After Your Adoption Is Final: Updating the Birth Certificate & Social Security Card

Once your child’s adoption is finalized, two important documents need to be updated to reflect their new legal name and parentage: the amended birth certificate and a new Social Security card. This guide walks you through each, in the order they should be done.

Amended Birth Certificate

Start here. The amended birth certificate is required before you can update the Social Security card, so request it as soon as the decree of adoption is entered. In Arkansas, amendments are handled by the Division of Vital Records.

Step 1 — Prepare your documents

You will need the following before submitting your application:

  • Certified copy of the Decree of Adoption. Make sure it is a certified copy bearing the official stamp or seal of the court — not a photocopy.
  • Completed Report of Adoption form. This form provides the information the State needs to amend the birth record. Download it here: Arkansas Report of Adoption form (PDF).
  • Payment of $27.00. This covers the amendment and one certified copy of the new birth certificate. Make checks or money orders payable to the Arkansas Department of Health.

You can obtain certified copies of the Decree of Adoption and the Report of Adoption from the Circuit Clerk’s office in the county where the adoption case was filed.

Step 2 — Submit your application

You have two options:

By Mail

Send the certified Decree of Adoption, the certified Report of Adoption, and your payment to:

Division of Vital Records
Amendment Section
4815 West Markham St., Slot 44
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867

Clients who choose this option typically receive the amended birth certificate approximately two weeks after submission.

In Person

Visit the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, and tell them you are there for a birth certificate amendment. The office is located at:

Arkansas Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205

If you arrive before 3:30 p.m., you can usually receive the amended certificate the same day.

New Social Security Card

Once you have the amended birth certificate in hand, you can request a new Social Security card showing your child’s new legal name.

Step 1 — Obtain the amended birth certificate

You will need the updated birth certificate showing your child’s new name and listing you as the legal parents. (See Part One above.)

Step 2 — Complete SSA Form SS-5

  • Download and fill out the Application for a Social Security Card: Form SS-5 (PDF).
  • Parents sign the form on behalf of the child.

Step 3 — Gather the required documents

Bring certified copies — not photocopies or notarized versions:

  • Amended birth certificate (proof of legal name and citizenship).
  • Proof of the child’s identity (the amended birth certificate, school records, or medical records may satisfy this).
  • Parent’s photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).

Step 4 — Submit the application

  • You can apply in person at your local Social Security office or by mail.
  • In-person submission is recommended so you don’t have to mail original documents.
  • Find your local office: SSA Office Locator.

Step 5 — Receive the new card

Once processed, the new Social Security card will be mailed to you with your child’s updated name.

A note on Social Security numbers. It is extremely difficult to obtain a new Social Security number for a child, even after adoption. The Social Security Administration will only consider issuing a new number in rare and specific circumstances. Most adopted children retain their original SSN for life.

This page is general information for clients of Bell Law Co. and is not legal advice. Procedures and fees can change; always confirm current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Health and the Social Security Administration.