Evidence of identity in the new name to be shown on the SSN card and in the prior
name on the latest Numident record must always be established in order to link the
new name to the Numident record and to establish that the person applying for the
name change and the number holder are the same person.
The name change document can also serve as an acceptable identity document for a name
change if it is not a birth certificate and:
-
•
the name change event occurred within the past two years (if under age 18, within
the past 4 years), and
-
•
the document has the number holder’s prior name and biographical information such
as age, date of birth, or parents’ names, which matches the data on the latest Numident
record.
EXCEPTION: See exception in RM 10212.015 D.1, in this section.
If the name change event document does not meet both criteria the applicant must submit
an identity document in addition to the name change document. The applicant must submit
either:
-
•
one identity document in the prior name as shown on the latest Numident record. The
identity document in the old name is acceptable even if no longer current or is expired.
(See exception in RM 10212.015D.1, in this section), or
-
•
one identity document in the new name (to be shown on SSN card) when the requirements
described in RM 10212.020 are met.
NOTE: Use the priority lists of acceptable identity documents when requesting identity
documents following RM 10210.420.
EXCEPTION: Accept expired identity documents in the prior name if submitted in connection with
a name change.
1. When surname(s) on name change or identity document does not match the latest Numident
When establishing identity in the name on the latest Numident through the name change
or identity document and the surname shown on the document(s) does not exactly agree
with the surname on the latest Numident record due to the lack or addition of part
of the surname, the document is acceptable if the surname(s) shown on the name change
or identity document can be linked to the Numident record (e.g., parent’s name, name
at birth). Parts of a surname shown on the name change or identity document that cannot
be linked to the Numident raise questions regarding the applicant’s identity and must
be resolved by requesting prior evidence of a name change event proving the applicant
may have used the name in the past. If no name change event has occurred, request
evidence of the person’s legal name (e.g., birth certificate) per RM 10212.001.
NOTE: Special circumstances regarding evidence of identity for name change events may be
provided in the following sections referring to specific types of name change events.