Proof of Legal Name Change

• Prior to changing your name with Social Security, you must have proof that your name has been legally changed. You will need either original documents or certified copies from the agency that issued them. Social Security accepts the following documents as proof of your legal name change: amended or corrected birth certificate, marriage document, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization showing a new name or a court order for a name change. Notarized copies are unacceptable.
  
  

Proof of Your Identity

• You must also show proof that you are who you say you are. The most common forms of identification are a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued nondriver's identification card or a U.S. passport.
  
  While the Social Security Administration may accept other documents, such as an employer ID or U.S. military card ID, it is safer to use the most common forms.
  
  

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

• You will also need to have evidence that you are a U.S. citizen. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, consular report of birth, passport, certificate of naturalization or certification of citizenship.
  
  

Social Security Form SS-5

• Once you confirm that you have all the above documents, you can then fill out the Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) (see References). You then have two options: You can mail in your application form with the above forms of identification, or you can go to your local office. Applying for a new card is free.