Skip to Main Content

Changing Your Name and Gender: Social Security

Changing Your Gender: Social Security Card

Step 1: Gather documents proving your:

a. Identity: An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and, preferably, a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity, Social Security must see your U.S. driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport.

If you do not have one of these specific documents, or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, SSA will ask to see other documents, including an employee identification card, school identification card, health insurance card, or U.S. military identification card.

b. Gender: SSA will need to see one of the following:

  • Medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition in the form of an original letter from a licensed physician
  • Court order directing legal recognition of change of gender
  • State-issued amended birth certificate showing the new gender, or
  • Full-validity, 10-year U.S. passport showing the new gender

     c. U.S. citizenship: SSA can only accept certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These documents include a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.

     d. 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 Social Security Card Center.  

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

Changing Your Name: Social Security Card

If you legally change your name, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a card online. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. To get a corrected Social Security card, you will need to:

1. Show the required documents. You will need proof of you identity. See the information about the documents required to change your gender, or see Learn What Documents You Need for more information;

2. Fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card; and

3. Take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security Card Center. 

For complete instructions, please go to the Social Security Number and Card page on the Social Security Administration website.