The Social Security Administration urges those who have undergone a name change to get a new Social Security card with the updated name.  This includes, and is most common with, those who have gotten married and taken their spouse’s last name.  Whether or not the application can be completed online depends on the state in which the marriage happened.  Jack Myers, a public affairs specialist at the Social Security Administration, says those married in Illinois and certain other states must apply in person for an updated card. 

With the exception of Indiana, marriage licenses from the states bordering Illinois can be verified electronically.  In those cases, the request can be processed online. 

Myers adds that there is no cost to getting a new card and that any request for payment for that service is a scam. 

More information on the Social Security Administration is available at www.ssa.gov.

Jack Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.