Social Security Name Change After Divorce

Why Social Security Comes First

Every other agency in the name-change chain cross-references Social Security's database. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety checks your Social Security number against SSA records when you apply for a new driver's license. If the names don't match, your application gets rejected at the counter.

That makes Social Security Administration the mandatory first stop after you have certified copies of your divorce decree in hand.

What You Need to Bring

The SSA requires three documents to process a post-divorce name change:

• Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). Depending on your situation, you may be able to complete the name-change request online; otherwise, submit the form and required documents in person or by mail.
• A certified copy of your divorce decree or a standalone court order that specifically restores your former name. The document must be an original or certified copy with the court seal — photocopies are rejected.
• A current government-issued photo ID, such as your driver's license or U.S. passport. It must be unexpired.

If you're a U.S. citizen, you'll also need proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate). Non-citizens need current immigration documents showing work-authorized status.

How to Submit

You may be able to complete the name-change request online. If you need in-person help, make an appointment at your nearest Social Security office. Mississippi has offices in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Tupelo, and several other cities. You can find the closest office and check wait times at ssa.gov.

There is no fee. The name change is free.

You can also mail Form SS-5 with original documents, but SSA mails originals back and the turnaround is slower. Most people prefer the in-person visit to avoid having their certified decree in transit.

Processing Time

SSA typically processes the name change within 24 to 48 hours. You'll receive a new Social Security card by mail within 5–10 business days, but the important part — the database update — happens much faster.

Once you confirm the SSA database reflects your new name, you can proceed to the Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau to update your license.

What This Doesn't Cover

Updating your Social Security card changes your name in the federal system. It does not affect your Social Security benefits, benefit amount, or eligibility. If you're also dealing with divorced-spouse benefits or survivor benefits, that's a separate process — the Social Security Fairness Act (signed January 2025) repealed the WEP and GPO offsets that previously reduced benefits for public employees, so benefits that were once zero may now be worth claiming.

The Mississippi After-Divorce Checklist covers both the name-change sequence and the benefit-eligibility steps, along with every other post-decree update you need to handle.

See more Mississippi guides →