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.
24 comments
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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