Resources
Identity DocumentsMany people are surprised to discover that there is no “one stop” process for getting a name and/or gender marker updated to match their gender identity.
This is because the agencies that issue identity documents or keep records of your identity have separate (but increasingly networked) systems and there is no central government agency which coordinates all of these databases. For each of these agencies and for every state, there is a different process and set of required documents a person needs to gather in order to update their name and gender information on record.
Tlc Resources
ID Please: Full Guide to Changing California and Federal Identity Documents
ID Please: Quick Guide to Changing Federal Identity Documents
Self-Filling Name/Gender Change Court Forms – California
Guide to Legally Changing Your Name and Gender While Incarcerated in CA
Other Resources
MAP’s website provides an overview of state laws and policies governing name and gender change.
Trans Lifeline’s Name Change Guide for People with Criminal Records
This guide was created by Trans Lifeline Microgrants; it briefly overviews the restrictions in each state on name changes for people who are currently incarcerated and/or have a criminal record.
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) – Identity Documents Center
NCTE has created a comprehensive state-by-state guide that provides information & resources on state name change laws, driver’s license & birth certificate gender change policies.
California Courts Self Help Center
Name Change/Name & Gender Change forms & instructions.
Trans Lifeline’s ID Change Library
Trans Lifeline’s Microgrants program has compiled a living library containing multiple tables, holding info ranging from Federal down to state-and county-specific info about name changes and gender marker changes on IDs.
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In The News
U.S. Citizenship is not Required for Legal Name Change in Indiana
A Court of Appeals of Indiana has taken the final step in the process and certified a decision that a state name-change law does not require a petitioner to be a U.S. citizen to change their name. The ruling, issued last week, is now the guiding law in the state of...
Trans Immigrant Petitions U.S. Supreme Court for Case against Discriminatory Indiana Law to Be Heard
Transgender man seeks right to sue over law prohibiting non-citizens from obtaining a change of legal name (Indianapolis, IN) — A transgender man who is challenging an Indiana state law that bars immigrants from obtaining a change of legal name is asking the U.S....
When can I get my nonbinary ID? Timeline and FAQ for CA’s Gender Recognition Act
Since California passed SB 179, the Gender Recognition Act, our helpline has gotten numerous questions on what this means, when it goes into effect, and how people can update their driver’s licenses to nonbinary. You have questions; we have answers! Today we are...
