By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
If you’re changing your name, it’s important to let Social Security know so we can update the information we maintain, send you an updated Social Security card, and ultimately ensure we pay you accurate benefits when you retire or become disabled.
To get a corrected Social Security card, you will need to provide documents proving your legal name change and identity. Sometimes, you may need to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful non-citizen status. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber to learn what documents you will need.
To prove your legal name change, you must show one of the following documents:
- Marriage document
- Divorce decree
- Certificate of naturalization showing a new name
- Court order for a name change
To prove your identity, you must show an unexpired document showing your name, identifying information, and photograph, such as one of the following:
- U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued non-driver’s identification card
- U.S. passport
If you don’t have one of those documents available, we may be able to accept your:
- Employer identification card
- School identification card
- Health insurance card
- U.S. military identification card
In the event you need to replace a lost Social Security card to get a job or obtain government services, but you don’t need to change your name, in Michigan you can request your replacement card online using your my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.