Do not select “change name” just because ID.me joined the words—answer “No” and proceed only if the SSA review screen shows your correct spaced legal first name.
“I am trying to complete my online SSN application to update my restricted card after getting my Green Card. My legal first name has a space, which is how it prints on my restricted SSN card, but ID.me pulls it as one word with no space. Should I select 'change name' on the application, or is it okay to proceed?”
Summary
The missing space in ID.me does not automatically mean your SSA name is wrong. Your current SSN card already showing the space is a good reason not to invent a name-change event; just verify the SSA review screen before submitting.
Your route depends on where the missing space appears: only in ID.me, in the SSA application itself, or on the Green Card.
Select “No” for changing your name and continue with the immigration-status update. A multipart given name remains one first name, and no name-change event occurred (SSA POMS RM 10212.001 and RM 10212.150).
Do not submit the concatenated name. Use ID.me’s typo-correction process at https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/articles/4409852829207-Updating-your-name-on-your-ID-me-account, then restart and confirm that SSA shows your spaced (SSA POMS RM 10205.120).
Correct the Green Card first so SSA’s evidence and card name can agree. For a DHS error, file Form I-90 using reason 2.d.; if DHS did not cause it, use reason 2.e. (Form I-90 Instructions, Part 2).
Do not use this option merely to restore a space. SSA defines a name change as requiring an actual name-change event because the contains the person’s former legal name; that is not what you described (SSA POMS RM 10212.150).
Do not report a legal name change unless your legal first or last name actually changed.
Read the full explanationHide the full explanation
Watch out for
Next steps
These steps preserve your correct legal name while updating SSA’s immigration-status record and removing the card restriction.
Before starting a duplicate request
Check whether SSA is already issuing the card
If you requested an SSN card on Form I-485, wait through the 14th day after receiving the Green Card. If the replacement has not arrived by then, continue with the online SSA status update; if you did not request it on Form I-485, continue now.
Requirements
Before submitting to SSA
Compare the Green Card with your legal name
If the Green Card shows the correct space, continue. If DHS omitted the space, file Form I-90 online or by mail under reason 2.d., submit the erroneous original card and proof of the correct name, and generally pay no new fee. If DHS did not cause the error, use reason 2.e.; USCIS says a filing fee generally applies, but the fetched source did not state the current amount.
Requirements
In the SSA application
Answer “No” to changing your name
Continue at https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-citizenship-or-immigration-status. You are updating immigration status, not changing your name. On the final SSA review screen, confirm that every part of the first name and the space appear correctly before submission.
Requirements
Only if the SSA review is wrong
Correct ID.me if SSA also removes the space
Do not submit and do not switch the answer to “change name.” Request an ID.me typo correction at https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/articles/4409852829207-Updating-your-name-on-your-ID-me-account, then restart the SSA application and verify the spaced name again.
Requirements
After the online application
Attend the SSA appointment with original evidence
The status-update application schedules an appointment. Bring proof of identity and permanent-resident status. The SSA application and replacement card are free; ordinary or notarized photocopies are not accepted.
Requirements
After SSA completes the request
Receive and inspect the replacement card
SSA says the card normally arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days after completion. Confirm that the spaced name is correct and that the card has no work-restriction legend.
Legal sources
This answer is based on SSA’s POMS, Form SS-5, SSA card guidance, USCIS Form I-90 instructions, and ID.me’s own correction guidance.
SSA POMS RM 10212.001
SSA treats all parts of a multipart given name as the first name when no middle name is alleged.
C. How to enter a name on the SSN application
If the applicant has a given name with multiple parts and does not allege having a middle name then the multiple parts should be entered as the first name.
SSA POMS RM 10212.150
SSA distinguishes correcting an inaccurate legal name from changing a former legal name after a real name-change event.
A-B
A name correction does not require a name change event to have taken place because the Numident does not show a prior legal name. A name change requires a name change event to have taken place because the Numident name is the prior legal name of the number holder.
SSA POMS RM 10205.120
The name SSA prints must agree with the identity or legal-name evidence submitted.
The first and last name listed on the number holder’s (NH) SSN card must agree with the first and last name shown on the document submitted as evidence of identity or legal name.
SSA POMS RM 10211.025
A person who proves lawful permanent residence receives a Social Security card without a work-restriction legend.
A. Evidence of LPR status
Aliens who submit evidence of LPR status are issued unrestricted Social Security Number (SSN) cards (without a legend) provided the evidence requirements for an SSN are met.
Form SS-5 (12-2024)
Form SS-5 confirms that a Green Card proves immigration status and that ordinary photocopies are not accepted.
Pages 1-2
You must provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable.
SSA Update Citizenship or Immigration Status
SSA’s current status-update page says the online application creates an appointment where the applicant presents identity and status evidence.
To update your status, apply online for a replacement Social Security card. You’ll make an appointment as part of the application. Bring proof of your identity and new status to your appointment.
ID.me Name Correction Guidance
ID.me directs users to correct a typo rather than request a legal name change.
Typo correction: If there’s a typo in your name, request a correction.
SSA Publication EN-05-10096
If the applicant requested an SSN card through Form I-485, SSA may issue the replacement automatically.
Please contact us if you do not receive your SSN card within 14 days after receiving your Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) from USCIS after your Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is approved.
Form I-90 Instructions
If DHS caused incorrect data on the Green Card, Form I-90 reason 2.d. is the correction route and requires the erroneous original card plus proof of the correct data.
Page 5, Part 2, Item 2.d
Item Number 2.d. My existing card has incorrect data because of Department of Homeland Security error. Select this reason if your card has incorrect data and the error was caused by DHS. Attach the original Permanent Resident Card issued with the incorrect data. A copy of the card is not acceptable in this case. Include proof of your correct name or biographical data.
USCIS Document Correction Guidance
USCIS says a replacement based on its own error generally does not require a new fee.
How to Request a Correction to Your Notice or Document (Based on USCIS Error)
If you received your document from USCIS with an error that is not your fault, you generally must file a new form, but not pay a new fee.
SSA Replace Social Security Card
SSA charges no fee and normally mails the completed replacement within 5 to 10 business days.
You can request a free replacement card. After we complete your request, you’ll receive your replacement card by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
These are the official rules as published on the cited dates; rules and online screens can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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