Key takeaways

  • About 1.6% of the U.S. population identifies with a gender that is different from what was assigned at birth.
  • Each state has different processes and regulations for changing gender on a driver’s license, which can be found in the chart below.
  • You might also consider changing the gender marker on other legal documents, like your Social Security card, passport and credit cards.

According to a 2022 survey from Pew Research, more than 5% of adults under age 30 identify as transgender or non-binary. That equates to roughly 1.6% of the American population between the ages of 30-49. 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 car insurance as a transgender individual or updating the gender on your driver’s license, applicants may encounter challenges, such as different processes required in each state. Below Bankrate’s editorial team has 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 Social Security Administration first.

Here are the requirements in each state for changing the gender marker on your driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Don’t forget to keep all other auto-related documents, such as registration and car insurance policies up-to-date as well. You can get DMV help if you have questions about the process of changing the gender marker on your license in your state.

  • 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 being found unconstitutional. A clear determination on a new process has yet to be revealed. 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.    		 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 three months of the date it was signed.    		 SAGA Name and Gender Change Guide
    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. AR gender change confirmation form
    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.    		 CA driver’s license application
    CA gender category request form
    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. Gender markers can be changed to M, F, or X. CO change of sex designation form
    Connecticut Applicants must submit a gender designation change form, with no medical documentation required. Gender markers can be changed to M, F, or X. CT gender designation form
    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. DE Request for Gender Change on Driver License/ID Card
    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. The Gulf Coast Transgender Alliance Posted DMV Gender Change Memo
    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. You must go into a DMV location in Georgia to complete the gender change request. GA DMV License Update Application
    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.    		 HI Gender Designation Form
    Idaho Applicants must submit the gender change application and have it signed by a physician certifying that the applicant has undergone the appropriate clinical treatment. ID Gender Designation Form
    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.    		 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. Guide to driver’s license amendments in IN
    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.    		 Iowa Guide to Changing
    Legal Identity Documents
    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.    		 Kansas Department of Revenue Memo on Gender Change
    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.    		 TransKentucky
    Louisiana Applicants must submit a statement signed by a physician stating that they have undergone a successful gender change/reassignment. Louisiana Trans Advocates
    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. ME 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. MD changing gender information
    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.    		 MA License and ID Card Application
    Michigan Applicants must submit their current ID and a signed Sex Designation Form. Gender markers can be changed to M, F, or X. MI 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. MN driver’s license information
    Mississippi Applicants must complete a Gender Designation Form and have it signed by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. Mississippi National Center for Transgender Equality
    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.    		 MO Gender Designation Change Request Form
    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. The Gender Expansion Project Name and Gender Change Guide: Becoming Me
    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.    		 NE physician form
    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.    		 NV Name and Gender Change Information
    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. NH Change of Gender Designation Form
    New Jersey Applicants must submit a Declaration of Gender Designation Change form. Gender markers can be changed to M, F, or X. NJ Gender Designation Form
    New Mexico Applicants must submit a Request for Sex Designation Change form, indicating M, F or X. NM Gender Change Form
    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 M, F, or 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.    		 NC Gender Designation Form
    North Dakota Applicants must submit the gender designation form and have it signed by a physician or therapist confirming their gender transition. ND Gender Designation Form
    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.    		 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. TransEquality 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. The sex designation options are M, F or X, and no medical documentation is required. OR license application form
    OR DMV Change Gender Designation
    Pennsylvania Applicants must submit a Request for Gender Change form, indicating M, F, or X. PA Request for Gender Change on ID
    Rhode Island Applicants must complete a Gender Designation Form, signed by the applicant, and submit their RI license and take a new photo. Gender markers can be changed to M, F, or 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. TransEquality SC Gender Designation and Name Change Information
    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.    		 VotRiders SD Gender Designation Information
    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. Campaign for Southern Equality Tennessee resources
    Texas Applicants must submit a court order certifying medical gender change. Texas Department of Public Safety Name and Gender Change Information
    Texas State Law Library LGBQT Community Resources
    Utah Applicants must submit a passport or birth certificate certifying their gender. Utah Petition for Name/Gender Change Information
    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.    		 VT new license form
    How to change gender on your license in VT
    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 of M, F, or X.    		 VA Gender Designation Change Request form
    VA driver’s license application
    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. WA Change of Gender Designation Form
    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.    		 D.C. Gender Designation Form
    West Virginia Applicants must submit a Gender Designation Form signed by a licensed physician. WV DOT Gender Designation Form
    Fairness WV Name and Gender Change Guide
    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.    		 WI Information and Laws for Changing Name/Gender on License
    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. WY Gender Designation Change Request Form

What is the legal age to change gender?

The legal age to change your gender marker depends on the state. In most states, you must be at least 18 years old, or an emancipated minor, to start the process of legally changing your gender on legal documents, like your driver’s license.

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 change their gender marker.

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, Montana, 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. Because female drivers are less risky to insure, they often pay lower car insurance premiums than males.

If you are going through the process of changing your legal gender marker on your driver’s license, don’t update your car insurance policy right away. It’s important to make sure your driver’s license matches the information you give the insurance company.

You should wait until you’ve received your new driver license before notifying your insurance company or making any changes to your policy.

If you are unsure about how to proceed, contact your insurance agent to discuss the process.

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 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 Centerlink, WPATH, and National Center for Transgender Equality.

“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 identification documents,” adds Lingala.

Finally, she mentions that trans individuals should look into The LOFT’s TransMission 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 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 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: