Name Change Question!

Good question. I would love to know this as well.

I'm not sure if it varies by state, but when I went (in MI) they did not keep anything, they just looked at it and verified it and then gave it back

From what I've researched you will need a certified copy of your marriage license to bring to the social security office. I think they are one of the few places that will not accept a copy. But don't quote me. Also, I don't think you need to bring your birth certificate just your marriage license because that is the document that wil have your new name on it. I just applied for my marriage license last week!

Edited to say: I'm from California and it might vary state by state.

Thanks girls! I saw that they do require a certified copy or original, but I am just wondering if I needed to get the certified copy or if I can just use my original. I would like to go next week and get it changed, but don't want to wait to get a certified copy if I don't have to.

They didn't keep mine. I just brought my original.

I dont think you need your birth cert but bring it just in case and you need the certified copy of you Marriage license. your a original is your certified copy well at least in Pa it is

When I went with my friend, she needed her marriage license, driver's license and her social security card.

I had to bring our original marriage license, social security card and my drivers license. Did it in Texas.

In VA, I had my driver's license, old SS card and the original of the marriage certificate. They didn't keep anything.

In MA i had my ss card and marriage license.. surprisingly she did not ask for my license. I had a marriage license from TX and she was amazed by how beautiful it was so I think she was distracted lol..

But they don't keep it, and the RMV didn't ask me for anything except my marriage license. they didn't keep it either.

Same here as Mrs S. They looked at my DL, old SS card and the official copy of my marriage certificate. They did not keep nor make copies of anything. Once I got the new SS card in the mail, I went to the DMV and changed my DL

It depends on your state but it is always safe to bring originals, but is a good how to guide at http://howtochangeyourname.com

From the Social Security website -

How do I change the name on a Social Security card ?

To change your name on your Social Security card:

Step 1: Gather documents proving your:

•

Legal name change◦

Marriage

Divorce◦

Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name

Court order name change

Identity

U.S. citizenship if you have not established your citizenship with us

Immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen

Step 2: Complete an Application for a Social Security card.

Step 3: Take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center.

***All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency.**

We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you along with a receipt.

Important Information

We will mail your card as soon as we have verified your documents. You should receive your card within 10 busines

Well, when you say "original" what you're talking about is the first official copy issued to you. The actual original is kept in the county clerk and records office and never given out. All you wil ever receive is a copy of that original. You will need an official copy, not one made on a xerox machine.

Thanks ladies - I know that I need a certified copy for the SS Card - I just didn't know if they kept it so I needed to go get another copy from city hall before I go, or if I can just use the one I already have and they would give it back to me. Seems like they aren't going to keep it, so I'm just going to use the one I have.

They are not going to keep the originals but you do have to bring them. I think they are going to laugh at mine! I kept my ex-husbands name since we have a child together, so my license has my madien name for my middle name plus my ex's last name. There is no more room to add another name so I guess I have to finally drop the first marraige name.

Hello, Jackie.

To modify your social security, the following documents are the ones that you must present at least:

• Make sure you have a copy of your existing social security card
• Photocopy your state Photo ID
• Acquire a certified copy of your birth certificate or current Passport
• Provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate (you won’t get it back)
• Fill out form SS-5
• However, in some states the required documentation varies.
  
• Verify the list of all necessary documents required by your state, in the following link: https://www.vitalrecordsonline.com/support/requirements