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How to Change Your Name on Your Credit Card
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Last Updated: September 24, 2025
Key Takeaways
- When changing your legal name, consider getting multiple certified copies of name change documents.
- The Social Security Administration authorizes your legal name change with a new Social Security card.
- Each credit card provider has different steps for name changes.
In many ways, your name is your identity, particularly when it comes to things like legal documents and credit cards. But what if you change your name, for example, because you got married? Now what?
When you get married or change your name for any other reason, you’ll need to change your name on your credit card.
The process of changing your name will take some time. Consider these tips to help you get it done smoothly.
Initial steps: apply for an official name change
After getting a certified copy of your marriage license or other legal document (like a court order), your next stop is the Social Security Administration (SSA). Start by filling out Form SS-5. You can mail the form and certified copies of your documentation to the SSA. You can also take the completed form, along with certified copies of relevant documents, to your local Social Security office.
Did you know?
When you apply for a marriage license or any other legal name change, it’s a good idea to order multiple certified copies. Other government agencies or companies may need to see those forms before they approve your name change request.
Next step: get a new driver’s license
Once you have your new Social Security card, it’s time to change the name on your driver’s license. You’ll need to contact your state’s driver licensing bureau to see what’s involved, as rules vary in different states.
You can make a list of all the places you’ll need to notify of your name change so you don’t miss a beat. Include your employer, the post office, utilities, streaming services, memberships, library cards, insurance companies, and banks (including loans and credit cards).
Final step: change your name on your credit card
To change your name on your credit card, contact your credit card issuer or issuers. (You can contact Discover® from our Contact Us page.) Every company has slightly different procedures for changing your name on a credit card.
Many issuers will accept a request for a name change online or by phone. Others may ask you to come into a local branch. Get in touch with your credit card issuer to find out their procedures and if they need any specific paperwork.
You’ll want to handle this as quickly as possible. If you don’t inform your creditors of your name change, you may have problems in the future. As for your credit report, you don’t have to notify the three major credit bureaus of your new name. They’ll get that information from your lenders.
The bottom line
Whether you’ve changed your name because of a marriage or anything else, you can change your name on your credit card to match it. Collect any paperwork you need, like a marriage license or a court order, and get in touch with your credit card company.
You can do the same for other financial institutions, companies, and utility providers, too.
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