Changing Name on Social Security Card

As we all know that the main purpose to have a Social Security card and number is to track our funds in our Social Security account. Two of the major reasons of changing name on social security card are marriage and adoption. When a woman gets married and decides to take her husband's last name or a family has adopted a child, you have to give this information to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is done by changing the name and avoiding to do so may impact your tax refund, Social Security account and other benefits. So instead of worrying about all the disadvantages, why not follow the procedure mentioned below and get things in order.

Changing Name After Marriage

If you live in Orlando, Florida; Sacramento County, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Minnesota; or New York City Metropolitan Area, New York, changing your name online is not an option. You will have to go in person, as the application cannot be mailed or completed online.

Step #1: First and foremost, visit the SSA website to download and print the Form SS-5 in black and blue ink. If you wish, you can also visit any Social Security office personally or call the Social Security toll-free number to know where you can get the form.

Step #2: Even though you are married now, you will have to provide proof that you are still the same person. Just the fact that you wish to be known by a different name. You will have to present your marriage certificate as a legal document that will show your old and new name.

Step #3: You will also need to prove your legal citizenship and/or immigration status. Other acceptable documents for proof can be a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identity card, birth certificate and U.S. passport. If for some reason you can't provide these documents, SSA will ask for a valid school identity card, employee identity card, U.S. military identity card and a healthy insurance card (except for Medicare).

Step #4: If you are a legal immigrant, you will have to provide proof of work in the United States. Acceptable documents can be either Form I-551 (Green Card), I-94 (Arrival and Departure Record) and I-766 or I-688B (Work Permits) along with your valid passport.

Step #5: Complete the Form SS-5 along with all the original documents mentioned above and take them to the local Social Security office. If you want to mail the form and documents, instead of mailing the originals, you can send certified copies and not photocopies.

Changing Name After Adoption

After adoption, changing the child's name is vital, if you wish to claim tax liability for that child (generally over the age of 1). Since 1990, SSA requires the dependent's Social Security number (SSN) and card information in order to accept the claim.

Step #1: Visit the SSA website to download and print the Form SS-5 in black or blue ink. If the child is under the age of 18, a parent or a legal guardian will need to sign for him/her. Complete the application and place it in an envelope.

Step #2: You will need to prove your child's age and identity. Acceptable documents are your child's original (foreign) birth certificate, original copy of the final adoption decree, your original photo identity card and original U.S. issued birth certificate. Remember, photocopies and certified copies are not acceptable, so be sure to send only originals.

Step #3: Your child's citizenship also needs to be proved. So, make sure to bring with you or mail his/her U.S. passport or the certificate of citizenship. If you can't provide proof of the child's citizenship, then he/she won't be eligible to work in the U.S. After you have the passport or certificate of citizenship of your child, be sure to contact SSA again and submit the documents, in order to change eligibility status.

Step #4: Mail the envelope to the local Social Security office. The SSA will return the originals to you after their review is completed.

As for the cost, there will be a filing fee of around US$ 100 or more. As for changing the name after marriage, the cost will be under US$ 100. Depending on which state you reside in, the cost may vary.