How do I update my Social Security card?
Note: To update your name on your Social Security card you must first get your name legally changed. To learn how, refer to our step-by step guide to changing your name.
To update your name on your Social Security card, you will need to fill out this form, provide proof of your legal name change and your U.S. citizenship or immigration status.
Once you have your documents in order, contact your local social security office to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the process. You can also mail your application, however you may be without important IDs like your driver's license for weeks as you must send original copies.
For a detailed guide to this process, see below.
Note: It is critical that you also update your gender marker with the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security card does not list gender, but the Social Security Administration's records include your gender, name, and date of birth. Multiple government agencies use your Social Security record to verify your gender, so it is important they match your updated documents.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Updating Your Name
To update your legal name on your Social Security records, you will need the following:
- A completed copy of the Social Security Card name change form
- A certified copy of the court order granting your legal name change
- One of the following unexpired IDs: driver's license, state-issued identity card, U.S. Passport, school ID, work ID, school transcript, or health insurance card as long as it has your photo, name, and birth date (it's okay if your ID has your birth name). For more details on which types of ID you can use, refer to this Social Security Administration FAQ.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status like a passport, birth certificate, or immigration documentation.
Updating Your Gender Marker
Gender is not listed on your Social Security card, but it's critical to update your gender marker because government agencies use your Social Security records to verify your gender. You can update your gender marker when you update your name or you can do it later.
To update your gender marker in your Social Security Records, you will need the following:
- A completed copy of a Social Security Card application form
- One of the following unexpired IDs: driver's license, state-issued identity card, U.S. Passport, school ID, work ID, school transcript, or health insurance card as long as it has your photo, name, and birth date (it's okay if your ID has your birth name). For more details on which types of ID you can use, refer to this Social Security Administration FAQ.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status like a passport, birth certificate, or immigration documentation.
NOTE: To reduce barriers for the transgender community, as of October 2022, the Social Security Administration no longer requires medical or legal documentation to update your gender marker.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Contact your local social security office to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the process. You can also mail your application, however you may be without important IDs like your driver's license for weeks as you must send original copies.
To mail your application, send your documents to your local social security office. Any documents you mail will be returned to you.
Note: If you choose to mail your NJ driver's license, you can order a replacement license online and print an interim license. However, when you receive the replacement license, the original must be destroyed. Using a duplicate driver license as a second or spare copy is strictly prohibited.
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