Question on changing name with Social Security

[Chicago526]

I'm applying for my new Social Security card with my new name. I've read the instructions on the form 3 times and can't figure out what they want me to send in.

It looks like they only need a copy of my marriage license since I'm a US citizen born in the US and am applying for a corrected card (meaning I already have a SS card and just need to change my name). Is this correct? Anyone get married recently that can tell me what they had to send in?

Edited to add: I'm mailing it in, not applying in person.

 

[CheshireVal]

I actually went into the Social Security office to do mine (over the summer). What a pain that was! I was waiting for about 2 hours, but it was worth it to me to not have to rely on mail.

They insisted on seeing a form of picture ID with my new name on it-- driver's license. I had to get that first. Then I had to bring it and the marriage certificate to get my new Social Security card.

 

[kpm76]

After I got married, I went to City Hall in the city in which I was married and picked up my marriage certificate then went to the SS office with that in hand to make the change. I am sure you can do the same by mailing it but I am not sure. FYI, if you do it in person it does take a day or so for the change to appear in the computer system so if you are changing your license for example you'd have to wait for the name change with SS to clear. It took a few weeks for me to receive my new card in the mail. Hope this helps

 

[kpm76]

I actually went into the Social Security office to do mine (over the summer). What a pain that was! I was waiting for about 2 hours, but it was worth it to me to not have to rely on mail.

They insisted on seeing a form of picture ID with my new name on it-- driver's license. I had to get that first. Then I had to bring it and the marriage certificate to get my new Social Security card.

That's strange that you were able to get your license before the change with SS. I had to make the change with SS before I was able to get a new license. I think for the picture ID I showed my old license along with the marriage certificate.

 

[Chicago526]

Well, according to the directions, I can mail it in with the supporting documents (which I'd rather do as I don't want to wait in line at an SS office). My problem is that I don't know what they want. It sounds like they just want the marriage certificate, but I'm not sure.

Has anyone MAILED it in, and what did you need?

 

[Texan Mouseketeer]

In your first post you said a copy of your certificate. If you mail it in, it has to be the original and they send it back to you. That is why I chose not to mail it in because I was so freaked out about sending the originals. I had to do my birth certificate and marriage license becase they said I had to have to forms of ID.

 

[CheshireVal]

That's strange that you were able to get your license before the change with SS. I had to make the change with SS before I was able to get a new license. I think for the picture ID I showed my old license along with the marriage certificate.

All the drivers license people needed was my marriage certificate. SS required my license with my new name before they'd change it. I thought it was weird, too!

 

[stinkerbelle]

I applied for my new one (in person) after I got married.
I went at an odd time (like 11:15) and there was no wait.
I showed them my ORIGINAL (one with the seal) marriage certificate and original SSN card. That was it.

After that...I took my marriage certificate, went to the DMV licensing place (not a full DMV) and got my new license, that day.

Each state could be different though.

 

[Chicago526]

Texan, I meant the certified copy of my marriage certificate that I got from the county. I also have my original birth certificate with the raised seal, both of which are acceptable to SS. But I'm not sure if they need the birth certificate or not.

 

[malibuconlee]

I went to the SS office when I got mine. I actually had to get my drivers license changed first. That was a pain because I had to go twice, but I didn't have a long wait either time, but it was in a smaller town, not a big city

 

[hydster]

I did mine too long ago but if you have no idea what to do why don't you just call social security and get the answer straight from them? Since other people have had what seems to be different experiences I'd definitely call. Their number is on the website but here it is if you don't want to look for it.
1-800-772-1213

 

[Chicago526]

I did mine too long ago but if you have no idea what to do why don't you just call social security and get the answer straight from them? Since other people have had what seems to be different experiences I'd definitely call. Their number is on the website but here it is if you don't want to look for it.
1-800-772-1213

I tried calling and couldn't get a person. I've sent them an e-mail asking, though.

 

[mrsv98]

Hey Chicago, another Illinoian here. When I changed my name, all I had to do is send in the marriage certificate from the county. When I got my marrige cert., I order 5 copies just so I would have them. Just send in the SS change form and the certificate and you will be good to go!

 

[Chicago526]

Hey Chicago, another Illinoian here. When I changed my name, all I had to do is send in the marriage certificate from the county. When I got my marrige cert., I order 5 copies just so I would have them. Just send in the SS change form and the certificate and you will be good to go!

YES!! That's what I thought!! I just wasn't sure because the instructions are a little confusing. I've ordered 2 copies from the county, so even though SS said they'll send it back, I'll still have a back up if it gets lost!

 

[jennyl772003]

From social security website:

[You also must submit one or more documents identifying you by both your OLD NAME and your NEW NAME. Documents that may show your old name, new name and identifying information include your marriage certificate, divorce decree or a court order changing your name. If you were born outside of the U.S., submit proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies of documents. Notarized copies also are not acceptable]

When I sent in mine by mail, all I sent in was the form and my marraige license. Your license should have your old name and new name, thus fulfilling the requirements. My marraige license was returned to me promptly, and shortly after, my new card came.

Now changing my dependant son's name was a whole different story...

 

[tubachick]

In Cook County IL, I had to get my DL changed first (need official copy of marriage certificate) then take the official marriage certificate to SS office. Depending on the office near you the wait time varies. I was lucky and was out in about an hour. good luck and congratuations.