TN 1 (02-10)

A. Policy for subsequent name corrections based on marriage, civil union and domestic partnership

Consider subsequent variations or alterations to the surname on the SSN card when they meet the criteria given in RM 10212.155 B, in this section, for a name change due to marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership as name corrections. For example, a bride initially changed her surname to her husband’s surname, and then decides to change her surname to her maiden name while still married.

CAUTION: Changes to the first or last name are excluded from the SSN card counts. Therefore, be alert to excessive subsequent name correction requests (e.g., 3 or more subsequent name corrections based on the same marriage, civil union or domestic partnership).

If the FO notices a pattern in subsequent name correction requests from individual applicants, contact the regional office (RO) for guidance.

The RO, in consultation with central office (CO), will determine if the name correction

• can be processed, or

• requires evidence of a legal name change such as a court order.

B. Acceptable variations to the last name

A name correction based on marriage, civil union or domestic partnership is permitted as long as the new surname (to be shown on the SSN card) is shown on or can be derived from the name change document.

Accept any of the following variations to the last name for a subsequent name correction:

• Change from single spouse’s or partner’s surname to a compound last surname (a combination of the two surnames);

• Change from compound surname to either spouse’s or partner’s single surname;

• Change from spouse’s or partner’s surname to numberholder’s prior name (e.g., maiden name); or

• Change from spouse’s or partner’s compound surname to one part of the party’s surname.

C. What evidence is required to process a name correction based on a current marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership

To process the name correction you must establish the applicant’s legal name and obtain evidence of identity.

1. Evidence of legal name

Accept a currently valid marriage, civil union or domestic partnership document as evidence of the legal name if the document shows:

• the new last name; or

• derived variation of the new requested last name as described in RM 10212.155 B, in this section.

EXCEPTION: When a widow requests a name change to a prior name, develop as a subsequent name correction per RM 10212.155 C.1. in this section. In this situation, the name correction is based on the current marriage and the death of their spouse. The widow’s marriage document would be the required evidence of the currently valid marriage per RM 10212.155 C.1, in this section. (The applicant previously “changed” his or her name based on the marriage and now wants to “correct” his or her surname based on that same marriage document).

2. Evidence of identity

Accept evidence of identity showing:

• the prior name shown on the latest Numident record; or

• new name to be shown on the SSN card.

NOTE: When the name on the evidence of identity does not exactly agree with the Numident due to the lack or addition of part of the surname, see RM 10212.015 D.1.

D. Reference

• RM 10212.160, Example of Name Correction Based on Current Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partnership