UPDATING YOUR GENDER MARKER

Below is an overview of the different processes and forms you need to change your gender marker and/or name on identity documents. For a more information click the button below…

Updating identity documents

Changing your name and your gender marker on identity documents are two separate processes, but they can happen at the same time.

 

In the state of Illinois, you do not need a name change order to change your gender marker on state-issued forms of identification, like birth certificates, state IDs/driver’s licenses, and marriage licenses. Likewise, you do not need a name change order to change your gender marker on federal forms of identification, like passports and social security cards.

However, you may need a name change order, gender marker change order, or proof of surgery to change your gender marker on identity documents from other states. You can find more information on requirements in different states here.

You can update your gender marker and/or name on many different identity documents.

Below we’ve listed the necessary forms and cost for updating different forms of identification.

Just like the name change process, updating identity documents can get really complicated really quickly. If you’re looking for specific information on how to update your identity documents, follow the button below for a comprehensive State-by-State guide from Advocates for Trans Equality. Make sure to check for updates, as laws change quickly and the site may not be updated immediately.

State-By-State Identity document information

Identity Documents Forms & Fees

Illinois Driver’s License/State ID

  • It costs $5 to correct a license, $10 to correct a state ID

  • Current ID, Name Change Order (if applicable), and Gender Designation form

  • If you don’t have a current IL ID you’ll need to bring other documentation

  • REAL IDs - We recommend getting a REAL ID as soon as possible as TSA will start requiring a REAL ID or Passport for domestic flights in the United States beginning May 7, 2025.

Social Security Card

  • It is free to update your social security card

  • Unfortunately, due to the policies of the new federal administration, as of January 2025 the Social Security Administration will no longer allow gender marker changes. You can still change your name on your social security card.

Illinois Birth Certificate

  • It costs $15 to update a birth certificate.

  • Mail

    To: Illinois Department of Public Health

Division of Vital Records

925 E. Ridgely Ave

Springfield, IL 62702-2737

Passport Updates as of 7.3.25

  • On 1/23/25, the State Department paused issuing X gender markers on passports or processing any gender marker changes on passport applications. They also froze gender marker change requests that were already in process. On 2/7/2025 the ACLU filed a lawsuit (Orr v. Trump). On 6/17/25 the judge in the case issued a preliminary injunction ordering the State Department to keep issuing gender marker changes on passports while the case proceeds. The Federal Government appealed the decision about the preliminary injunction and lost. They then appealed it to the Supreme Court. On 11/6/25 the Supreme Court overruled the lower courts, and granted a stay of the preliminary injunction. We will not be able to apply for gender marker changes while the lawsuit is pending. We hope that we will see a change after the District Court makes a ruling, but we do not have a timeline for this at this time (federal courts are moving slower due to the federal government shutdown). For ongoing updates the ACLU website has more information. See all the information about this process below. 

    • As of November 6, 2025, the State Department is no longer issuing gender marker changes or “X” markers. 

    • As of now, according to the policy of the United States Department of State, if you have a passport with a gender marker that aligns with your identity that is different from your sex assigned at birth, your passport will remain valid. 

      • If you lose your passport, make a change to your passport (i.e. name change), or need to renew your passport, your new passport will be reverted to your sex assigned at birth under the current policy. 

      • We will continue to provide updates as the Orr v. Trump case continues to move through the lower courts. 

Illinois Marriage Certificate

  • Every county has its own amendment form since the certificates are issued by county offices. You will need to go in person or call the Count Clerk’s Office in the Illinois county where you were married. If you do not reside in the County where you were married and travel is not possible, you will need to ask the clerk to mail or email you the forms as they typically are not available online at this time.

  • If you are only changing the name on the marriage certificate, you will have to show a photo ID and certified name change order and fill out a form that is not available online.

  • If you also want to change gendered language (bride to groom or spouse, etc.), both spouses have to fill out additional forms which are also only available at the County Clerk’s Office.

  • This is a newer law, and there are not very accessible systems in place with many County Clerks’ offices.

Employment Authorization Documents

Changing your name or gender marker on your Employment Authorization Card can be a lengthy process and it is advised to discuss this with an immigration attorney if you are working with one.

Every State Has Different Birth Certificate Laws For Name And Gender Marker Changes

State-By-State Identity Document Information

If You Were Born In a State That Requires a Court Order for a Gender Marker Change, WE CAN HELP!

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