Changing gender on your driver’s license

Most Americans use their driver’s license as a primary form of photo identification. From regular activities like buying alcohol or opening a credit card to significant events like employment verification or mortgage applications, it’s important that the information on the driver’s license matches the person presenting it. However, for many transgender individuals, these relatively simple interactions can become complicated and invasive if they cannot change the gender marker on their driver’s license. 

According to a 2022 survey from Pew Research, more than 5 percent of Americans under age 30 identify as transgender or non-binary. That equates to roughly 1.6 percent of the adult population in the U.S. Some individuals who identify as transgender undergo gender-affirming treatments, and others do not. The transition process is unique to the 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, such as their driver’s license and passport. In addition to male and female gender options, some states have added an “X” option for intersex, non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals.

For Mx. S, a Bankrate staffer who asked to remain anonymous, updating their gender maker to X was both a logical and emotional decision. “Part of it was practical,” says Mx. S. “I started growing facial hair, my voice was more masculine. Showing a license with an F on it was bound to raise some eyebrows.”

At one point, all 50 states allowed drivers to change their gender on their driver’s license. But as of 2024, four states passed new legislation disavowing the process. In some states, the process is simple, and in others, it can require an amended birth certificate, proof of gender-affirming surgery or both. In addition, some states require a letter from a physician confirming that the individual is undergoing or has undergone hormone therapy. 

Bankrate’s editorial team has reviewed each state’s requirements and included links to relevant resources for this process. However, the political landscape is constantly in flux and laws can change at any time. 

State laws and regulations regarding driver’s license gender change

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 states where it’s allowed, the process for changing your name is separate from changing your gender. Here are the requirements in each state for changing the gender marker on your driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license (EDL). If possible, it’s best to keep all other auto-related documents, such as registration and car insurance policies, up to date as well. The motor vehicle department in your state should be able to help if you have questions about the process.

• State requirements for changing gender on your driver’s license

  State	Requirements	Available gender markers	Resources
  Alabama	Alabama guidelines regarding gender marker changes are unclear.	M, F	AL birth certificate amendment form
  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.	M, F	AK certification for change of sex form
  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 3 months of the date it was signed.	M, F	SAGA Name and Gender Change Guide
  Arkansas	Requires an updated birth certificate.	M, F (X gender markers are no longer an option)	AR gender change confirmation form
  California	Applicants must submit a gender category change form, with no medical documentation required.	M, F, X	CA driver’s license update application
  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 health care provider affirming the applicant’s gender identity. Only minors require provider certification.	M, F, X	CO change of sex designation form
  Connecticut	Applicants must submit a gender designation change form, with no medical documentation required.	M, F, X	CT gender designation form
  Delaware	Applicants must submit a gender change form and get it signed by a medical provider, certifying the applicant’s gender identity.	M, F	DE Request for Gender Change on Driver License/ID Card
  Florida	Florida does not allow for gender marker changes.	M, F	Memo
  Georgia	Applicants must submit a court order or physician’s letter certifying the gender change. Document must include name, date of birth, date of gender reassignment operation and other identifying information. Must visit a Georgia DMV location to complete the gender change request.	M, F	GA DMV License Update Application
  Hawaii	Applicants must submit a gender designation form completed by a medical or social professional, affirming the new gender.	M, F, X	HI Gender Designation Form
  Idaho	Applicants must submit a gender change application and have it signed by a physician and notarized, certifying that the applicant has undergone the required clinical treatment.	M, F	Memo
  Illinois	Applicants must: 1. Visit a Secretary of State facility to submit the incorrect license and provide acceptable proof of identity. 2. Submit the appropriate form affirming their gender identity, with no medical signature or documentation required.	M, F, X	IL Gender Designation Change Form
  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.	M, F, X	Guide to driver’s license amendments in IN
  Iowa	Applicants born in Iowa must submit an updated birth certificate. Applicants not born in Iowa must submit: 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.	M, F	Iowa Guide to Changing Legal Identity Documents
  Kansas	Kansas does not allow for gender marker changes.	M, F	Memo
  Kentucky	Applicants must submit one of the following: 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.	M, F	TransKentucky
  Louisiana	Applicants must submit a statement signed by a physician stating that they have undergone a successful gender change/ reassignment.	M, F	Louisiana Trans Advocates
  Maine	Applicants can change the gender marker on their license without provider certification by submitting a gender designation form.	M, F, X	ME gender designation form
  Maryland	Applicants can change their gender marker when applying for or renewing a license, with no medical documentation or additional forms required.	M, F, X	MD changing gender information
  Massachusetts	Applicants can update the gender marker on their driver’s license or ID, without medical documentation. Must submit a new license and ID card application and indicate a change of information, plus the correct gender marker.	M, F, X	MA License and ID Card Application
  Michigan	Applicants must submit their current ID and a signed sex designation form. Provider certification is not required.	M, F, X	MI Sex Designation Form
  Minnesota	Applicants can self-designate gender on a license or state ID, without medical documentation, by filling out the online application and indicating their preferred gender.	M, F, X	MN driver’s license information
  Mississippi	Mississippi guidelines regarding gender marker changes are unclear.	M, F	Memo
  Missouri	Applicants must submit a statement signed by a physician that they have undergone gender reassignment surgery or a court order declaring gender designation.	M, F	Memo (MO Gender Designation Change Request Form 5532 is no longer accepted.)
  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 and an amended birth certificate.	M, F	Memo
  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.	M, F	NE physician form
  Nevada	Applicants must appear in person to make this change. No medical documentation required, and no limit to the number of times the change can be made.	M, F, X	NV Name and Gender Change Information
  New Hampshire	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.	M, F, X	NH Change of Gender Designation Form
  New Jersey	Applicants must submit a declaration of gender designation change form.	M, F, X	NJ Gender Designation Form
  New Mexico	Applicants must submit a request for sex designation change form and are not required to submit provider certification.	M, F, X	NM Gender Change Form
  New York	Applicants must complete a new application for an ID and do not need provider certification.	M, F, X	NYS Application for New ID
  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.	M, F	NC Gender Designation Form
  North Dakota	Applicants must submit a gender designation form and have it signed by a physician or therapist, confirming their gender transition.	M, F	ND Gender Designation Form
  Ohio	Applicants must: 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 corrected card.	M, F	OH Declaration of Gender Change Form
  Oklahoma	Applicants must show an original or certified court order or a notarized statement from the physician who performed the procedure.	M, F	Oklahoma Gender Designation Information
  Oregon	Applicants must apply in person, surrender their current Oregon ID and submit an application for an original, renewal or replacement ID. No medical documentation is required.	M, F, X	OR DMV Change Gender Designation
  Pennsylvania	Applicants must submit a request for gender change form.	M, F, X	PA Request for Gender Change on ID
  Rhode Island	Applicants must complete a gender designation form, submit their RI license and take a new photo.	M, F, X	RI Gender Designation Form
  South Carolina	Applicants must submit medical documentation of gender change and a document certifying the gender change, like a birth certificate or court order.	M, F	TransEquality SC Gender Designation
  South Dakota	South Dakota guidelines regarding gender marker changes are unclear and vary throughout the state.	M, F	VotRiders SD Gender Designation Information
  Tennessee	Tennessee does not allow gender marker updates on driver’s licenses.	M, F	Campaign for Southern Equality Tennessee resources
  Texas	Texas does not allow gender marker updates on driver’s licenses.	M, F	Memo
  Utah	Applicants must submit a passport or birth certificate, certifying their gender.	M, F, X	Utah Petition for Name/Gender Change Information
  Vermont	Applicants can update the gender on their driver’s license with no documentation. If applying for a new license, drivers can fill out the replacement license application with the appropriate gender marker.	M, F, X	How to change gender on your license in VT
  Virginia	Applicants must submit an application for a new ID with a gender designation change request form. No provider certification is needed.	M, F, X	VA Gender Designation Change Request form
  Washington	Applicants must submit a change of gender designation request form, plus a copy of their old license. No medical documentation is required.	M, F, X	WA Change of Gender Designation Form
  Washington D.C.	Applicants must submit the following: 1. D.C. driver’s license application. 2. Appropriate documentation of identity, residency, ability to drive, etc. 3. Gender designation form.	M, F, X	D.C. Gender Designation Form
  West Virginia	Applicants must submit a gender designation form signed by a licensed physician.	M, F	WV DOT Gender Designation Form
  Wisconsin	Applicants must submit one of the following: 1. An affidavit or statement from a licensed physician, certifying the gender change. 2. A court order for gender change.	M, F	WI Information and Laws for Changing Name/Gender on License
  Wyoming	Applicants must submit a gender designation change request form signed by the applicant and a medical or mental health professional to a Wyoming driver exam office.	M, F	WY Gender Designation Change Request Form

The states that do not allow drivers to change their gender marker are:

• Florida
• Kansas
• Tennessee
• Texas

However, this was not always the case in these states. Texas resident Glen L., who prefers to remain anonymous, was able to change his license marker in 2022. 

“Changing my name and gender on my driver’s license was extremely important to me. While my No. 1 motivation was convenience and safety — I wanted to be able to show my ID without outing myself as a trans person — it was also a very affirming experience.”

Florida and Texas changed the law as of January 2024. “This will force trans people to out themselves when applying for a job, when accessing health care and legal services, at stores and, most importantly, when interacting with law enforcement,” says Glen.

This is not a small change. It puts trans people’s lives in danger.

— Glen L., Austin, TX

Each state is different, and therefore, the process of changing the gender marker on your license will vary depending on where you live. According to data from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), 22 states and D.C. allow drivers to use M, F or X gender markers. Three states, Alabama, Mississippi and South Dakota have unclear policies surrounding changing the gender on your driver’s license, which can make the process more challenging.

Mx. S says the process in Washington was straightforward: “It was blissfully easy to make the change. I’m in Washington, and all you have to do is fill out a form and confirm with the Department of Licensing that yes, you do want to change your gender marker. That’s it. No extra hoops to jump through.”

Gender change: Driver’s license vs. birth certificate

Nine states require drivers to submit proof of surgery, court orders or an amended birth certificate to update the gender on their driver’s license — and these aren’t necessarily easy to get. For one, not everyone wants to or can have gender reassignment surgery. Depending on the location, these procedures may not be widely available. Plus, health insurance companies don’t always cover gender-affirming care. 

What’s more, in some places, the requirements for driver’s license and birth certificate changes do not align. Seven states do not allow any change to the gender marker on birth certificates. And while only 15 states plus D.C. allow X as a gender marker on birth certificates, 23 states plus D.C. allow it on driver’s licenses. 

What is the legal age to change gender?

The legal age to change your gender marker depends on the state. In about half of the country, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor to start the process of changing the gender on legal documents like your driver’s license. Arizona and New Hampshire ban surgery for minors, while 24 states ban surgery and medication for transgender minors. 

Some states, including California, allow minors to legally change the gender on their birth certificate. However, minors are typically required to get consent from all legal guardians before they can make the change. In several states, students cannot change names or pronouns unless their parents provide written permission.

How does gender relate to auto insurance?

If you change your gender on your driver’s license, it’s important to understand how it might impact your car insurance policy.

In most states, gender is used as a car insurance rating factor, which means changing your gender could impact your premium. The only states that prohibit insurance companies from using gender as a rating factor are California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. If you don’t identify as male or female, you should contact your insurance agent to learn more about how your gender marker could impact your rate.

Statistically, females are less likely to get into serious accidents and drive under the influence than males. As such, female drivers are less risky to insure and often pay lower car insurance premiums.

However, if you are going through the process of changing the legal gender marker on your driver’s license, don’t update your car insurance policy without your new license in hand. It’s important to make sure your driver’s license matches the information you give the insurance company.

Also, keep in mind that while your state may allow your gender marker to change, your insurance company may not have the X option available. Carriers that do offer X gender markers either offer the average of male and female rates or default to the lower female rate. 

Below is an example of how average national car insurance rates may vary for 40-year-old drivers of different genders. 

Updating the gender on your insurance policy may not be accessible online or via the carrier’s app. If you need assistance, consider contacting your agent.  

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 PROUDEST 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 health care 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.

  “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 [some 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 people build a strong support system during their transition, if possible. She suggests that individuals look into resources like CenterLink, WPATH and the National Center for Transgender Equality.

  “CenterLink can help individuals find an LGBTQ+ center near them, WPATH sets guidelines for transgender health care (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 identification documents,” adds Lingala.

  Finally, she mentions that trans individuals should look into The LOFT’s TransMission grant program for financial assistance in navigating the transitioning process.

• 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 Trans Law Help Wisconsin. “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 Transition Roadmap 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 personal 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.

It’s probably a bit silly to say about a government document, but the other reason why I changed my gender markers was that it’s affirming. It’s nice to see my gender officially reflected in a little X on my license.

— Mx. S, Bankrate staffer