Is the name on my Social Security card my legal name?

Category: hobbies and interests genealogy and ancestry
4.1/5 (130 Views . 26 Votes)
If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include: Marriage document; Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or.



Just so, is your legal name on your Social Security card?

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a card online. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

Beside above, do you have to change your name on your Social Security card when you get married? If you wish to legally have your name changed after you get married, you'll need to fill out an Application for a Social Security card and take it to the nearest Social Security Administration center along with documents that prove your name change — in this case, an original or certified copy of your marriage

Also, do I have to sign my full name on my Social Security card?

The number holder's (NH) first and last name on his or her SSN card must agree with the first and last name shown on the document submitted as evidence of identity or legal name. A middle name or suffix is not considered part of the legal name.

What if my name doesn't match my Social Security card?

If they don't, give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card, or contact your local Social Security office (www.socialsecurity.gov/locator) or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if your Social Security card does not show your correct name or Social

39 Related Question Answers Found

What is considered your full legal name?

According to 6 CFR 37.3 (Title 6 - Homeland Security; Chapter I - Department Of Homeland Security, Office Of The Secretary; Part 37 -Real Id Driver's Licenses And Identification Cards; Subpart A – General), Full legal name means “an individual's first name, middle name(s), and last name or surname, without use of

What is considered a person's legal name?

A legal name is the name that identifies a person for legal, administrative and other official purposes. A person's legal name typically is the same as their personal name, comprising a given name and a family name. The order varies according to culture and country.

Are middle names on Social Security cards?

A middle name or suffix is not considered part of the legal name. The SSN card has two lines for the NH's name with 26 spaces on the first line for the NH's first and middle names and 26 spaces on the second line for the last name and suffix, if any.

Is your middle name part of your legal name?

The Social Security Administration does not consider a middle name or suffix as part of an individual's legal name. But many other legal sources say a full legal name includes middle name. However, as long as first and last name match up, then there isn't usually a problem.

Are middle names required?


There are few set rules for how names are constructed today; people are required to have one given name and one family name, but can have as many additional given names and middle names as they like. A middle name is usually a recognised surname and not a patronymic.

Can you have four names on your Social Security card?

The character limits are 16 each for first and middle, and 21 for last name. However, there are ways Social Security can manipulate name to get as much as possible onto your actual card and they can and will do so.

How long can your name be on Social Security card?

"The first and middle name fields allow 16 characters each and the last name allows 21 characters," the statement added. The agency also said the issue is governed by, "Public Law 100-235 when printing characters on SSN cards.

What do you need to change your name on your Social Security card?

Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:
  1. Marriage document;
  2. Divorce decree;
  3. Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or.
  4. Court order approving the name change.

Does your social security card have to match your license?

All applicants for a driver license and/or identification (DL/ID) card must submit his/her social security number to DMV. The name and birth date you provide on your DL/ID application must match the name and birth date the SSA has for you in its database.

Are suffixes part of legal name?


after a name are suffixes, not part of the legal name unless it was on their birth certificate or they legally changed their name to include it.

What happens if you laminate your Social Security card?

Can I laminate my Social Security card? Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.

Is there a time limit to change your last name after marriage?

There is no time limit on changing your name. Many states would like you to inform them of your name change within 30 days of your marriage, but will allow you to change your name after that.

Are you supposed to sign your Social Security card?

Actually, there are Social Security Card Instructions that state: “ADULTS: Sign this card in ink immediately. CHILDREN: Do not sign this card until age 18 or your first job, whichever is earlier.”

Is JR a legal name?

It's the fact that unlike 'Sr. ' and various prefixes such as 'Mr. ' and 'Mrs.,' the suffixes 'Jr. ' and 'III' are actually part of a person's official, legal name.

Where do you go to change your last name?


How to Change Your Last Name After the Wedding
  • Get your marriage license. Before you can change your name, you'll need the original (or certified) marriage license with the raised seal.
  • Change your Social Security card.
  • Change your license at the DMV.
  • Change your bank accounts.
  • Fill in the blanks.
  • Feeling overwhelmed?

Can I change my name on my passport before my Social Security?

Once you legally change your name with the Social Security Administration, your passport is no longer valid; the only way to restore its validity is by updating your name with the State Department, too. If you don't have certifiable evidence, then you'll have to start over from scratch and apply for a new passport.