Name change during covid?

I was advised by my local office to mail in the application for name change, marriage certificate and ID. Sending it in tonight, hoping it doesn't take long.

View Quoted Comment Awesome! Thank you, Katie!

I sent mine in about 3 weeks ago. I did not send my ID, I was told by my local office that was not needed to do proceed. A week ago I received my marriage license that I sent in along with a letter stating that they were processing my name change and if I haven't received my new card in 2 weeks to call my local office.

View Quoted Comment Interesting. Sounds like I need to call my local office and see what they need from me. But I’m glad it’s possible! Thank you!

I called my local office and they told me to mail in all original documents, which made me a little nervous. The mail system has been very unreliable during these times. I think I'm going to wait, until they can take in person appointments. I don't want anything getting lost in the mail especially with my social security number on it.

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Yea, I feel the same way. I don't feel great about my original documents going in the mail. But, it sounds like I should just call and find out exactly what they need and what my comfort level is. My husband doesn't care if I don't change my name or if it takes a while to change it so if we have to put it on hold, so be it. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Like Christina, Kelsey, and Katie, I called my local office (Seattle area) and they said to mail in a completed SS-5 form and a certified copy of our marriage certificate, and that was it. The Social Security website estimates 2-4 weeks processing time for name changes; I saw a note elsewhere to expect it to take up to six weeks right now - I would imagine that varies depending on how busy your local office is. I sent mine in about 10 days ago, so fingers crossed I'll get the paperwork back in the next week or so.

One note my local office shared that you might want to keep in mind if you decide to wait: Once it's been four years or more since your marriage, you also need to verify your identity and more documentation is required. (I gather that, since an official of some kind had to verify your identity in order to marry you and for you to get a marriage license prior to that, Social Security assumes they did in fact verify your identity and doesn't bother with that piece when your marriage is still recent.)

View Quoted Comment Jessalyn,


Just wanted to follow up and see if you were successful with the SSA? I’m also in the Seattle area and wanted to know what documents were actually required. I heard they may need your drivers license but I definitely don’t want to out that in the mail for obvious reasons. I have my original birth certificate, original marriage license, and the completed SS-5 form. I can’t get ahold of the local office, so just wanted to confirm what all you sent over to them and see if that worked for you?

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Hi Courtney,

I was successful! I mailed in a certified copy of our marriage certificate and my SS-5 form to the Seattle North office, and received my new card in less than three weeks.

Assuming your drivers license is next on your list, I'll share the information I just got from the Downtown Seattle WA DOL office today too: They do still require an in-person appointment for name changes, and ask you to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your new Social Security card. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for this information! This is incredibly helpful! I hope the rest of your name change process goes smoothly!

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No problem, I'm glad I could help! Fingers crossed for a smooth name change process for you too!