Not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration

Rules as to what you can change your name to on SS card

What rules are there as to what you are allowed to changed your name to on your ss card? I just got married and have a marriage certificate, but it does not list my new name. When I fill out the ss-5 form, I will be deciding my new name. The form has spaces to fill in your old and new name for first, middle, and last, but are you actually allowed to change all of them because of marriage, or just your last name? Can you have a 2 word middle name? I can't seem to find anything on the ss website about what you are allowed to change your name to, just how to. Thanks!


Sponsored Links


Sponsored Links

I haven't seen defined rules about this, but the SSA says you must show documents (ex. marriage certificate) which indicate the 'legality' of the name change.

I've never heard problems regarding this, so I imagine "acceptable" name changes for marriage would be a hyphenated name with the two surnames, or simply the new spouse's surname.

I doubt they will allow you to change your first or middle name simply because you're married. You'd probably need a court order showing legal name change for first or middle name.

http://socialsecurityhop.com/faqs/315/change-name-on-a-social-security-card

I just came from the social security office where they informed me I would need a court order to change my middle name. The only thing I can change after marriage is my last name, so I added my husband's onto my own. Now my name is ridiculously long, but it will have to do.

Hopefully others will be able to benefit from this.


Sponsored Links

Not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration