Learn how to navigate the process of changing your gender marker on a driver's license. Check state policies, gather documents, fill out applications, and more. Take a step towards affirming your gender identity!
Everywhere you go, you have your ID with you. Your principal identifying paper need to accurately represent your gender identity. Well, as best an ID can—it's not always simple or true to sum up an individual in a "F," "M," or a gender-neutral "X." And for many transgender people, their gender is not exactly whatever box they ticked when they acquired their license as a teenager.
People find it simpler to enter public settings (and feel secure there) if their gender identifier more closely matches how they identify. Nearly half of the US now lets people to choose a "X" gender classification for their driver's licenses, indicating that more and more states are allowing their nonbinary, transgender, and gender nonconforming citizens to live there. However, non-binary options are still not available in the majority of states. Sadly, many states make it far more difficult than it should be to change the gender marker on your license. Here is information about updating the gender marker on your driver's license if you identify as transgender and want to change your ID.
Here are all the states that currently allow residents to select an “X” gender marker on their driver’s licenses:
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
While the following states don’t provide a gender-neutral or nonbinary option, they do allow gender marker changes on driver’s licenses, but only with proof of surgery, court order, or an altered birth certificate:
- Georgia
- Guam (U.S. Territory)
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Northern Mariana Islands (U.S. Territory)
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
The steps to changing the gender on your driver's license are as follows:
- Check the laws in your state. You cannot modify the gender designation on your driver's license in all states. Only those who have undergone gender-affirming surgery are permitted to change their gender marker in some states. Others ask you to submit a note from your doctor confirming your transition.
- Compile your papers. The DMV will need evidence of your identification, evidence of your current residence, and (if necessary) a doctor's letter. Your Social Security card can also be required.
- Complete the application. You must complete an application form available at the DMV. Your personal information, including your gender marker, will be requested on the form.
- Pay the fee. Changing the gender marking on your driver's license typically has a cost.
- Send your application in. The application can be submitted to the DMV once you have gathered your supporting documentation and completed it.
- Await the arrival of your new license. The DMV will process your application and provide you a new driver's license in a few weeks.
Here are some extra pointers for altering your driver's license's gender designation:
- Make careful to confirm the rules for altering your gender marker with the DMV in your state.
- If a doctor's note is necessary, make sure to acquire one from one who has experience treating transgender patients.
- Be tolerant. The DMV may need a few weeks to process your application and provide you a new license.
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