If you change your name, will your previous name show up on background checks? If you change your name, do all SSN databases that background checks use change that information too?

Hi,

I can only tell you about Social Security records. If you change your name on on your Social Security card, your previous name history still shows up in Social Security's computer records. However, in rare cases in which a person is issued a new Social Security number (e.g. a new identity for someone in the witness protection program), their previous name does not show up under the new Social Security number (SSN).

Even in changed identity cases, though, the person's previous name(s), SSN, and earnings history are cross-referenced with the new identity so that the person can be paid the correct benefit rate if they become eligible for benefits. Those records are secured, however, and can only be accessed by a limited number of Social Security employees who have the proper clearance.

Best, Jerry