While you may not immediately think of changing your name and/or gender on your identity documents as being a part of staying healthy, I think most Trans folks who’ve had the experience of being stared and laughed at for not appearing to be the gender expected by their ID would agree that having documents that match your gender identity reduces stress and strain. Whether you are a Transwoman, a Transman or a gender queer person you may want to change your name and gender to better fit your gender identity and the way you walk through the world. And when you are being called a different name and referred to as a different gender than is on your ID, things can get complicated really fast. So, you may ask, how do I change my name and gender on my different IDs? Is it even possible? How much would it cost?
And here are some answers! It is very possible to change your name and your gender on your driver’s license, state ID or privilege card, Utah birth certificate, social security card and passport. However, the process is kind of complex and requires lots of steps. Since your drivers license/state ID/privilege card is the identity document you use most frequently, you will probably want to change your name and gender on that as soon as possible. Here’s a rough guide to how you can change name and gender on your drivers license/state ID/privilege card.
Of course now you’re thinking, well it’s great to see a nice diagram, but how do I make the change on each of the documents that I’ll need to change my drivers license/state ID/privilege card? Just click here to get a copy of the Transgender Resource Packet which describes the process for changing each of your IDs in minute detail.
Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your identity documents:
- What should I do if I have specific questions about changing my ID documents or I want to talk over the process with someone?
Contact me, either by phone or email (801) 539-8800 x17 roseellen@utahpridecenter.org and I’d be happy to go over your specific situation with you. Every person has slightly different circumstances that affect their process and hopefully I can help you to figure out what steps you need to take.
- If I’m under 18 can I still change my name and gender?
Yes, but you will need the consent of ALL your legal guardians to legally change your name and gender in court. There is a process described in the packet for those under 18. If you want to change the gender on your license but not your name, you may be able to make this happen by changing your passport and using that to change your license. However, to change your passport you will need to get a letter from a doctor stating that you have completed the medical process necessary to change your gender and this may be hard to do when you are under 18.
- Changing my name and gender in court sounds expensive, what if I can’t afford to pay the $360 fee?
You can apply for a fee wavier from the court. There is a form listed with the other forms in the packet where you can apply to have your fee waived. You must provide detailed financial info in order to qualify.
- How much will it cost to change my ID documents?
How much you will pay in total varies depending on how old you are and which of your documents you chose to change. The fees to change each document are listed in the Transgender Resource Packet.
- If I change my name and gender on some of my ID documents, do I have to change it on every document?
No, you can choose if you wish to update your birth certificate and if you don’t have a passport, you do not need to get one. However if you legally change your name, you must change it on your social security card and other IDs in order for them to remain valid.
- Can I still change my name and/or gender if I’m not on hormones or planning to have surgery?
This is a tough question since there is no concrete answer. In order to change your gender legally, it is helpful to bring as many letters from mental health and physical health professionals as you can provide ie) letters from a therapist, doctors prescribing hormones and surgeon. However, there are no clear stipulations as to what you need to provide to get a court ordered gender change. Theoretically, it might be possible to get the court order without taking hormones or planning to have surgery, but your request might also get denied by the Judge. While you can now apply for a passport without getting a court ordered gender change, you do need to provide a letter from your physician stating that you have had clinical treatment determined by your doctor to be appropriate in your case to facilitate gender transition. Your doctor may be reluctant to write this letter if you have had no medical treatment, but you could ask.
- How do I change the name and gender on my birth certificate if I wasn’t born in Utah?
The steps change your birth certificate listed in the Transgender Resource Packet are specifically for those born in Utah who have a Utah birth certificate. If you were born in a different state, check out this website to find the most current info on other States’ processes for changing birth certificates. http://www.lambdalegal.org/our-work/issues/rights-of-transgender-people/sources-of-authority-to-amend.html
- What can I do if my Doctor doesn’t want to write me a letter to change my documents?
Probably the only thing you can do is look for a new doctor. If you doctor doesn’t want to write you a letter to help get your name and gender change court order or passport, try explaining to them again why you need the letter and how important it is to get their professional assistance in this process. If they still don’t feel comfortable writing the letter it may be time to look for a doctor who has a better understanding of Trans health care and the role that a doctor needs to play in your transition. If you need references for more Trans-friendly providers, contact me at roseellen@utahpridecenter.org and I can send you a list.
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