How to Schedule and Complete Your Social Security Name Change Appointment

What happens at a Social Security name change appointment

At your appointment, a Social Security representative will review your legal name change document, take your photograph, and issue you a new Social Security card with your updated name. The card itself arrives by mail within two to four weeks after your appointment. You do not receive it on the day of the appointment.

The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will answer questions about your identity and sign forms in front of the representative. Bring the original or certified copy of your legal name change document — a court order, divorce decree, or adoption papers, depending on why your name changed. A photo ID is also required.

Social Security does not charge a fee for a replacement card due to a legal name change. If you need the card faster than the standard mail timeline, you cannot pay to expedite it; the two to four week window is standard across all offices.

Key Takeaways

• You must bring the original or certified copy of your legal name change document — a court order, divorce decree, or adoption papers — to prove the name change is official.
• Schedule your appointment online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office; online scheduling is usually fastest.
• Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card (if you have it), and your legal name change document to the appointment.
• Your new card arrives by mail in two to four weeks; you cannot pick it up at the office or pay to speed up delivery.
• If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours in advance to free the slot for someone else.

How to schedule 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 using your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. The sign-up process takes about 10 minutes.

Once logged in, look for "Schedule an appointment" or "Appointments" in the menu. Select "Name change" as the reason for your visit. The system will show you available dates and times at your nearest office. Choose the slot that works for you and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number by email and can also view it in your account.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to schedule by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready. You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, but wait times are often longer.

Documents you must bring

Bring the original or certified copy of your legal name change document. This is the most important item. Social Security will not accept a photocopy, a notarized copy, or a document you printed from an online court system. You need the official version issued by the court or government body that granted the name change.

If your name changed due to marriage, bring your divorce decree or marriage certificate. If you changed your name through a court order, bring that order. If you adopted a child or were adopted, bring the adoption papers. If you changed your name for any other reason, bring the court order that authorized it.

You also need a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Bring your current Social Security card if you still have it, though it is not required. If you have lost it, tell the representative at the appointment.

What to expect during the appointment

The representative will ask you to verify your identity by checking your photo ID and asking questions about your background. They will examine your legal name change document to confirm it is official and current. They may ask why your name changed and when the change took effect.

You will be photographed for the new card. The photo is taken at the office using their camera; you cannot bring a photo from elsewhere. You will then sign forms confirming the name change and authorizing the new card. The representative will explain what happens next and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.

If your legal name change document is missing, expired, or unclear, the representative may ask you to come back with a better copy or may refer you to the court that issued it. Do not assume you can proceed without the correct document — bring it with you to avoid a wasted trip.

When your new card arrives

Social Security mails your new card to the address on file with them. Standard delivery takes two to four weeks from your appointment date. You cannot request expedited mail, and the office cannot hold the card for you to pick up.

If four weeks have passed and you have not received your card, check your mailing address in your Social Security account online or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm it is correct. If the address is wrong, you may need to update it and request a replacement card. If the address is correct but the card did not arrive, Social Security can investigate and reissue it.

While you wait for your new card, you can use your old card or a receipt from your appointment as proof of your name change in some situations. Banks, employers, and government offices may accept a letter from Social Security or your appointment receipt as temporary proof while the new card is in the mail.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, do it at least 24 hours before your appointment time. Log into your Social Security account online and select your appointment, then choose "Cancel" or "Reschedule." You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to cancel or reschedule by phone.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, Social Security may require you to schedule a new one. Canceling ahead of time is courteous and ensures the slot opens for someone else who needs it.

What to do if you cannot find your legal name change document

If you have lost your court order, divorce decree, or adoption papers, contact the court that issued it. Most courts can provide a certified copy for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. Call the clerk's office in the county where the name change was granted and ask how to request a certified copy.

If the court no longer has the document on file or you cannot locate which court issued it, Social Security may be able to work with you, but the process becomes slower. Bring whatever documentation you do have to your appointment and ask the representative what options are available. In some cases, you may need to file a new name change petition with the court, which requires a lawyer or legal aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name at Social Security without a court order?

No. Social Security requires an official legal document proving your name change — a court order, divorce decree, or adoption papers. You cannot change your name at Social Security based on a personal request alone. If you have not yet legally changed your name through a court, you must do that first.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You will need a photo ID to verify your identity at the appointment. If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID, you can obtain one through your state's motor vehicle department or passport office. Call your local Social Security office to ask whether they accept other forms of photo identification in your situation.

Can someone else attend the appointment for me?

No. You must attend the appointment in person. Social Security requires you to be present for the photograph and to sign the forms authorizing the new card. You cannot send a family member or representative in your place.

Do I need to update my name with other agencies after I get my new Social Security card?

Yes. Your Social Security card is one document. You will also need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, state motor vehicle department, and any other organization that has your information on file. Social Security does not notify these organizations automatically.

What if my new card arrives with an error on it?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office with the incorrect card. They can issue a corrected replacement card at no charge. Bring the card with the error and your photo ID.