You can correct the
spelling when you file or by calling us toll-free at 800-829-1040. When you file, check that both your name and SSN agree with your social security card to prevent any delays in processing your return and issuing any refunds. Report any change to the Social Security Administration by visiting their
website or calling them at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Category:I changed my name. How do I file my tax return?Answer:When you file your return, check that both your name and SSN agree with your social security card to prevent any delays in processing your return and issuing any refunds. Report
any change to the Social Security Administration by visiting their website or calling them at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Subcategory:Category:Changed Your Name After Marriage or Divorce YouTube Video
Hi, Jeshal, and I work for the IRS. If you changed your name after a recent marriage, divorce, or for some other reason, you need to notify the Social Security Administration of that change before you file your tax return. Otherwise, IRS computers can't match your new name with your Social Securitynumber, and names that don't match can cause problems when we process your return. It could even delay your refund. To update your records, use Form SS-5, the application for a Social Security card. You can get it from the Social Security Administration's website at SSA.gov. Whether you file Form SS-5 at your local Social Security office or by mail, you'll need to provide documents to support your legal name change, such as an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. For more information, go to IRS.gov. Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 24-Feb-2022 You can legally change the name on your social security card after marriage, divorce, or court order through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Getting a new social security card paves the way for other name changes, such as your driver's license and passport. Your social security number (SSN) will stay the same after changing your name. Name change requirementsYou can change the name on your social security card by completing the SS-5 application and providing:
Any evidence you offer—ID, records, certificates—must be original or certified copies. Photocopies, notarized copies, photos, and receipts are unacceptable. Does this mean you're obliged to mail your driver's license and unearth your birth certificate? Maybe not. You may only have to satisfy the first condition (explained later). Changing the name on your social security card is just one part of the name change process. Our name change after marriage guide gives the complete picture. What's allowed in your legal name change?Your legal name is your first and last name only. The SSA will still print your middle name and suffix on your social security card if enough space is available. Your name may only contain letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Suffixes are okay. Omit your personal title, such as Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Esq., Sister, or Father. Don't use a nickname or abbreviation, such as Liz for Elizabeth or Deb for Deborah, unless it's your actual legal name. Use Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to:
The form will ask you to spell out your:
Sign your new name on the application. Make it legible. You can omit your parent's social security number if you're 18 years old or older. You do not have to include your old social security card with your application. It is not a valid form of identification. You can fill out the social security form using our name change kit. Be prepared to download, print, sign, and mail your auto-filled PDF form. Proof of name changeThere are four unique name change events:
Proven by their respective name change documents:
Let's unpack each event, starting with the most common… Marriage name changeChange your name after marriage via your marriage certificate.Thirteen states will allow you to choose your new married name when applying for a marriage license, which shows up on your marriage certificate:
The following map illustrates how most states (representing 70% of the U.S. population) won't ask that you pick out your new name when applying to get married. New name chosen on the marriage application in 13 states.For the remaining 37 states and D.C., you can "derive" your new name in four ways:
These rules apply to same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships too. 1. Full last nameTake your spouse's entire last name, as-is. This is the "traditional" approach. 2. Partial last nameTake one whole part of your spouse's hyphenated or space-separated last name. (Assuming such name exists.) 3. Hyphenated last nameCombine your and your spouse's last names with a hyphen (-), in either order. 4. Double-barreled last nameJoin your and your spouse's last names, separated by a space, in either order. Space is mandatory; names can't be flush. Married name change examplesThe following exhibits your choices if your last name were Adams and spouse's Baker.
Here's an example using Adams and Baker-Smith…
You can't change your first name through marriage; petition the court instead. Divorce name changeChange your name after divorce via your divorce decree.You can return to your maiden name using your divorce decree. Or any prior legal name. Men and women. Just ask the judge to include the written order. If your decree has a name restoration order:
If your decree is missing a name restoration order:
Divorce name change rules apply to similar legal break-ups:
You can skip your divorce name change if you plan to switch it later after getting married again. This avoids a redundant, back-to-back name swap. Court order name changeFor a court-petitioned name change, you can only transition to the judge-approved name shown on your court order. A court order is the most powerful name change instrument, permitting unbounded first, middle, and last name revisions. Reach for this tool if all else fails. Naturalization name changeYou can ask the court for a new name during naturalization, then use your certificate of naturalization as proof. Proof of ageFalse assumptions on name change and birth certificates merits mentioning that you don't have to prove age to:
But you must show evidence of age to:
You can confirm your age using a:
Proof of identityYou must show one form of "primary" photo ID to change your name. If mailing identification alarms you, there may be a surprising workaround. Let's cover this rule first… U.S. citizens, show your American:
U.S. lawful immigrants, show your foreign passport and:
Alternative, secondary IDYou can show secondary ID if primary ID is unavailable. Unavailable means you can't "easily" access or replace it within ten business days. The following table shows acceptable alternative IDs, which must contain your photograph, age, or date of birth:
The agency that issues your medical, religious, or school records must certify them. Insurance policies and medical cards must be current and active. To reduce the chance of your paperwork returned asking for nonexistent primary ID, take preemptive action by attaching a note explaining your plight…
Maybe you don't need IDYou can avoid relinquishing your ID under key criteria.It may be possible to use your name change document as ID. This offers the convenience of mailing your application without surrendering your driver's license, passport, etc. This works by making sure your document:
Review the primary ID options if your name change document doesn't qualify as ID. 1. Is recently establishedYou've crossed the biggest hurdle if your name change event took place within the past two years. (It extends to four years if you're below the age of 18.) There's no hard name change deadline. But waiting too long increases your burden—mailing ID and awaiting its return. Even then, alternative ID options exist. 2. Shows biographical informationYour name change document must—and should—show biographical data matching your current social security record:
Any of the above three details work, but nothing else. 3. Matches your current name on fileYour name change document must mention the name on your current social security card. So, were your name Jane Doe before changing, your document must show likewise. Proof of citizenshipIn the unlikely event that the Social Security Administration is unaware of your U.S. citizenship, show your:
The bottom line is that you can skip this step if the SSA issued you a social security card in the past with your citizenship status marked as U.S. citizen. Proof of lawful immigrant statusIf you're a U.S. lawful immigrant (non-citizen), verify your immigration status with your:
Student visa holders (F-1 or M-1), show Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). If employed, show a pay stub or employer letter listing your:
Exchange visitor visa holders (J-1 or J-2), show Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status). If employed, your sponsor must write a letter that's:
Submitting your paperworkYou have a big decision to make after preparing your paperwork—submit your application by mail or in person? The in-person experience is clear-cut:
You can schedule an appointment to change your name, which saves time by skipping the line. Walk-ins without an appointment are still welcome. You cannot change your name with social security online or via MySSA (my Social Security). You must either apply by mail or in office. In-person service has returned to local social security offices on April 7, 2022. COVID-19's impact on social security had closed field offices to the public for over two years, between March 17, 2020 and April 7, 2022. Forcing name change applications to mail… Legacy SSA prerecorded notice on Coronavirus office closings.
Receiving your new card by mailReal-world name change turnaround times in 2021–2022.It should take 7 to 14 days to receive your new social security card by mail. But COVID-19-related delays have stretched it out to 2 to 4 weeks. Eight weeks at worst. Since SSA field offices have reopened in April 2022, processing times have improved to more normal levels. Expect two deliveriesSupporting documents you send with your application will arrive earlier from your local office. The "Central Office" near DC and Baltimore will mail your card last. For instance, if your mailed packet includes your:
You'll get mailed two envelopes:
It's normal for your card to arrive several weeks after your personal documents. When your new social security card arrives by mail:
Don't laminate your card; it blocks built-in anti-counterfeiting security features. Changing your name on other credentialsHow should you order and space out your name change to-dos beyond social security? Here's the proper sequence:
Let's explain each in quick succession… 1. Green cardUse Form I-90 to change your green card name. This precedes social security. Social security name change makes your new name legal. 3. Driver's license or Real IDWait at least 24 hours between your social security and driver's license name change; enough time for the SSA database to refresh before it's queried. 4. Military ID cardUpdate your military ID via DEERS or an ID card center. 5. PassportRenew or change your passport name any time. 6. IRSThe SSA will alert the IRS that you've changed your name. 7. USPSSet up USPS mail forwarding if changing your address. 8. EmployersThe name on your W-2s must match IRS records for proper social security benefits recording. 9. Everything elseNotify or update the leftovers:
ConclusionWhether you use this guide or our online name change kit to change your name, everything starts with updating your social security card. Good luck to you. Your questions and comments are welcome below. How do I change my name on my Social Security card after marriage in Florida?To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
How do I change my name after marriage with Social Security in Virginia?Mail to or visit a Social Security Office with: Completed Social Security Administration Form SS-5 (PDF) Include a. Certified copy of your marriage record.. For more information please visit the Social Security website.. Can I change my Social Security address online?Change your Address and Telephone number online
You can change and update your information anytime, anywhere by logging in to or creating a free my Social Security account.
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