Changing Gender On Your Driver's License Bankrate Caret RightMain Menu Mortgage Mortgages Financing a home purchase Refinancing your existing loan Finding the right lender Additional Resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Bank Banking Compare Accounts Use calculators Get advice Bank reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Credit Card Credit cards Compare by category Compare by credit needed Compare by issuer Get advice Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Caret RightMain Menu Loan Loans Personal Loans Student Loans Auto Loans Loan calculators Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Invest Investing Best of Brokerages and robo-advisors Learn the basics Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Home Equity Home equity Get the best rates Lender reviews Use calculators Knowledge base Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Loan Home Improvement Real estate Selling a home Buying a home Finding the right agent Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Insurance Insurance Car insurance Homeowners insurance Other insurance Company reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Retirement Retirement Retirement plans & accounts Learn the basics Retirement calculators Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Advertiser Disclosure

Advertiser Disclosure

We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

How We Make Money

The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. SHARE: FOTOGRAFIA INC./Getty Images June 27, 2022 Elizabeth Rivelli is a contributing insurance writer for Bankrate and has years of experience writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Coverage.com and NextAdvisor, among others Amy Sims is a managing editor for Bankrate, leading a team responsible for creating educational insurance content. Bankrate logo

The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Our content is backed by LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure. Bankrate logo

The Bankrate promise

Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by and edited by , who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. We guide you throughout your search and help you understand your coverage options. We provide up-to-date, reliable market information to help you make confident decisions. We reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible. All providers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide. And we constantly review our criteria to ensure we’re putting accuracy first. Bankrate logo

Editorial integrity

Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.

Key Principles

We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.

Editorial Independence

Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. Bankrate logo

How we make money

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Bankrate logo

Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. According to a 2021 survey from , an estimated 11.3% of LGBT adults identify as transgender, equating to roughly 0.6% of the American population. Some individuals who identify as transgender undergo gender-affirming treatments, and others do not. The transition process is unique to every individual. During or after the transition process, people who identify as transgender or non-binary may also choose to update their legal identity on government-issued documents, like their driver’s license and passport. In addition to male and female gender options, some states have added a gender-neutral “X” option for non-binary, intersex or gender non-conforming individuals. In all 50 states, transgender individuals can legally change their gender on their driver’s license. But the process can be challenging. Some states require a birth certificate amendment and/or proof of gender-affirming surgery. Other states require a letter from a physician confirming that the individual is or has undergone hormone therapy. However, Washington, D.C., and at least 22 states do not require provider certification to change the gender on your driver’s license. Whether shopping for or updating the gender on your driver’s license, applicants may encounter challenges, such as different processes required in each state. Below Bankrate detailed the requirements for each state within a table and included links to relevant resources for this process.

State laws and regulations

If you are considering changing the gender on your driver’s license, it is important to get familiar with the laws and processes in your state. Keep in mind that in all states, the process for changing your name is separate from changing your gender. Changing the name on your ID requires you to legally change your name with the first. Here are the requirements in each state for changing the gender marker on your driver’s license. Don’t forget to keep all other auto-related documents, such as registration and policies up-to-date as well. State Requirements Resources Alabama Applicants must submit an amended birth certificate or a document signed by a surgeon verifying gender reassignment surgery. *However, this is under litigation due to . A clear determination on a new process has yet to be revealed. Alaska Applicants must submit a form for a new ID and one of the following documents:
1. Certification for change of sex document signed by a licensed provider certifying that the applicant has undergone the appropriate clinical treatment.
2. An updated birth certificate, passport or court order for gender change.
Arizona Applicants must submit the following:
1.Certified copy of the court order for gender change.
2. Signed statement from a licensed physician attesting that the applicant is committed to the gender-change process. Statement must include the physician’s license number and be presented within three months of the date it was signed. Arkansas Arkansas drivers can request that the Office of Driver Services update the gender marker on their driver’s license to M, F, or X, with no medical documentation required. California California driver’s licenses and ID cards can display a gender of M, F, or X, with no medical documentation required.
Drivers can apply for a new license with their preferred gender. To get a REAL ID, drivers must fill out the gender category request form first.
Colorado Applicants must complete the change of sex designation form to update their license. For underage drivers, the form must be signed by a parent/guardian and a healthcare provider affirming the applicant’s gender identity. Connecticut Applicants must submit a gender designation change form, with no medical documentation required. Delaware Applicants must submit a Request for Gender Change on Driver License/Identification Card form and get it signed by a medical provider certifying the applicant’s gender identity. Florida Applicants must submit a signed original statement on office letterhead from their physician stating that the applicant is undergoing appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition. Georgia Applicants must submit a court order or a physician’s letter certifying the gender change. The document must include the person’s name, date of birth, date of gender reassignment operation and other identifying information. Hawaii Applicants must submit a Gender Designation Form completed by a medical or social professional affirming the new gender.
Hawaii driver’s licenses and ID cards can display a gender of M, F, or X, as indicated by the applicant. Idaho Applicants must submit an affidavit signed by a physician certifying that the applicant has undergone the appropriate clinical treatment. Illinois Applicants must sign a form affirming their gender identity, with no medical signature or documentation required.
To update the gender on their ID, Illinois drivers must:
1. Visit a Secretary of State facility to submit the incorrect license and provide acceptable proof of identity.
2. Submit the Gender Designation Change Form signed by the applicant. Indiana Applicants must submit their birth certificate showing a change of gender or a form signed by a physician certifying that the applicant successfully underwent all treatment necessary to change gender permanently. Iowa For applicants born in Iowa, they must submit an updated birth certificate.
For applicants not born in Iowa, they must submit the following:
1. A certified copy of a birth certificate from another state/country with an updated gender marker.
2. A Certificate of Citizenship with an updated gender marker.
3. A notarized affidavit from a physician and surgeon certifying the procedure.
Kansas Applicants must submit one of the following options:
1. Confirmation of medical gender change, including a letter from the applicant and a letter from their physician.
2. Court order recognizing the individual’s gender.
3. The drivers’ birth certificate with their updated gender. Kentucky Applicants must submit one of the following documents:
1. An updated birth certificate showing their correct gender.
2. A court order of gender change.
3. A 10-year passport showing the correct gender.
4. A letter from a surgeon stating that gender reassignment surgery has been completed. Louisiana Applicants must submit a statement signed by a physician stating that they have undergone a successful gender change/reassignment. Maine Applicants can change the gender marker on their license to M, F, or X. To update their driver’s license, applicants must submit a Gender Designation Form. Maryland Applicants can select M, F, or X designation when applying for or renewing a license, with no medical documentation or additional forms required. Massachusetts Applicants can select M, F, or X on a driver’s license or ID, with no medical documentation required.
To update the gender marker on a driver’s license, the applicant must submit a new license and ID card application and indicate a change of information, plus the correct gender marker. Michigan Applicants must submit their current ID and a signed Sex Designation Form. Minnesota Applicants can self-designate M, F, or X on a license or state ID, with no medical documentation required. The applicant can fill out the online application and indicate their preferred gender. Mississippi Applicants must complete a Gender Designation Form and have it signed by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. Missouri Applicants must submit one of the following documents:
1. A completed Gender Designation Change Request Form.
2. Medical documentation showing completion of gender reassignment surgery.
3. U.S. Passport which reflects the gender designation requested by the applicant.
4. An amended U.S. birth certificate which reflects the gender designation requested by the applicant.
5. A court order declaring the gender designation requested by the applicant. Montana Applicants must submit a letter from a doctor stating that the person is in the process or has completed the process of changing their gender. Nebraska Applicants must submit the following documents:
1. State ID Card Data Form.
2. Form signed by a licensed physician certifying that the applicant has undergone the necessary sex reassignment procedures required for social gender recognition. Nevada Nevada will issue a gender marker of M, F or X on a driver’s license or state ID, with no medical documentation required.
To change the gender on a driver’s license, the applicant must appear in person to make this change. There is no limit to the number of times the change can be made. New Hampshire Applicants can choose the designation M, F or X on their license or ID. Applicants must submit a Change of Gender Designation Form signed by the applicant and a medical or mental health professional affirming the applicant’s gender identity. New Jersey Applicants must submit a Declaration of Gender Designation Change form. New Mexico Applicants must submit a Request for Sex Designation Change form, indicating M, F or X. New York Applicants must submit the following:
1. A new application for an ID.
2. Letter signed by a medical or mental health professional on their letterhead certifying the applicant’s gender of male or female. North Carolina Applicants must submit one of the following documents:
1. A Gender Designation Form, signed by the applicant and a mental health professional, medical provider or social worker/case manager.
2. A passport or birth certificate with the proper gender marker.
3. A court order recognizing the gender. North Dakota Applicants must submit a letter signed by a physician or therapist stating that their gender transition has been completed in accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgendered Health Standards of Care (WPATH). Ohio Applicants must follow these steps:
1. Fill out a Declaration of Gender Change, signed by the applicant and a medical or behavioral health professional certifying the applicant’s gender identity.
2. Applicants are notified within 7-10 days if the request is approved.
3. Once approved, the applicant can bring the documentation of gender change approval to any local License Bureau agency to receive their new corrected card. Oklahoma Applicants must show an original or certified court order or a notarized statement from the physician who performed the procedure. Oregon Applicants must apply in person, surrender their current Oregon ID, and submit an application for an original, renewal, or replacement ID. The sex designation options are M, F or X, and no medical documentation is required.
Pennsylvania Applicants must submit a Request for Gender Change form, indicating male, female or X. Rhode Island Applicants must complete a Gender Designation Form, signed by the applicant, and submit their RI license and take a new photo.
South Carolina Applicants must submit medical documentation of gender change and a document certifying the gender change, like a birth certificate or court order. South Dakota Applicants must submit, in person, the following forms:
1. Court order certifying the gender change.
3. Signed affidavit from a licensed physician certifying that the applicant’s gender has been medically altered. Tennessee Applicants must submit a statement from the attending physician that necessary medical procedures to accomplish the change in gender are complete. A court order recognizing the gender change is also acceptable. Texas Applicants must submit a court order certifying the gender change. Utah Applicants must submit a passport or birth certificate certifying their gender. Vermont Applicants can update the gender on their driver’s license to M, F or X with no documentation.
If applying for a new license, drivers can fill out the Replacement License Application with the appropriate gender marker selected.
Virginia Applicants must complete the following steps:
1. Submit an application for a new ID.
2. Submit a Gender Designation Change Request, with a medical or mental health professional certifying the applicant’s gender identity.
Washington Applicants must submit a Change of Gender Designation Request form indicating M, F or X, signed by the applicant, plus a copy of their old license. There is no medical documentation required. Washington D.C. Applicants must submit the following to the DMV:
1. D.C. driver’s license application indicating M, F or X.
2. Appropriate documentation of identity, residency, ability to drive, etc.
3. Gender Designation Form indicating M, F or X, signed by the applicant.
West Virginia Applicants must submit a Gender Designation Form signed by a licensed physician.
Wisconsin Applicants must submit one of the following documents:
1. An affidavit or statement from a licensed physician certifying the gender change.
2. A court order for gender change. Wyoming Applicants must submit the Gender Designation Change Request Form, signed by the applicant and a medical or mental health professional, to a Wyoming driver exam office.

Advice from trans advocates

Every transgender individual who goes through the transition process has different intentions. For some, changing their legal documents is an essential step in confirming their new identity. For others, changing their gender marker is less critical or may come later in their journey. Here is some advice for individuals going through the transition process from trans advocates:

Mia Edwards case manager for the PROUDWST Me Program at The LOFT LGBTQ Community Center

“The best advice I could offer is to find a trans knowledgeable/friendly therapist,” says Mia Edwards, case manager for the PROUDWST Me Program, part of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center located in Westchester County, New York. “Most folx starting their journey will need help processing their thoughts and navigating a cis-hetero world which may not be accepting.” Working with a mental health professional who specializes in trans issues can also provide some guidance if you are struggling to navigate the transition process or if you want to learn more about your options. “With help from your therapist, begin to map out what next steps look like for you. You will need to have clarity on what trans looks like for you. Some folx medically transition and some do not. It is a very unique and personal journey…there is no ‘one way’ to be trans.” Edwards also explains that a support system is key for individuals who are transitioning. “Having a support system in place can be invaluable when facing challenging situations,” she says. “A support system might look like joining a peer support group, enlisting accepting family and friends as allies and advocates, having access to trans-knowledgeable and accepting healthcare providers and finding resources to support your legal rights.”

Kira Lingala peer navigator for the PROUDWST Me Program at The LOFT LGBTQ Community Center

“All trans folx have different desires and goals. Some identify along the gender binary, meaning they express and identify exclusively as men or women. Others are non-binary or gender non-conforming,” says Kira Lingala, peer navigator for the PROUDWST Me Program, part of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in Westchester County, New York. “This is relevant because a non-binary person may not want to change the gender marker on their driver’s license and other documents to ‘male’ or ‘female.’ Although about 18 states provide a gender-neutral option, the majority still do not, making it impossible for some non-binary and trans people to change these documents.” Lingala also recommends that trans folx build a strong support system during their transition, if possible. She suggests that individuals look into resources like , , and . “CenterLink can help individuals find an LGBTQ+ center near them, WPATH sets guidelines for transgender healthcare (but their approach is controversial for some within the community), and the National Center for Transgender Equality has more information on policies, such as those related to changing ID documents,” adds Lingala. Finally, she mentions that trans individuals should look into The LOFT’s grant program, which will be accepting new applications for small grants from trans folx across the country this fall.

Abby Churchill founder and director Trans Law Help Wisconsin

“Everyone’s transition is a unique experience, and as such, there is no universal roadmap,” says Abby Churchill, J.D., founder and director of . “The best place for one person to start might not be on someone else’s journey. A great resource that speaks more to this is the from UCSF. ” “The trans community itself is a great place for someone to start building a support network if they wish to do so,” she says. “Many individuals find connecting with others who have transitioned in their own way an invaluable experience.” Although not every trans or non-binary person will choose to change the gender marker on their driver’s license, Churchill mentions that people who do might also consider changing the gender on their Social Security card, passport, birth certificate, credit cards, insurance documents, employment documents, medical records and academic records. She adds that there is no one-stop shop for changing the name and gender on a legal document. “It can take years and can be quite expensive to bring all of one’s documents in alignment with their gender identity,” says Churchill. As a result, she reminds her clients that this process is a marathon, not a sprint. For some people, changing their gender identity on legal documents like their driver’s license is an important part of their transition journey, and for others, it is not. There is no right or wrong decision, and everyone’s transition journey is unique to them. You can find several resources, both online and in-person, that can help you navigate the process in a way that feels right for you. Car insurance resources: SHARE: Elizabeth Rivelli is a contributing insurance writer for Bankrate and has years of experience writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Coverage.com and NextAdvisor, among others Amy Sims is a managing editor for Bankrate, leading a team responsible for creating educational insurance content.

Related Articles