What do I bring to Social Security to change my name?
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What do I bring to Social Security to change my name?
Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:Marriage document;Divorce decree;Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or.Court order approving the name change.
What defines your legal name?
A person’s first legal name generally is the name of the person that was given for the purpose of registration of the birth and which then appears on a birth certificate (see birth name), but may change subsequently. The legal name may need to be used on various government issued documents (e.g., a court order).
What happens if your birth certificate and Social Security card don’t match?
Answer: You will need to change the name on the social security card or birth certificate. If it does not have enough identifying information (See IDENTITY, Page 3), we will request an identity document in your prior name and another in your new legal name in addition to the name change document.
How many names can you have on your Social Security card?
Neither the first or last names shown on the SSN card should be reduced in length, unless it exceeds the 26-character limit. Therefore, omit middle names, middle initials, and suffixes if they prevent you from showing as many characters as possible for the first and last names.
Can you have more than one legal name?
No. A person cannot have two names legally. Name is an identity in society as well as in documents.
Why do you sign your Social Security card?
Although the card serves as SSA’s official verification of the SSN assigned to the individual named on the card, it is not an identity document. Failure to sign the card does not invalidate it.
What does the signature line on Social Security card say?
A signature line and the word “Signature” are preprinted across the bottom of the card, and there is blank space above the signature line for the number holder’s signature. The words “Social Security” are printed in white.
Should you laminate a Social Security card?
Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.
