Your ID should reflect who you are. It’s that simple. For many Missouri transgender residents, getting that correct gender marker on a driver’s license or birth certificate is a crucial step. But let’s be honest, the process can feel overwhelming with its confusing rules and paperwork. You don’t have to figure it out alone. This guide breaks down every step of a Missouri gender marker change. We’ll help you find the right forms, understand the legal requirements, and even connect you with a supportive gender marker correction lawyer to make the process smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare for Stricter Proof Requirements: To change your gender marker on a Missouri driver’s license, you now need either a court order or documented proof of gender-affirmation surgery, a significant update from the previous policy.
- Work with a Lawyer to Draft Your Petition: Missouri does not offer standard forms for this process, so you must file a custom legal petition. An attorney can ensure your paperwork is drafted correctly and meets all court standards.
- Lean on Community and Financial Resources: You are not alone in this process. Various Missouri organizations offer financial aid to cover legal fees and provide a strong support network to help you through each step.
What You Need for a Missouri Gender Marker Change
Navigating the process of updating your legal documents can feel overwhelming, especially when the rules change. In Missouri, the requirements for changing the gender marker on your driver’s license and other state IDs have recently been updated. Understanding these new standards is the first step toward ensuring your official documents accurately reflect who you are. This process involves specific legal and medical documentation, and knowing what to expect can make a significant difference.
Whether you’re just starting to consider this process or you’re ready to take the next steps, it’s important to have a clear picture of what lies ahead. Let’s walk through the current requirements, from the necessary paperwork to the legal standards you’ll need to meet.
What’s New with Missouri’s Policy?
Missouri has implemented a stricter policy for changing the gender marker on state-issued identification, like a driver’s license. Previously, you could update your ID with a signed form from a doctor, therapist, or social worker. However, the state now requires you to provide either proof of gender-affirmation surgery or a court order. This change was made without much public announcement, so many people are still learning about the new process. This shift makes the legal path, specifically obtaining a court order, a more central part of updating your documents. You can read more about how the Missouri agency changed the rules to understand the full context.
Your Document Checklist
To successfully change your gender marker, you’ll need to gather specific documents. The exact paperwork depends on which ID you are updating.
- For a Driver’s License or State ID: You must present either a certified court order recognizing your gender change or a signed letter from a surgeon confirming that you have undergone gender-affirmation surgery.
- For a Birth Certificate: The requirements are slightly different. You will need a court order that explicitly states your sex has been changed by surgical procedure and that your name has been changed.
For a complete overview of the requirements for various Missouri identity documents, it’s helpful to review the guidelines for each one.
What Are the Medical and Legal Requirements?
Because Missouri does not provide a standard form for a gender marker change, you must draft and file your own legal petition with the court. This petition is the formal request you make to a judge to legally recognize your gender. The document needs to be written correctly and contain all the necessary information to be successful. Since this is a formal legal proceeding, it can be challenging to handle on your own. Working with an attorney can ensure your petition meets all the court’s standards and is presented effectively. If you need help preparing your petition, our team is here to provide guidance and represent your interests.
How Much Will This Cost?
Changing your name and gender marker involves several costs. You’ll have to pay court filing fees for your petition, and there are also fees for getting new copies of your driver’s license, birth certificate, and other documents. These expenses can add up, creating a financial barrier for some. Fortunately, there are resources available to help. Some organizations offer financial assistance specifically for the trans and nonbinary community to help cover these legal costs. For example, programs like KC Care provide microgrants for name and gender marker changes to help ease the financial burden.
Understanding the Current Legal Climate for Transgender Missourians
The legal landscape for transgender individuals in Missouri is complex and has seen significant changes recently. New laws and court decisions have created a challenging environment, impacting everything from healthcare access to participation in school sports. At the same time, there is a strong and active response from legal advocates and local communities who are fighting to protect and expand transgender rights. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as they form the backdrop for personal legal processes like changing your name and gender marker. This section will give you an overview of the key laws, legal battles, and public attitudes shaping the current climate in our state.
Recent Legislation Restricting Transgender Rights
In recent years, Missouri has passed legislation that directly affects the rights and well-being of transgender people, particularly youth. These laws have introduced new barriers to accessing essential medical care and have limited the ability of transgender students to participate fully in school activities. These developments have created uncertainty and concern within the community, making it more important than ever to stay informed about the current state of the law. Knowing your rights and the specific restrictions in place is the first step in making informed decisions for yourself and your family.
The “Missouri Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act” (SB 49)
One of the most significant recent laws is the “Missouri Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act,” also known as SB 49. This act stops medical professionals from providing gender-affirming care, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, to transgender individuals under the age of 18. The law creates major obstacles for transgender youth seeking to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity, forcing many families to either halt treatment or seek care out of state. This legislation has been a focal point of legal challenges and public debate across Missouri.
Restrictions on Transgender Student Athletes
Another law passed in 2023 specifically targets transgender student athletes. This legislation bans transgender girls and women from competing on female sports teams at public and private schools, from elementary level through college. The law is set to expire in August 2027, but its immediate effect is to exclude transgender students from participating in athletics that align with their gender identity. This has added another layer of difficulty for transgender youth, who already face significant social and emotional challenges in school environments.
The Legal Fight for Transgender Rights
In response to these restrictive measures, a dedicated fight for transgender rights is underway in Missouri’s courtrooms and communities. Advocacy groups, legal organizations, and everyday citizens are pushing back against discriminatory laws and working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. These efforts highlight the resilience of the community and its allies, who continue to challenge injustice and champion equality. From high-profile lawsuits to grassroots organizing, the work to protect transgender Missourians is active and ongoing.
The Noe v. Parson Lawsuit
A key legal battle is the Noe v. Parson lawsuit, which was filed to challenge the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The lawsuit was brought forward by organizations like Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Missouri on behalf of transgender youth and their families. Unfortunately, a Missouri court upheld the ban, dealing a significant blow to the plaintiffs. This decision underscores the difficult legal road ahead, but the case also represents the persistent effort to defend access to essential health care through the judicial system.
Local Responses and “Sanctuary Cities”
While the state government has enacted restrictive policies, some local communities have moved in the opposite direction. Cities like Kansas City and Columbia have declared themselves “sanctuary cities” for transgender rights. This designation means their local governments are committed to protecting transgender individuals from the impact of discriminatory state laws and policies. These local initiatives offer a measure of hope and safety, demonstrating that support for the transgender community is strong in many parts of Missouri.
Missouri’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights
When you look at the broader picture of LGBTQ+ rights in Missouri, it’s clear that there’s a disconnect between state-level policies and the views of many residents. While advocacy organizations have given the state low marks for its lack of protective laws, public opinion polls show that a majority of Missourians support equality. This contrast is important to remember—it shows that while the legal environment can be hostile, many of your neighbors and community members believe in fairness and inclusion for everyone.
State Rankings and Public Opinion
The Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group, gives Missouri its lowest ranking, labeling it a “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality.” This ranking reflects the absence of statewide laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. However, public opinion tells a different story. By 2017, 58% of Missouri residents supported same-sex marriage, and 65% were in favor of non-discrimination laws. This gap suggests that while the legal framework has not caught up, the hearts and minds of many Missourians are in a place of support.
How to Change Your Gender Marker in Missouri
Changing your legal documents to reflect your identity is a significant milestone, but the process can feel overwhelming. Missouri has specific requirements that you’ll need to meet, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference. We’ve broken down the journey into clear, manageable steps to help you move forward with confidence. Think of this as your roadmap—a guide to help you gather what you need, file the right paperwork, and understand the timeline. While every person’s situation is unique, this step-by-step process covers the essential milestones for updating your gender marker on key identification documents in Missouri.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
First things first, let’s get your paperwork in order. To change your gender marker in Missouri, you can no longer simply self-attest. Following a recent policy update, you must provide specific proof. You will need either a court order that officially states your gender has changed or documented proof of gender reassignment surgery. This is the most critical step, as these documents are the foundation for all the changes that follow. Take your time to ensure you have the correct, legally recognized documentation before moving on to the next phase.
Step 2: File with the Department of Revenue
With your court order or proof of surgery in hand, your next stop is the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). This is where you will update your driver’s license or state-issued ID card. When you visit a license office, you will present your foundational documents from Step 1 to the clerk. This is the official action that allows the state to issue you a new ID that accurately reflects your gender identity. Be prepared to complete the standard application forms for a new or updated license and pay any associated fees.
Step 3: Update Your Birth Certificate
Updating your birth certificate is a separate but equally important process. In Missouri, this requires a court order that explicitly confirms your sex has been changed by surgery. You will also need to provide documentation of any legal name change you have completed. This step is vital because your birth certificate is a primary identity document used for many other legal and administrative purposes. Having it align with your identity creates consistency across all your records and helps prevent future complications.
Step 4: Change Your Social Security Card
After updating your state-level documents, you’ll want to address your federal records. You can still change your Social Security card to reflect a legal name change. However, it’s important to be aware that the Social Security Administration’s current policy does not allow for updates to the gender marker in their records. While this can be frustrating, updating your name is still a crucial step to ensure your records are as consistent as possible across different government agencies. This helps with employment, banking, and other areas where your Social Security number is used for verification.
How Long Will the Process Take?
The timeline for completing these steps can vary quite a bit. The biggest variable is often how long it takes to secure a court order, as processing times can differ from one court to another. Gathering the necessary medical documentation can also take time. It’s wise to prepare for a process that may take several months from start to finish. Patience is key, but so is preparation. If you run into hurdles or feel unsure about the requirements, it may be helpful to consult with a legal professional who can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Understanding the Required Documents in Detail
Getting your documents in order is the most detailed part of this process, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Think of it as a checklist—once you know exactly what you need, you can tackle it one item at a time. The key is precision. Missouri has specific requirements for the paperwork you submit, and understanding them upfront will save you a lot of time and potential headaches down the road. From the exact wording on your court order to the type of medical proof you provide, every detail matters. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to have on hand so you can approach this with confidence. Having everything prepared correctly makes the official steps, like visiting the DMV, go much more smoothly. If you find yourself struggling to gather the right paperwork, our team is here to provide legal guidance.
Getting Your Court Order Right
Your court order is the cornerstone of this process. For it to be accepted, it needs to contain very specific language. The order must clearly state that your sex has changed as a result of surgery and that your name has also been legally changed. This isn’t a place for ambiguity; the wording needs to be direct and explicit to meet the state’s requirements. Before you finalize anything with the court, double-check that this exact phrasing is included. Getting this right from the start prevents your application from being delayed or rejected. For more details on state-specific requirements, the National Center for Transgender Equality provides a helpful guide to Missouri identity documents.
How to Provide Proof of Surgery
In Missouri, you’ll need to provide official proof that you have undergone gender confirmation surgery. This is typically a letter from the surgeon who performed the procedure. The letter should confirm the type of surgery and that it is complete. However, the state does offer an alternative. If you have a court order that officially declares your gender, that can often be used in place of a surgeon’s letter. This is an important option, especially since the path to medical transition looks different for everyone. Having one of these two documents is essential for moving forward with changing your ID.
What to Do If You Don’t Have Proof of Surgery
What if you haven’t had surgery or don’t have the required letter? Don’t panic—there may still be a path forward. While the official requirement is proof of surgery, local license offices have been instructed to handle these situations with some flexibility. If you arrive without the standard documentation, the clerk may contact their main office for guidance. In some cases, other forms of documentation might be accepted. It’s not a guarantee, but it shows that the system has some room for individual circumstances. This is a situation where having a legal expert to advocate on your behalf can make a significant difference.
What Happens During Document Verification?
It’s important to know that the verification process and required forms can change. For example, the Missouri Department of Revenue previously used a specific form (Form 5532) for this process, but it has since been removed from the website and is no longer accepted. If you try to use this outdated form, it will be rejected. This highlights how crucial it is to have the most current information. Always check the official Department of Revenue website or consult with a legal professional to ensure you are using the correct, up-to-date procedures and paperwork for your application.
Finding a Gender Marker Correction Lawyer and Other Support
Going through the gender marker change process can feel complicated, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. A strong support network can make all the difference. From legal professionals who can handle the paperwork to advocacy groups and community organizations, there are plenty of resources in Missouri ready to help you. Knowing where to turn for legal, financial, and emotional support can help you move forward with confidence.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for You
In Missouri, changing your gender marker isn’t as simple as filling out a standard form. Because the state doesn’t provide one, you or your attorney must create a custom petition to file with the court. This is where having the right legal expert on your side becomes essential. An experienced attorney can draft and file all the necessary legal documents, ensure they meet the court’s specific requirements, and represent you in any hearings. When looking for a lawyer, seek out someone with a background in family law or LGBTQ+ advocacy. Most importantly, find a professional you trust to handle your case with the respect and dedication it deserves. If you need guidance, our team is here to help you understand your options.
Missouri Advocacy Groups That Offer Support
State policies can change unexpectedly, and advocacy organizations are often the first to know. For instance, when the Missouri Department of Revenue recently altered the process for updating a gender marker, groups like PROMO Missouri were instrumental in alerting the public and providing clear guidance. These organizations monitor legislative and administrative changes, ensuring the community has the most accurate and up-to-date information. Following them online or subscribing to their newsletters can give you access to procedural updates, educational resources, and action alerts that empower you to be your own best advocate throughout the process. They are an invaluable resource for anyone working through these legal steps.
Finding Financial Assistance Programs
The costs associated with changing your name and gender marker—including court filing fees, attorney expenses, and fees for new documents—can add up. If you’re concerned about the financial side of things, know that help is available. Several organizations offer financial assistance to ease this burden. For example, the KC CARE Health Center provides microgrants specifically for transgender and nonbinary individuals to cover the costs of correcting their legal documents. Don’t let financial barriers stand in your way. Researching these programs can provide the support you need to complete the process without unnecessary financial stress.
Where to Find LGBTQ+ Support Services
Beyond legal and financial assistance, connecting with community support services can provide much-needed emotional and practical guidance. Organizations like the St. Louis Name/Gender Marker Change Mutual Aid exist exclusively to help people with this process. These groups offer a unique space to connect with peers who have firsthand experience and can share advice, answer questions, and offer encouragement. Whether it’s a local support group or an online forum, finding a community that understands what you’re going through can be incredibly validating. This network can offer solidarity and practical tips that make the entire journey feel less isolating.
Know Your Rights as a Transgender Person in Missouri
Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, but understanding your rights is the first step toward advocating for yourself effectively. The process of changing your gender marker involves both state and federal laws, and knowing what protections are in place can make a significant difference. It’s also crucial to know how to safeguard your personal information and what steps to take if you encounter discrimination. This knowledge empowers you to move through the process with more confidence and ensures you have a plan for handling any challenges that may arise.
What Protections Does Missouri Law Offer?
One of the unique challenges in Missouri is that the state does not provide standard forms for changing your gender marker. This means you must create and file your own petition with the court. While this allows for a personalized approach, it also means the process isn’t as straightforward as in other states. Without a clear template to follow, it’s easy to miss a required detail or legal nuance. This is why working with an attorney who understands family law and court procedures can be so valuable. They can help you draft a petition that meets all legal standards, ensuring your case proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Statewide Non-Discrimination Laws
It’s important to understand that Missouri currently does not have statewide laws that protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This applies to critical areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations. This lack of comprehensive legal protection means that, outside of a few cities with local ordinances, individuals can face discrimination without a clear path for legal recourse at the state level. This legal environment underscores the importance of having all your official documents in order. While it doesn’t change the process for a gender marker change, it highlights the reality that having accurate identification is a key step in securing your identity in a state where other LGBTQ+ rights are not fully protected.
Identification Documents
The rules for updating your Missouri driver’s license have become more specific. To change your gender marker, you must now provide either a court order or documented proof of gender-affirmation surgery. This is a significant shift from the previous policy, which was more flexible. The court order itself has strict requirements; it must explicitly state that your sex has changed due to surgery and that your name has been legally changed. This specificity is non-negotiable for the Department of Revenue. Because of this quiet policy update, ensuring your legal paperwork is drafted perfectly is more critical than ever to avoid rejection and delays.
Protections for LGBTQ+ Students
For transgender youth and their families, the school environment is a major concern. Missouri does not have state laws that protect LGBTQ+ students from bullying or discrimination. In fact, the state has a law that prevents local school districts from creating their own specific anti-bullying or non-discrimination policies that include LGBTQ+ protections. This can leave students in a vulnerable position, often without formal support systems within their schools. This lack of protection in educational settings makes it even more important for students to have accurate identification documents, which can help affirm their identity and reduce instances of being misgendered by school staff and systems.
Understanding Your Rights Under Federal Law
While your driver’s license and birth certificate are governed by state rules, federal laws also play a key role. Under federal law, you have the right to change your gender marker on federal documents like your passport and Social Security card. However, the specific requirements can vary, and sometimes federal agencies look to your state documents as proof. This interplay between state and federal regulations highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach. Ensuring your documents are consistent across all levels of government helps prevent confusion and potential issues down the road when you need to verify your identity.
How to Protect Your Privacy
Throughout the gender marker change process, you will be handling sensitive legal documents. Protecting your privacy is paramount. A good rule of thumb is to keep your court orders and updated identification private, sharing them only when absolutely necessary. Think of these documents like your Social Security card—you wouldn’t hand them out to just anyone. When you do need to provide proof, ask if a copy is acceptable instead of the original. Keeping your personal information secure helps safeguard you from potential discrimination and identity theft. Many trans health resources also recommend this practice.
What to Do If You Face Discrimination
Unfortunately, discrimination can be a reality for many people during this process. If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a state agency or another party, it’s important to know you have options. Local advocacy groups are an excellent first point of contact; they can offer immediate support, guidance, and resources. You can report your experience to organizations that track these issues. Furthermore, if you believe your legal rights have been violated, seeking legal counsel is a critical step. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action to protect your rights.
How to Handle Common Challenges
The path to updating your legal documents can sometimes feel like a maze, with unexpected turns and confusing signs. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, policies, and personal hurdles that can arise. The key is to anticipate these challenges and know where to turn for help. Whether you’re struggling to find the right forms, dealing with administrative red tape, or just need someone to talk to, remember that you have options and there are people ready to support you. Let’s walk through some of the most common obstacles and discuss practical ways to handle them.
What If You Can’t Get the Right Documents?
One of the first hurdles many people encounter in Missouri is the lack of standardized forms for a gender marker change. Unlike other legal processes that have clear, fill-in-the-blank paperwork, you’ll need to create your own petition to file with the court. This means you can’t just download a form from a state website. Instead, you or your attorney will have to draft a legal document from scratch that formally requests the court to recognize your gender identity. This step can feel intimidating, but it’s a standard part of the process in our state. Having an experienced legal professional guide you can ensure your petition meets all the necessary legal standards and is filed correctly.
How to Overcome Administrative Hurdles
It can be incredibly frustrating when the rules seem to change without warning. Recently, the Missouri Department of Revenue altered its policy for updating the gender marker on state IDs, creating new requirements that caught many by surprise. To change your gender on a Missouri ID, you now need to provide either proof of gender-affirming surgery or a court order stating your gender has legally changed. This sudden shift has made the process more complicated and can feel like a major setback. Navigating these new administrative procedures requires patience and a clear understanding of exactly what the DOR is asking for, so you can gather the correct documentation ahead of time.
How to Build Your Support System
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Building a strong support system is one of the most important things you can do. This network can include friends, family, and community organizations that specialize in helping people with name and gender marker changes. Groups like the St. Louis Name/Gender Marker Change Mutual Aid exist specifically to offer resources and guidance to people navigating this journey. Statewide LGBTQ+ organizations have also launched campaigns to help people report issues and connect with others facing similar challenges. Leaning on these groups can provide not only practical advice but also the emotional support needed to see the process through.
What Are Your Options If You Get Stuck?
The costs associated with changing your legal documents—from court filing fees to attorney expenses—can add up quickly. If finances are a concern, it’s worth exploring alternative solutions designed to ease the burden. Several organizations offer financial assistance specifically for trans and nonbinary individuals. You may be able to find microgrants for trans health that can help cover the cost of correcting your name and gender marker on official documents. These programs are designed to make the process more accessible, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of having identification that accurately reflects who you are. Taking the time to research these options can make a significant difference.
Additional Resources for Missouri Transgender Residents
Going through the gender marker change process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Connecting with organizations and community groups can provide much-needed guidance, financial help, and emotional support. Whether you’re looking for direct assistance with paperwork or simply want to talk to people who understand, there are incredible resources available right here in Missouri and across the country. Think of these groups as an extension of your support system, ready to help you at every stage.
Key Missouri Organizations to Know
When you need specialized, local guidance, some organizations are dedicated entirely to this process. The St. Louis Name/Gender Marker Change Mutual Aid (St. Louis NCMA), for example, focuses exclusively on helping people with the name and gender marker change process. They understand the specific hurdles you might face in Missouri and can offer targeted support to get you through them. Their work is a testament to the power of community aid, ensuring that no one has to figure out these complex steps by themselves. You can find a list of their services and other helpful resources on their website.
National Resources for the Transgender Community
Broader organizations are also working to make this process easier. PROMO’s “The ID for Me” campaign is a great example of advocacy in action. They are gathering feedback from people affected by Missouri’s recent policy changes to better understand community needs and push for clearer, more accessible policies. Additionally, the financial side of this process can be a major barrier. Some groups offer financial assistance through microgrants specifically for trans and nonbinary people to help cover the legal costs of correcting their names and gender markers on official documents, easing some of the burden.
Finding Local and Online Support Groups
Because Missouri doesn’t have standard state forms for changing your gender marker, you have to create your own petition to the court. This can feel like a daunting task, but you’re not the first person to go through it. This is where local and online support groups become invaluable. Connecting with others who have successfully completed the process can provide practical tips and much-needed encouragement. Many local LGBTQ+ centers can point you toward these groups, and there are organizations ready to assist with the legal steps involved in filing your petition.
How to Get Involved in Advocacy
When the Missouri Department of Revenue changed the rules for updating gender markers on identifying documents, it highlighted the need for strong community voices. Getting involved in advocacy is a powerful way to turn a frustrating experience into positive change. Advocacy efforts are crucial in making sure lawmakers and state agencies understand the real-world impact of these policies. Sharing your story with a campaign like “The ID for Me” or supporting organizations that fight for LGBTQ+ rights helps ensure that the process becomes fairer and more transparent for everyone in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a lawyer to change my gender marker in Missouri? Because Missouri does not provide a standard, fill-in-the-blank form for this process, you are required to draft and file your own legal petition with the court. While it’s technically possible to do this yourself, working with an attorney ensures your petition is written correctly and meets all the court’s specific legal standards. This can prevent costly delays or rejections and gives you a professional advocate to represent your interests.
What if I haven’t had surgery? Can I still update my driver’s license? Yes, you still have a path forward. The state now requires either a letter from a surgeon confirming surgery or a court order that legally recognizes your gender. If you have not had surgery, focusing on obtaining a court order is the most direct route. This legal document serves as the official proof the Department of Revenue needs to update your license.
Is it expensive to change my legal documents, and is there any financial help available? The costs can add up between court filing fees, attorney expenses, and charges for new documents like your license and birth certificate. However, you shouldn’t let finances stop you. Several community organizations and health centers offer financial assistance, such as microgrants, specifically to help transgender and nonbinary individuals cover the costs of updating their legal documents.
Why is the process for updating a birth certificate different from a driver’s license? These documents are issued and managed by different government agencies, each with its own set of rules. To update a Missouri birth certificate, the law is very specific and requires a court order that explicitly states your sex was changed by surgical procedure. The Department of Revenue has a slightly different standard for driver’s licenses, which allows for either proof of surgery or a more general court order recognizing your gender.
What’s the difference between changing my name and changing my gender marker? These are two separate legal actions, though they are often completed at the same time. A name change petition asks the court to legally recognize your new name. A gender marker change petition asks the court to legally recognize your gender identity. You can file a single petition that requests both changes, which is often the most efficient way to handle the process.
