Does Social Security return documents you send them?

[ao_cons 1]

I need to submit an application for change of name to my card. The Social Security's official website says they accept only originals and certified copies from issuing agencies. We'd like to keep originals of our marriage docs, of course, plus we might need the certified copies later on for lifting of conditioinal status of my CR-1. Do they return the documents we send them?

Also, if we send copies of our passports, how do we get those certified? Is it by our embassies?

How long does it usually take for Social Security to provide a replacement or corrected card?

[rsn 135]

I need to submit an application for change of name to my card. The Social Security's official website says they accept only originals and certified copies from issuing agencies. We'd like to keep originals of our marriage docs, of course, plus we might need the certified copies later on for lifting of conditioinal status of my CR-1. Do they return the documents we send them?

Also, if we send copies of our passports, how do we get those certified? Is it by our embassies?

How long does it usually take for Social Security to provide a replacement or corrected card?

Don't know what happens if you mail all that in. We went to the local SSA office. The scanned all of our evidence and gave it back. I'd recommend doing that, especially since it is faster.

[Otto 83]

The SSA office will simply review what you bring them - they don't keep them (if they need to, they can simply make a copy themselves).

[rsn 135]

extending my last post...

Also, if we send copies of our passports, how do we get those certified? Is it by our embassies?

You don't need "certified" copies of your passports. I don't even think there is such a thing.

How long does it usually take for Social Security to provide a replacement or corrected card?

My wife received hers in about 1.5 weeks.

Edited August 25, 2009 by rsn

[Otto 83]

The SSA office will simply review what you bring them - they don't keep them (if they need to, they can simply make a copy themselves).

Edited to add:

As far as I know - most applications (if not all) are done in person.

[thepizzadude 26]

extending my last post...

Also, if we send copies of our passports, how do we get those certified? Is it by our embassies?

You don't need "certified" copies of your passports. I don't even think there is such a thing.

Certified copies of passport can be obtained at your city/county building usually...town hall whatever it's called where you live. It's the place where you usually carry on legal business, marriage license, death certificates or public records etc....

How long does it usually take for Social Security to provide a replacement or corrected card?

My wife received hers in about 1.5 weeks.

[Jamaican JNR 2]

I need to submit an application for change of name to my card. The Social Security's official website says they accept only originals and certified copies from issuing agencies. We'd like to keep originals of our marriage docs, of course, plus we might need the certified copies later on for lifting of conditioinal status of my CR-1. Do they return the documents we send them?

Also, if we send copies of our passports, how do we get those certified? Is it by our embassies?

How long does it usually take for Social Security to provide a replacement or corrected card?

If you go to a local SSC office, they will only look on or make copies of your original documents then hand them back to you.