Federal records update

Bring

• Certified copy of court order changing name (or marriage certificate / divorce decree if marriage-derived)
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or US passport)
• Proof of US citizenship or lawful immigration status (if not already on file)

Timing

Submit FIRST, before DMV or passport. SSA mails the new card in ~10-14 business days. SSN does not change.

Common gotchas

• Must be submitted in person at an SSA office or by mail with original / certified-copy documents (SSA does not accept photocopies of name-change orders).
• If submitting by mail, originals are returned with the new card.
• Children under 18: only a parent / legal guardian can apply.

Bring

• Certified copy of court order
• Existing driver's license / state ID
• Updated Social Security card (most DMVs require SSA name-match before issuing)
• If applying for Real ID: full Real ID evidence stack (proof of identity, SSN, two proofs of state residency)

Timing

After SSA. Plan ~10-14 business days post-SSA submission so SSA records have refreshed.

Common gotchas

• Real ID compliance requires SSA name match — if your DMV record says 'Sarah J Smith' and SSA was just updated to 'Sarah Jordan Smith,' the DMV may flag the SSN verification as failed until SSA records propagate.
• Most states do not let you apply online for a name-change update — in-person visit required.
• Some states issue a temporary paper credential and mail the plastic card 1-3 weeks later.

Bring

• Most-recent US passport (must have been issued in the last 15 years and you must be 16+)
• Original or certified copy of court order changing name (or marriage certificate / divorce decree)
• One color passport photo (2x2, taken in last 6 months)
• Application fee (check / money order to U.S. Department of State)

Timing

After SSA. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks. Submit by mail.

Common gotchas

• Passport name MUST match SSA name on file — if SSA shows 'Robin Lee Cooper' and passport application says 'Robin L Cooper', the passport will be issued in the SSA-authoritative version.
• Court order originals are returned by mail with the new passport.
• If your most-recent passport is older than 15 years, was issued before age 16, or has been damaged / lost, use Form DS-11 (in-person) instead.

Bring

• Proof of US citizenship (original or certified copy: birth certificate, naturalization certificate, prior US passport)
• Original or certified copy of court order changing name
• Government-issued photo ID + photocopy
• One color passport photo
• Application fees (separate checks: $130 to State, $35 to acceptance facility)

Timing

In-person submission at a passport acceptance facility (most post offices, some libraries / clerks of court). Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks.

Common gotchas

• Documents are submitted unsealed and reviewed by the acceptance agent in front of you.
• Court order originals are returned by mail with the new passport, separately from the passport book.
• DS-11 is required if you do not have an eligible most-recent passport (under 15 years old, issued at age 16+, intact).