How Do I Get a Certificate of Name Change?

Q: Do you get a new Social Security number after a name change?

No, you do not get a new Social Security number (SSN) after a name change. You simply need to update your existing SSN record with your new name. This can be done by submitting a name change application to the Social Security Administration along with the required documents that verify your identity and the name change.

Q: Does the name on my W-2 need to match my Social Security card?

Yes, the name on your W-2 should match the name on your Social Security card. If there is a discrepancy, it may cause issues with your tax return and could delay processing. If you have changed your name, ensure you update your Social Security information before filing your taxes.

Q: Can I use a different name with my Social Security number?

You must use the name that is currently registered with the Social Security Administration when filing taxes or applying for benefits. If you have changed your name, you should update your Social Security record to reflect this change. Using a different name may lead to complications with your records.

Q: Does your SSN have to match your name?

Yes, your Social Security number (SSN) must be associated with your legal name. If you change your name, you should update your SSN record to avoid discrepancies that could affect your taxes, benefits, or employment verification. Always ensure that your name on documents matches your SSN records.

Full question:

In 1997 I changed my last name from my step father (deceased) to my birth name. my ss# carried both names and the ss. office just changed my present last as the primary # I sent the form to the appropriate bureaus, IRS, license credit etc, and all was accepted. but for my military records, they are requesting a 'certificate of name change', how can i obtain this, seeing there was no court or lawyer involved in the original change of name?

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Texas

Answer:

You will likely need a court order for a name change if it was done informally and the military requires a legal document of name change. In Texas, an adult may change their name by filing an action in the county court, in the county in which they reside, with appropriate forms. The court must find (1) that the name change is for the benefit of or in the interest of the Petitioner; and (2) that the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.

For an order of name change to be granted, the court must find the name change in the interest or to the benefit of the petitioner and in the interest of the public. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements.

The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in the State of Texas begins with the filing of a Petition with the County Court in the jurisdiction in which the Petitioner resides. The Petition informs the Court of the Petitioner's name, the name the Petitioner wishes to adopt, the reasons for the requested change of name, and other personal information required by statute.

After the Petition is filed and the required filing fee has been paid, if the court is satisfied that the required information has been provided in the Petition, the Court may Order the change of name if the Court finds it in the interest or to the benefit of the Petitioner and in the public interest.

It's a process that can be done by yourself without attorney representation.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What happens if my Social Security doesn't match my name?

If your Social Security name does not match your current name, it can lead to issues with tax filings, employment verification, and benefits. It's important to ensure that your name on your Social Security card matches your legal name. You should contact the Social Security Administration to update your name, providing necessary documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order for a name change.

Do you get a new Social Security number after a name change?

Does the name on my W-2 need to match my Social Security card?

Can I use a different name with my Social Security number?

Do you need to report a name change to the IRS?

Yes, you need to report a name change to the IRS to ensure that your tax records are accurate. This can be done by updating your name with the Social Security Administration first, as the IRS uses the Social Security records to match taxpayer information. Ensure that your name on your tax return matches your Social Security record.