If you change your name because of marriage, divorce or another reason, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible so officials can update your file and send you a new Social Security card. Show You'll need to fill out Form SS-5, the standard application for a Social Security card that you can download from the Social Security website. Mail the form or deliver it in person to your local Social Security office, along with original copies of documents proving your legal name change and your identity. 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. Evidence of the name change could be:
For proof of identity, provide an unexpired, government-issued photo ID such as:
If you don't have one of these, Social Security also might accept a school, employer or military ID card or a health insurance card. You also may need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship if that status is not already reflected in Social Security records. Acceptable documents include:
Noncitizens must provide immigration documents proving their identity and authorization to work in the United States, along with their foreign passport and a legal record of a name change. The SSA pamphlet "Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens" has details. Your documents must be originals or certified copies from the agency that issued the original — for example, the county where you received your marriage license. Social Security will not accept photocopies or even notarized copies. The documents will be returned to you. You will not be charged to apply for or receive the new card, which should arrive 10 to 14 days after your application is processed. Your Social Security number will not change. The Social Security website has an interactive page with more detailed information on what you need to get a new card. For name-change requests, click the tab that says “Corrected” under “Type of card." Keep in mind
Using SSNVSSSNVS allows you to submit names and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for verification both online and through electronic file submission. Request Online SSN VerificationThe SSN Verification web page enables you to submit up to 10 names and SSNs for verification and obtain immediate results. There is no limit to the number of times the SSN Verification web page may be used within a session. The SSN Verification web page contains the following data entry fields: Employer Identification Number (EIN) The EIN of the employer for whom the employee(s) work; for Third Party verifications, enter the client's EIN.
Social Security Number (SSN)
First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Suffix
Date of Birth (DOB)
NoteSSA may not be able to process your request if you enter identical SSNs or identical First and Last Names multiple times. The First, Middle and Last Name fields provide links to the help guide for entering complex names. To access the SSNVS Help web page, you must be logged into SSNVS. The Help button is in the left-hand corner of each SSNVS web page and opens in a new browser window. NoteIf data entry errors are found, you will be prompted to correct your errors. Upload an Electronic File for VerificationSSNVS allows you to request name and SSN verifications via electronic file submissions. Before You Start The Submit a File for SSN Verification - Before You Start web page contains the following information.
When the file is ready for upload, select the Continue button. Submit Your File The Submit a File for SSN Verification - Submit Your File web page contains the following data entry fields.
Submission times depend on many factors. SSA allows up to four (4) hours for a single file submission. If your connection is lost during file submission, you will have to submit the file again. NotePlease do not exit SSNVS or log out until you receive your confirmation number. Confirmation The Submit a File for SSN Verification - Confirmation web page contains the following information. This web page acknowledges that your file was received and provides other submitted related information.
Once a file is successfully submitted and you have noted its confirmation number, you can process more files by selecting the Submit Another File button; this returns you to the Submit a File for SSN Verification - Submit Your File web page. Does your social security number tell your name?Your Social Security number will not tell your full life story, but it does provide a critical framework that screeners and employers can use to ask deeper questions.
What if my name doesn't match my Social Security card?To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records.
Which name comes first on SSN card?Beginning with cards printed on 09/08/07, the NH's first and middle name are always printed on the first name line on the SSN card, and the last name and suffix, if any, are always printed on the second name line on the SSN card.
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