How to Change Your Gender Marker and Name on Your Florida Drivers License and Social Security
If you are transgender and live in Florida, then you may be wondering how to go about changing your gender marker on your drivers license and social security card. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of doing both! First, we will discuss how to change your name and gender marker on your driver’s license. Then, we will talk about how to change your name and gender marker with the Social Security Administration. Finally, we will give you some tips on what to do if you need to change your name and gender marker in Florida court.
How to Change my Gender Marker on My Florida Drivers License for Trans People
If you are transgender and live in Florida, you may be wondering how to change your gender marker on your drivers license. In Florida, the process for changing your gender marker on your driver’s license is as follows:
First, you will need to gather up some documents. You will need a certified copy of either a court order changing your name or sex, or a letter from a physician or mental health professional confirming that you have undergone clinically appropriate treatment for the purpose of gender transition. You will also need to bring two forms of identification, one of which must show your current legal name and address. Examples of acceptable ID include a passport, birth certificate, out-of-state driver’s license, Social Security card, or pay stub.
Once you have gathered up the necessary documents, you will need to go to your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office and request a new driver’s license. When you do so, be sure to indicate that you would like to change your gender marker and name on your license. The office will then ask for the required documents, after which they will take your picture and issue you a new license with the correct gender marker/name.
How to Change My Name and Gender Marker With the Social Security Administration for Trans People in Florida
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains records for all U.S. citizens who have a Social Security number. This includes transgender people living in Florida. If you are transgender and wish to change your name or gender marker with the SSA, you will need to do the following:
First, you will need to gather up some documents. You will need a certified copy of either a court order changing your name or sex, or a letter from a physician or mental health professional confirming that you have undergone clinically appropriate treatment for the purpose of gender transition. You will also need to bring two forms of identification, one of which must show your current legal name and address. Examples of acceptable ID include a passport, birth certificate, out-of-state driver’s license, Social Security card, or pay stub.
Once you have gathered up the necessary documents, you can start the process by going online to the SSA’s website and creating an account. Once you have done so, you will then need to log in and select the “Change my name” option. After that, you will need to enter your new name and gender marker, as well as the reason for the change. The SSA will then review your request and make a decision. If they approve your request, they will issue you a new Social Security card with your new name and gender marker.
Tips for Changing Your Name or Gender Marker in Florida Court
If you need to change your name or gender marker in Florida court, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to know that Florida law does not require transgender people to undergo surgery in order to change their legal name or gender marker. Second, when changing your name, you can choose to have your old name completely removed from the court record or you can choose to keep it on the record but have it sealed. Lastly, when changing your gender marker, you can either have it changed on your birth certificate or you can leave it unchanged.
Don’t Forget to Change Your Gender Marker Elsewhere!
In addition to changing your gender marker on your driver’s license and Social Security card, you will also need to remember to change it on other important documents, such as your passport and birth certificate. You will also need to update your name and gender marker with the Florida Department of Health, as well as with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Ask the court and other government places if that district or county requires any other specific paperwork!
Changing your gender and name in Florida can be a lengthy process, but don’t let it discourage you like it did me for so long. I waited almost a year before actually starting the process of changing my middle name and my gender markers. The court took the longest duration, and then the back and forth with the Social Security Administration because they want EVERYTHING INK SIGNED. No printing, copy, digital signatures, etc. Ink and that is all they accept. Also all the documents were required to be certified and stamped by the court before they would accept it.