Need help: Changing name with SSA - What docs required & appointment tips?
Hey everyone, I need to change my name and I'm trying to make an appointment with the Social Security office. Has anyone gone through this process recently? What documents do I need to bring? I'm a bit overwhelmed and could use some advice.
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Sean Murphy
I just went through this a few months ago! Here's what you need to know: • Bring your current, valid government-issued photo ID • You'll need the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order for your name change • Bring your Social Security card (if you have it) • If you're a U.S. citizen, bring your birth certificate or passport • If you're not a citizen, bring your immigration documents Make sure all your documents are originals or certified copies. They won't accept photocopies or notarized copies. Pro tip: Get there early! The wait can be long, even with an appointment. And double-check their website for any COVID-related changes to the process. Good luck!
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Anastasia Ivanova
•Thank you so much! This is super helpful. Do you remember how long the whole process took from start to finish?
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Sean Murphy
•Happy to help! The appointment itself was pretty quick, maybe 30 minutes. But it took about 2 weeks to get my new card in the mail. The whole process from scheduling to receiving the new card was about a month for me.
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StarStrider
•Just to add - if ur changing ur name due to marriage, bring ur spouse's latest tax return or W-2. They asked for that when I went in. Better safe than sorry!
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Zara Malik
ugh good luck getting an appointment. i've been trying for weeks and the website keeps crashing on me 🤬
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Luca Marino
•Same here! It's like trying to score concert tickets or something. The system is so broken 🤡
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Nia Davis
•Pro tip: Try calling right when they open. I got through faster that way.
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Mateo Perez
I found a way to get someone on the phone without waiting forever. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://claimyr.com
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Aisha Rahman
•Sounds sketchy. Is it legit? How does it work exactly?
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Mateo Perez
•Totally get the skepticism, but it's legit. They basically have a system that calls and navigates the phone tree for you, then calls you when a real person picks up. Saved me hours of hold time.
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CosmicCrusader
•$20 to avoid hours on hold? Sign me up! 💯
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Ethan Brown
just went thru this. make sure u bring ID and the court order/marriage certificate. and patience lol. the wait was brutal
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Yuki Yamamoto
Anyone know if you can do this online? I'm immunocompromised and really don't want to go in person if I can avoid it.
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Carmen Ortiz
•Unfortunately, name changes require in-person visits. But call ahead and explain your situation - they might have special accommodations.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info tho!
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Andre Rousseau
PSA: If you're changing your name, don't forget to update it EVERYWHERE. I'm talking bank accounts, credit cards, voter registration, driver's license, passport, work HR, doctor's offices... the list goes on. It's a pain but worth doing all at once.
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Zoe Papadakis
•This! 👆 I'm still finding random accounts in my old name years later. It's like playing whack-a-mole 😅
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Jamal Carter
Quick question - does anyone know if they're still requiring appointments, or can you just walk in now? The SSA website is super vague about it.
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AstroAdventurer
•It varies by location. Best to call your local office and check. Some are appointment only, others do walk-ins but with long waits.
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