Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card in Vermont

In Vermont, as everywhere in the U.S., your Social Security record is the anchor many agencies check against. If you visit the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before the SSA has processed your change, the names won't match and you'll be turned away. That's why Form SS-5 is always step one.

The SS-5 is completely free. Never pay a third party just to file it. You can mail the signed form with your original documents (they're mailed back), or take it to a local Social Security office, where the SSA asks you to make an appointment.

Vermont is not on the Social Security Administration's list of states for its online marriage name change, which turns on where your marriage certificate is from. If you were married in one of the participating states (the SSA last published that list in August 2024), you may still be able to do it online from Vermont. Otherwise you'll file the paper SS-5 with your documents.

To update your Social Security card you'll generally need:

• A certified copy of your marriage certificate (order yours from the Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Section (in partnership with Vermont.gov/VSARA online ordering service))
• Proof of identity (your current Vermont driver's license or ID)
• A completed Form SS-5

Good to know for Vermont: Certified marriage certificate costs $12.00 per copy when ordered online through Vermont.gov (optional $14.50 expedited shipping); standard mail delivery takes about 5-7 business days. Copies can also be ordered by mail from the Vital Records Section (P.O. Box 70, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402-0070) or in person at the Town/City Clerk where the marriage was recorded.

Your new card arrives in about 5–10 business days, but your record updates within roughly 24–48 hours, and that's what unblocks your Vermont driver's license. Read the Vermont DMV name change steps next, and mind the sync wait.