Security may keep some documents on file, so ask before you leave whether you need to pick anything up or if they will return it to you.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change. For example, if you changed your name through marriage and then through a court order, bring both the marriage certificate and the court order.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The representative will verify your identity using your photo ID and ask you to confirm your current name and Social Security number. They will review your legal name change document and ask you to sign a form (the SS-5) requesting the name change.

The representative will take your photograph for the new card — you do not need to dress up, but avoid hats or sunglasses. They will give you a receipt showing your new name, your Social Security number, and the date you applied. This receipt is proof of your Social Security number if you need it before the card arrives.

The new card will be mailed to the address Social Security has on file. If you have moved recently and your address is not current, tell the representative before you leave so they can update it. The card usually arrives within one to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If you cannot reach Social Security or your office is closed

Social Security offices have reduced hours in some locations and are sometimes closed for federal holidays. If you cannot reach the phone line, try the online booking system first — it is available 24 hours a day.

If your local office is closed temporarily, you can travel to a different office in your state or a nearby state. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which offices are open and whether you can book an appointment at a different location.

Some Social Security offices offer walk-in hours on certain days, though you may wait longer than if you had an appointment. Call ahead to ask whether your office takes walk-ins and what time they stop accepting them.

What to do if you lose your new card or need a replacement

If your new card arrives and you lose it, you can order a replacement online through your Social Security account without visiting an office. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount, sign in, and look for "Order a Replacement Card." You can have it mailed to you or pick it up at a local office.

If you need your Social Security number before the card arrives, use the receipt you received at your appointment. Most employers, banks, and government agencies will accept the receipt as proof of your number and your name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most Social Security offices require an appointment. Some locations offer walk-in hours on certain days, but you may wait several hours. Call your local office or check ssa.gov to see whether walk-ins are accepted and what the wait time is likely to be.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You will need some form of proof of citizenship. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship also works. Social Security can tell you which documents they will accept — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask.

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person and sign the form yourself. They will verify your identity using your photo ID. You cannot send a family member or representative to do this for you.

How long does it take to get the new card after my appointment?

The card usually arrives within one to three weeks. During busy periods or around holidays, it can take longer. You can use the receipt from your appointment as proof of your Social Security number and name change while you wait.

What if my name change document is from another country?

Bring the original document and one certified copy. If the document is not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original. Social Security will review it to make sure it is a valid legal name change in that country.