People desire a change of name for various reasons. You may need to change your name because you’re just getting married or seeking a divorce from an irreconcilable relationship with your spouse or even because you are switching genders.
Updating your name on your security card is one of the leading things you need to get done after divorce or marriage because your legal name must match that which is on your card at all times.
Having a legal document like a marriage certificate, divorce decree or a court granted petition would allow you to make changes to your name but if you intend making it official you need to change the name on your security card.
As you read on you will find answers to a pressing question many have asked and that’s if they can change name on social security card online.
But first, let’s find out the process that leads to changing name on your card…
You need to complete an application of your copy if the ss5 form which can be downloaded on the SSA website.
You need to support your filled form with supporting documents like:
- Unexpired proof of identity such as your U.S. passport, your driver’s license or a state-issued ID card.
- A proof of your US citizenship which may be any of the following:
- A U.S. birth certificate.
- A certification of naturalization.
- Certificate of citizenship.
- Report of birth abroad in a form that is permissible by Law.
- An unexpired U.S. passport.
A non US citizen would have to provide an immigration document that proves their lawful non citizen status.
- Evidence of name change should also be included, this could be one of the following:
- A marriage certificate.
- A divorce decree.
- A court granted petition for the name change.
The above listed documents must be submitted in their original forms to the local ssa office near you and you can be rest assured that it would be returned back to you.
Are there any negative consequences of not making any name changes?
It may result in a failure to assign your wages to your earnings record or even cause a delay in the processing of your future income tax refunds.
How long does it take to effect a name change?
This is usually dependent on the SSA, but for the purpose of the name change, it’s been discovered that the processing stage usually takes from two to six weeks before your card and any other document you might have submitted is returned back to you.
But of course, there are instances where your application gets denied due to one mistake or the other in filing your application. For this reason, you may choose to employ the services of professionals in getting it done but this is not for free.
Finally, you cannot request a new card online due to name change. Rather you have to submit your application to the SSA office near you. Nonetheless in other allowable situations, you can request a new card online.