How to get a new name and Social Security number

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a corrected card online. The same applies once you receive the I-766 card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Defining the legal Name for an SSN.

To get a corrected Social Security card, you will need to:

• Show the required documents. You will need proof of your identity. Sometimes you also may need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. See Learn What Documents You Need for more information. Under the heading, “Type of Card,” select “Corrected” for a list of the documents you need.

Note: If you are a U.S. Citizen, applying for a replacement SSN card, and choose to mail your application to your local office, you may use original or certified copies of secondary proofs of identity such as:

• A marriage document showing your name and either date of birth or age (only when submitted to support the application for a name change)
• A U.S. government employee identification card.
• A non-government employee identity card/badge card showing your name and either a photograph or your date of birth.
• A health insurance card or U.S. Medicaid card showing your name and one of the following:
  • Date of birth.
  • A photograph.
• A school identity card
• A school record or transcript (for the current school year) showing your name and one of the following:
  • Date of birth.
  • A photograph.
• A life insurance policy showing your name and age or date of birth.

• Note: U.S. Citizens applying for a replacement SSN card are not required to submit original primary evidence (e.g. driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport), for mailed applications.

• Fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card.
• Contact your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center to find out your submission options.

For complete instructions, please go to our Social Security Number and Card page. 
For more information, read our pamphlet, Your Social Security Number and Card.

Other Questions You May Find Helpful

• How can I change my address?
• How long will it take to receive a Social Security card?

We can assign a different number only if:

• Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems.


• More than one person is assigned or using the same number.


• A victim of identity theft, who has attempted to fix problems resulting from the misuse but continues to be disadvantaged by using the original number.


• There is a situation of harassment, abuse or life endangerment.


• An individual has religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in the original number. (We require written documentation in support of the objection from a religious group with which the number holder has an established relationship.)

To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.

Additional Resources:

New Numbers For Domestic Violence Victims

Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number

Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number. 

Victims of domestic violence, abuse or harassment must complete a statement explaining their need for a new number and provide documentation of the abuse, such as:

• Police reports.
• Medical records of injuries.
• Restraining orders.
• Letters from shelters, counselors, friends or family members with direct knowledge of the situation. 

Social Security can help you gather evidence.

If you are changing your name, do that first; Social Security will need to see court approval of the change. If you are also seeking new Social Security numbers for your children, bring proof of custody. You’ll find more information in the Social Security pamphlet “New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims.”

In cases of identity theft, you will need to demonstrate that:

• Your number is being used for fraudulent transactions. 
• You are suffering ongoing harm because of it (a lowered credit rating, for instance, or a loan denial).
• You have exhausted all other means at your disposal to solve the problem. 

The Social Security publication “Identify Theft and Your Social Security Number” has more details, as well as information on how to protect against identify theft and report and resolve problems.

You can’t change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: 

• Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.
• Another person was assigned or is using your number.
• You have religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in your original number. Social Security requires written documentation supporting the objection from a religious group with which you have an established affiliation. 

Whatever your reason for needing a new number, you can only apply for one in person at your local Social Security office. Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits.

You will need to show proof of your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — Social Security has checklists of acceptable documents.

Keep in mind

• Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost. 
• Getting a new number can significantly complicate other areas of your life, such as getting a passport, receiving federal or state financial assistance, or maintaining your credit history. A less drastic option may be to put a block on your number, which prevents anyone, including yourself, from accessing your Social Security information online or by phone. To implement a block on your number, or to lift one, contact Social Security.

How do I change my name for my Social Security?

Does SSN have to match name?