Need help scheduling SSA appointment for name change - what docs required?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to change my name and need to make an appointment. Has anyone gone through this process recently? What documents do I need to bring? Any tips on making the process smoother? I've heard it can be a real hassle.
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Paolo Romano
I just went through this a few months ago! Here's what you need to know: • Bring your current ID (driver's license or state ID) • You'll need the court order for your name change • Social Security card (if you have it) • Birth certificate • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement) Make sure all your documents are originals, not copies. The appointment itself wasn't too bad, but getting all the paperwork together was a pain. Good luck!
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Keisha Jackson
•Thank you so much! This is super helpful. Did you have to wait long for an appointment?
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Paolo Romano
•It took about 3 weeks to get an appointment when I did it. But I've heard it can vary depending on your location and how busy they are. Might be worth calling to check current wait times.
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Amina Diop
•dont forget to bring a pen! the one time i went to change my adress they didnt have any pens available lol 🤦♂️
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Oliver Schmidt
ugh, i tried to do this last month and the wait times were insane. Couldn't even get through on the phone to make an appointment. Anyone know a better way to contact them?
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Natasha Volkov
•I found a way to get someone on the phone. 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/?ref=sdi
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Javier Torres
•Wait, seriously? Is that even legal? Sounds kinda sketchy tbh 🤔
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Natasha Volkov
•Yep, totally legit. I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of waiting on hold. They just automate the hold process for you. Worth every penny imo
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Emma Wilson
•Can confirm, I used this service too. It's a game changer if you're tired of being on hold forever.
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QuantumLeap
Pro tip: if you're changing your name, don't forget to update it EVERYWHERE. I'm talking bank accounts, credit cards, utilities, car registration, passport... the list goes on. It's a pain but worth doing all at once.
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Malik Johnson
Anyone know if you can do this process online? Seems ridiculous we still have to go in person for everything in 2023 🙄
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Isabella Santos
•Unfortunately, name changes still require in-person visits. They need to verify your identity and documents. Maybe someday we'll catch up with the times lol
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Malik Johnson
•Ugh, figures. Thanks for the info tho!
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Ravi Sharma
Just a heads up, make sure your court order is certified and less than 60 days old. I got turned away because mine was too old and had to get a new one. Such a waste of time 😤
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Keisha Jackson
•Oh wow, I had no idea about the 60-day thing. Thanks for the warning!
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Freya Larsen
•This varies by state btw. In my state, there's no time limit on the court order. Always check your local requirements!
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Omar Hassan
has anyone here changed there name for marriage? is it the same process or easier?
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Chloe Taylor
•It's generally easier for marriage. You just need your marriage certificate instead of a court order. The rest of the process is pretty similar tho.
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Omar Hassan
•thx! that doesnt sound too bad
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ShadowHunter
I'm in the same boat, OP. Been trying to get this done for weeks. The bureaucracy is REAL 😫
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Diego Ramirez
Quick question: does anyone know if you need to change your name with Social Security before or after changing it on your driver's license? I'm getting conflicting info online.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Do Social Security first! Most DMVs require an updated SS card to change your license. Learned this the hard way 🤦♀️
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Diego Ramirez
•Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks for saving me a trip!
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Sean O'Connor
PSA: If you're changing your name, don't forget to update your voter registration too! It's easy to overlook but important for avoiding issues at the polls.
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Hugo Kass
Another thing to keep in mind - if you're doing a legal name change (not marriage-related), some SSA offices might ask for additional documentation like proof of why you're changing your name. I had to bring a letter from my lawyer explaining the circumstances. Also, if you have any accounts or benefits with SSA, make sure to ask them how the name change will affect those. The whole process took me about 30 minutes once I was in the office, but having all the right paperwork made all the difference!
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Clay blendedgen
•This is really good advice! I didn't know they might ask for additional documentation beyond the court order. Did your lawyer charge extra for writing that letter, or was it included in the name change process?
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