Legal Gender Change
Summary
Getting your gender changed has a variety of different requirements across different governing bodies, but each year it tends to get more inclusive with more options for non-binary people. If you have any questions or any information is out of date, please email Faye at Fayeseidler@gmail.com.
North Dakota
Driver’s License
- Limited by male/female
- Department of Motor Vehicle Gender Change Form: https://www.dot.nd.gov/forms/sfn61146.pdf
- Requires a healthcare worker to complete
- Can be done at the same time as changing name legally
Birth Certificate
- Limited by male/female
- Currently requires proof of bottom surgery from a physician
- Information for the process: https://www.health.nd.gov/vital/changing-birth-record
Social Security Card (Nationally Governed)
- Limited by male/female (may allow non-binary in future)
- Self selected for gender
- Social Security Office FAQ: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01453
Passport (Nationally Governed)
- You can self determine gender on passport including male, female, or non-binary
- All information related to this here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/selecting-your-gender-marker.html
Minnesota
Driver’s License
- You can self determine gender on passport including male, female, or non-binary
- You’ll need to find your local Department of Motor Vehicles: https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/
Birth Certificate
- You may be able to self determine gender on Birth Certificate – Email Fayeseidler@gmail.com for more information on process
- Currently the official policy does require a letter from a physician: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/reqdocs.html#gender
- This letter doesn’t require surgery, but does require, “Medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition” in the form of an original letter from a licensed physician.
Social Security Card (Nationally Governed)
- Limited by male/female (may allow non-binary in future)
- Self selected for gender
- Social Security Office FAQ: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01453
Passport (Nationally Governed)
- You can self determine gender on passport including male, female, or non-binary
- All information related to this here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/selecting-your-gender-marker.html
National Information
If we your current state is not included here, the best place to go for general information on Legal Gender Change documents is here:
What To Update Afterwards
Generally, your gender is going to be most important on your Driver’s License or State ID. Many trans people never get their Birth Certificate or Social Security Card Updated. It can also be important to change gender on both health or car insurance.
What Major Documents to Change (This isn’t all inclusive or necessarily required)
- Drivers License or State ID
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
This section is not intended as legal advice, but to give people an understanding of which documents trans folks typically end up changing or needing to change. Each individuals situation will be different, with possibly different requirements. Keep in mind your gender change may be something that comes up in a background check.
Often folks wait for their name change to be complete and got both markers changed at the same time!