How to Schedule a Social Security Name Change Appointment

What happens at a Social Security name change appointment

A Social Security name change appointment is where you meet with a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee to update the name on your Social Security record. You bring documents that prove your legal name has changed — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — and the SSA updates their system. The appointment itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. You do not receive a new card at the appointment; instead, the SSA mails it to you within one to two weeks.

The SSA handles name changes for people who have married, divorced, or legally changed their name through a court. You cannot change your name at a Social Security office if you are simply choosing a different name to go by — the change must be legal in your state first.

Key Takeaways

• You can schedule a Social Security name change appointment online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office.
• Bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — plus your current ID and Social Security card.
• Online appointments are usually available within one to three weeks; phone and walk-in appointments may have longer waits depending on your area.
• The SSA mails your new card after the appointment, so plan for one to two weeks before you receive it in the mail.

How to schedule online through my Social Security

The fastest way to schedule is through my Social Security, the SSA's online account system. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount, sign in with your username and password, and look for the "Appointments" section. Select "Schedule an appointment" and choose "Name change" from the list of services.

You will see available dates and times at your nearest Social Security office. Pick the slot that works for you and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number by email and can also see it in your my Social Security account. Write down or save this number — you will need it if you need to reschedule or if the office calls you.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one on the same website. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file with SSA).

Scheduling by phone or in person

Call the SSA's main number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Tell the representative you need to schedule a name change appointment. They will ask for your Social Security number, current name, and the name you are changing to. They will also confirm your address and phone number.

Wait times on the phone are often long, especially early in the week and early in the day. Calling on a Thursday or Friday afternoon sometimes means shorter waits. If you reach a busy signal, the SSA recommends trying again later rather than staying on hold.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, but expect to wait. Some offices have a sign-in sheet; others use a ticket system. Ask at the front desk how long the current wait is. Bring all your documents with you in case you are seen that day.

Documents you need to bring

Bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change. This is usually one of the following:

• Marriage certificate (certified copy from the county clerk)
• Divorce decree or final judgment (certified copy from the court)
• Court order for legal name change (certified copy from the court)

You also need a current photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring your current Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required. If you do not have the original document, a certified copy is acceptable. A photocopy is not.

If your document is in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The SSA will not accept an uncertified translation.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and give them your confirmation number if you scheduled online. A representative will call your name and take you to a desk or private area.

The representative will ask you to confirm your current name, your new name, and the reason for the change. They will look at your documents and ask to see your ID. They may ask follow-up questions like where you were married or divorced, or when the legal change took place. Answer honestly — the SSA is checking that the documents match your story.

Once they have verified everything, they will update your Social Security record in their system. This takes a few minutes. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt until your new card arrives.

When your new card will arrive

The SSA mails your new Social Security card within one to two weeks of your appointment. It comes to the address on file in your Social Security record. If your address has changed recently, tell the representative at your appointment so they can update it before they mail the card.

If you do not receive your card within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your confirmation number from the appointment. They can check the status and remail it if needed.

Your old Social Security card is no longer valid once your name changes in the system, but you do not need to destroy it. Many people keep it for their records. Your Social Security number stays the same — only the name changes.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to reschedule, log into my Social Security and cancel the appointment, then schedule a new one. Or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask the representative to reschedule you. Canceling online is usually faster.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, you will need to schedule a new one. The SSA does not automatically rebook you. There is no penalty for missing an appointment, but you will have to wait for the next available slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name at Social Security if I have not legally changed it yet?

No. The SSA only updates names that are already legal in your state. If you are planning to marry or divorce, or want a legal name change through the court, complete that process first. Then schedule your Social Security appointment.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate?

No. You only need the document that proves your name change — the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your birth certificate is not required.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce papers?

Contact the county clerk's office (for a marriage certificate) or the court that issued your divorce decree. They can issue a certified copy, which costs between $5 and $25 depending on the county. This certified copy is what you bring to Social Security.

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person. The SSA needs to see your ID and verify your identity before they update your name. A representative or family member cannot do this for you.

Will my Social Security number change?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name associated with that number changes in the SSA's system.