How to Schedule a Social Security Office Appointment for a Name Change

Book your appointment through Social Security's phone line or online portal

To change your name on your Social Security record, you must schedule an appointment at a local Social Security office. You cannot walk in without an appointment — most offices now require one. The fastest way to book is to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

You can also schedule online through my Social Security, the agency's account portal at ssa.gov. If you have created an account there, you can request an appointment directly. The online system shows available dates and times at your nearest office. Phone wait times are often long, so scheduling online may be faster if you already have an account set up.

When you call or book online, tell the representative you need a name change. They will ask which office location works best for you and offer available appointment times. Most offices have appointments available within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and season.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-772-1213 or use my Social Security online to schedule an appointment; walk-ins without appointments are not accepted.
• Bring your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and the document that proves your legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree).
• The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a replacement card in the mail within one to two weeks.
• If you do not have the legal document proving your name change, the Social Security office can tell you what your state requires to obtain one.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Social Security requires proof of your legal name change. The document depends on why your name changed. If you married, bring your marriage certificate (an official certified copy, not a photocopy). If you divorced, bring your divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court order, bring that court order — it must show the judge's signature and the effective date.

You also need a government-issued photo ID in your current name or the name you are changing from. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Bring your current Social Security card as well, even if the name on it is wrong.

If your legal name change document is not in English, bring the original plus an official English translation. The Social Security office will not accept a translation you made yourself; it must come from a certified translator or the agency that issued the document.

What happens during the appointment

The representative will review your documents, verify your identity, and ask you to sign a form confirming the name change. They will take your old Social Security card and issue you a replacement on the spot — you will receive the new card in the mail within one to two weeks. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The representative may ask questions about your identity and the reason for the name change. Answer honestly and directly. If there are any issues with your documents — for example, if a marriage certificate is missing information — the representative will tell you what to do next.

If you do not have a legal name change document yet

Social Security will not change your name without proof of a legal name change. If you have not yet obtained the document (a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), you cannot complete the name change at Social Security until you do.

The process for obtaining these documents varies by state. A marriage certificate comes from the vital records office in the county where you were married. A divorce decree comes from the court that handled your divorce. A court-ordered name change requires filing a petition in your state's district or circuit court, which involves court fees and sometimes a hearing.

When you call Social Security to schedule your appointment, you can ask the representative which document your state issues for your situation. They can point you toward the right office, though Social Security staff cannot file paperwork or pay fees on your behalf.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to reschedule, call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as you know you cannot attend. Canceling ahead of time opens the slot for someone else and prevents a no-show on your record. You can also reschedule through my Social Security online if you have an account.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, Social Security may require you to wait longer for the next available slot. Call to reschedule as soon as possible.

After your appointment: what comes next

Your new Social Security card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. The card will show your new name and the same Social Security number. Keep it in a safe place.

Changing your name at Social Security does not automatically update your name with other agencies or organizations. You will also need to update your name with your employer, bank, insurance companies, the DMV, and any other places that have your Social Security number on file. Each organization has its own process and timeline.

If you changed your name due to marriage or divorce, you may also need to update your name with the IRS, your state tax authority, and the court system. Social Security can only change the record they maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person to verify your identity. You cannot send a family member or representative in your place, even with a power of attorney. You must attend the appointment yourself.

Do I need to bring anything else besides my ID and name change document?

Bring your current Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required if you have lost it. If your name change document is not in English, bring an official English translation. No other documents are typically needed for a name change appointment.

What if my name change document is from another country?

Social Security will review it, but it must be an official document from the government or court that issued it. If it is not in English, you must provide an official English translation. The representative will tell you if the document meets Social Security's standards.

How long does it take to change my name at Social Security?

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. The entire process from scheduling to receiving your new card usually takes three to six weeks, depending on how soon you can get an appointment.

Will my Social Security number change?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same. Only the name on your record changes. Your new card will show your new name but the same nine-digit number.