Congratulations on your recent marriage! As you embark on this new chapter in your life, you may be wondering how to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
The SSA requires you to provide certain documents to prove your identity and your marriage. These documents include:
With these documents in hand, you can visit your local SSA office to file your name change request. You can also mail in your request, but it is typically faster to do it in person.
Social Security Marriage Name Change
Here are 10 important points to keep in mind:
- Notify SSA promptly.
- Documents required.
- Apply in person or by mail.
- Update other agencies.
- SSN remains the same.
- Name change fee.
- Keep SSN card confidential.
- Report fraud or identity theft.
- Monitor credit reports.
- Plan ahead for future changes.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your name change with the SSA is processed smoothly and efficiently.
Notify SSA promptly.
It is important to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) about your marriage and name change as soon as possible. This will ensure that your Social Security records are updated accurately and that you continue to receive your benefits without interruption.
- Avoid delays:
To avoid any delays in processing your name change, it is best to notify the SSA within two weeks of your marriage.
- Easier to update records:
The sooner you notify the SSA, the easier it will be for them to update your records and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name.
- Prevent fraud:
Notifying the SSA promptly will help to prevent fraud or identity theft. If you wait too long, someone else could potentially use your old name to open fraudulent accounts or file for benefits.
- Peace of mind:
Knowing that your SSA records are up-to-date and accurate will give you peace of mind and ensure that you continue to receive the benefits you are entitled to.
You can notify the SSA about your marriage and name change by visiting your local SSA office, calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or by mailing in a completed application (Form SS-5).
Documents required.
To change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) after marriage, you will need to provide certain documents to prove your identity, your marriage, and your new name.
- Proof of identity:
This can be a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
- Proof of marriage:
This can be a marriage certificate, a certified copy of your marriage license, or a religious marriage certificate.
- Proof of your new name:
This can be a new driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID with your new name.
- Form SS-5:
This is an application for a Social Security card. You can download the form from the SSA website or pick one up at your local SSA office.
You may also need to provide additional documents, such as a birth certificate or a divorce decree, if your situation is more complex. For example, if you are changing your name back to your maiden name after a divorce, you will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree.
Apply in person or by mail.
Once you have gathered the required documents, you can apply for a name change with the Social Security Administration (SSA) in person or by mail.
To apply in person:
- Visit your local SSA office.
- Bring your original documents or certified copies.
- Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5).
- Pay a $32 application fee (if applicable).
To apply by mail:
- Download and print the application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5) from the SSA website.
- Complete the application and sign it.
- Make copies of your original documents or certified copies.
- Mail the application and copies of your documents to the SSA.
- Include a check or money order for $32 (if applicable).
The SSA will process your application and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name within 10 business days.
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If you have any questions about applying for a name change with the SSA, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
Update other agencies.
Once you have changed your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need to update your name with other government agencies and financial institutions.
Here are some agencies and institutions you may need to update:
- Driver's license bureau
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Passport office
- Banks and credit unions
- Investment companies
- Insurance companies
- Employer
- Schools and universities
- Professional organizations
- Memberships and subscriptions
To update your name with these agencies and institutions, you will typically need to provide:
- Your new Social Security card
- A copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree
- A completed change of name form
You can usually find change of name forms on the websites of the agencies and institutions you need to update.
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It is important to update your name with all relevant agencies and institutions as soon as possible after changing your name with the SSA. This will help to ensure that you continue to receive the benefits and services you are entitled to, and that your personal information is accurate and up-to-date.
SSN remains the same.
When you change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), your Social Security number (SSN) will remain the same. This is because your SSN is a unique identifier that is assigned to you when you are born. It is not tied to your name.
Having the same SSN before and after your name change has several benefits:
- It makes it easier to track your earnings and contributions to Social Security and Medicare.
- It ensures that you continue to receive the Social Security benefits you are entitled to.
- It helps to prevent fraud and identity theft.
There are a few situations in which you may need to get a new SSN. For example, if you are a victim of identity theft or if you have been granted a legal name change for reasons other than marriage or divorce.
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In most cases, however, you will be able to keep the same SSN even after you change your name. This is one less thing you have to worry about during this busy time in your life.
Name change fee.
There is a $32 fee to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This fee covers the cost of processing your application and issuing you a new Social Security card with your new name.
You can pay the fee online, by mail, or in person at your local SSA office. If you are applying for a name change in person, you can pay the fee with cash, check, or money order. If you are applying by mail, you can pay the fee with a check or money order.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the name change fee:
- The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
- You do not have to pay the fee if you are changing your name due to a legal name change, such as a marriage or divorce.
- You may be able to get a fee waiver if you are unable to afford the fee.
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To request a fee waiver, you will need to submit a completed Form SSA-460-U5, Application for Waiver or Reduction of Fees. You can download the form from the SSA website or pick one up at your local SSA office.
Keep SSN card confidential.
Your Social Security card is a valuable document that should be kept confidential. This is because your SSN is a key piece of information that can be used to steal your identity and commit fraud.
- Memorize your SSN:
One of the best ways to protect your SSN is to memorize it. This way, you won't have to carry your Social Security card with you and risk losing it.
- Don't carry your SSN card with you:
Only carry your SSN card with you when you absolutely need it. For example, you may need to show your SSN card when you apply for a job or open a bank account.
- Shred old SSN cards:
When you get a new Social Security card, shred your old card. This will help to prevent someone from finding your old card and using it to steal your identity.
- Be careful about giving out your SSN:
Only give out your SSN when it is absolutely necessary. For example, you may need to give your SSN to your employer or your bank. However, you should never give your SSN to someone over the phone or through email.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your SSN and keep your identity safe.
Report fraud or identity theft.
If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, you should report it to the SSA immediately. You can do this by calling the SSA's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or by visiting your local SSA office.
When you report fraud or identity theft to the SSA, they will take the following steps:
- Investigate the fraud or identity theft.
- Take steps to protect your Social Security benefits.
- Help you to recover any money that you have lost due to the fraud or identity theft.
You should also report fraud or identity theft to the following agencies:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Your local police department.
By reporting fraud or identity theft, you can help to protect yourself and others from becoming victims.
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The SSA takes fraud and identity theft very seriously. They have a dedicated team of investigators who work to prevent and prosecute fraud. If you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, the SSA is here to help.
Monitor credit reports.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft is to monitor your credit reports regularly. This is because credit reports contain information about your credit history, including your debts and payment history. If you see any suspicious activity on your credit report, you can take steps to address it immediately.
- Get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus:
You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) once per year. You can order your free credit reports online, by phone, or by mail.
- Review your credit reports carefully:
When you receive your credit reports, review them carefully for any errors or suspicious activity. Look for things like unauthorized accounts, incorrect balances, and late payments that you didn't make.
- Dispute any errors or suspicious activity:
If you find any errors or suspicious activity on your credit reports, you should dispute them immediately. You can dispute errors online, by phone, or by mail.
- Set up credit monitoring alerts:
You can set up credit monitoring alerts to notify you of any changes to your credit reports. This can help you to catch fraud or identity theft early on.
By monitoring your credit reports regularly, you can help to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.
Plan ahead for future changes.
When you change your name due to marriage, it's important to plan ahead for future changes. This will help to ensure that your name is consistent on all of your important documents and accounts.
- Notify your employer:
Inform your employer about your name change so they can update your payroll and employee records accordingly. - Update your financial accounts:
Contact your banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to update your name on your accounts. This includes checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and loans. - Update your government documents:
Update your passport, driver's license, and other government-issued IDs with your new name. - Update your professional licenses and certifications:
If you have any professional licenses or certifications, you may need to update them with your new name. - Update your memberships and subscriptions:
Update your name on any memberships, subscriptions, or mailing lists that you receive. - Plan for future life events:
Consider how your name change will affect future life events, such as buying a home or having children. Taking steps to update your name in advance can help to avoid any complications down the road.
By planning ahead for future changes, you can ensure that your name is consistent on all of your important documents and accounts, and that you can easily conduct your business and personal affairs with your new name.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your name:
Question 1: What is the process for changing my name after marriage?
Answer 1: To change your name after marriage, you will need to apply for a new Social Security card with your new name. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at your local SSA office. You will also need to update your name with other government agencies and financial institutions.
Question 2: Do I need to change my name on my passport?
Answer 2: Yes, you will need to update your name on your passport if you change your name after marriage. You can do this by applying for a new passport with your new name.
Question 3: What about my driver's license?
Answer 3: You will also need to update your name on your driver's license. The process for doing this varies from state to state, so you should contact your local DMV for more information.
Question 4: How long does it take to change my name?
Answer 4: The time it takes to change your name will vary depending on the agencies and institutions you need to update. However, you can expect the process to take several weeks or even months.
Question 5: Can I change my name back to my maiden name after a divorce?
Answer 5: Yes, you can change your name back to your maiden name after a divorce. The process for doing this is similar to the process for changing your name after marriage.
Question 6: What are some of the things I should keep in mind when changing my name?
Answer 6: When changing your name, you should keep in mind the following things:
- You will need to update your name on all of your important documents, such as your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts.
- You may need to pay a fee to change your name.
- The process for changing your name can take several weeks or even months.
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Changing your name can be a lot of work, but it is important to do it correctly. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your name is changed accurately and efficiently.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for changing your name:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for changing your name:
Tip 1: Start the process early.
The process of changing your name can take several weeks or even months, so it's important to start the process early. This will give you plenty of time to gather the necessary documents and update your records with all of the relevant agencies and institutions.
Tip 2: Be organized.
Keep track of all of the documents and information you need to change your name. This will help you to stay organized and avoid any delays in the process.
Tip 3: Be patient.
Changing your name can be a lot of work, but it's important to be patient. Don't get discouraged if you encounter any setbacks or delays. Just keep working through the process and eventually you will be successful.
Tip 4: Consider the impact on your professional life.
If you are changing your name for professional reasons, you should consider how it will impact your career. You may need to update your resume, business cards, and other professional materials. You should also let your clients and colleagues know about your name change.
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Changing your name can be a big decision, but it can also be a positive and empowering experience. By following the tips above, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Now that you have all the information you need, you can start the process of changing your name. With a little planning and effort, you can successfully change your name and move on with your life.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
- Changing your name is a big decision, but it can also be a positive and empowering experience.
- There are many reasons why people change their names, including marriage, divorce, adoption, and personal preference.
- The process for changing your name varies depending on your circumstances and the country in which you live.
- In general, you will need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other government agencies and financial institutions.
- It is important to be organized and patient when changing your name. The process can take several weeks or even months.
Closing Message:
If you are considering changing your name, it is important to do your research and understand the process involved. With a little planning and effort, you can successfully change your name and move on with your life.
Remember, your name is a part of your identity. It is something that you should be proud of and that reflects who you are. If you are unhappy with your name, there is no shame in changing it. Changing your name can be a positive and empowering experience that allows you to start fresh and live your life authentically.