How to legally change your gender marker and/or name on your ID
Changing your gender marker and/or name doesn’t have to be scary. It just takes time, patience, and about $500.
How do I get started?
Gather your paperwork.
Legally changing your name requires a court order, so start in Family Court. From start to finish, it can take 4-6 months on average.
You need to file a Petition for Name Change. This will require a $400.00 filing fee, but you may be able to waive the filing fee, if you qualify. All of these forms, and detailed instructions are available on the Florida Courts website, under the Self-Help Information.
You can also get free assistance online, over the phone and in person by contacting either the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Family Court Services or the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Volusia County Family Law.
There are different forms and slightly different rules if you are changing the name of an adult versus a child, so make sure you download the right form(s).
In Florida, a legal name change requires a criminal background check. The Clerk will provide you with detailed instructions when you file your petition, but you can also learn more on the Volusia Sheriff’s website (currently $5.00 to get your fingerprint card). Once you have your fingerprint card, you’ll need to pay for your criminal background check online. You need to have the fingerprint card in hand to order the background check (currently $37.50).
Once your background check is complete, you will be scheduled for a court date before a judge or magistrate to discuss your case. If your petition is approved, you will receive an order from the court granting your name change. You will need certified copies of the order for the next steps. You can order these from the Clerk’s Office for $1.00 per page and $2.00 for certification. You will need several certified copies.
For a gender marker change, you will need an official letter or statement from your doctor or medical provider. Details on what is needed for your medical certification can be found here along with a sample letter.
Once I have my paperwork…
Start with the Social Security Administration. You will need an updated Social Security card with your new name to get a new driver’s license. If you are only updating your gender marker, it’s not required to have an updated card, but it’s a good idea to update the SSA, so all your legal documentation has the same gender marker.
There is currently no cost to update and replace your Social Security card.
What’s next?
Update your Driver’s License
You will be charged a $25.00 fee to replace your DL. Visit the DMV with your signed court order, current Social Security card, proof of identification and proof of address. Due to recent legislative and rules changes in Florida, updating your gender marker on your DL is no longer allowed.Update your U.S. Passport
If you have an existing passport (or need a passport), complete this step after updating your driver’s license. Passport fees vary depending on a number of factors, but you can find the information you need online or get information at the Clerk’s Office..Update your Birth Certificate (Florida)
If you were born in Florida, you’ll need to fill out an Application for Amendment to Florida Birth Certificate (amendment fee of $21.00) and send it to the Florida Department of Health and Bureau of Vital Statistics.
If you are also changing your gender marker, an additional notarized Affidavit of Amendment of Certificate of Live Birth will need to be submitted.
If you were born in a state other than Florida, start here to find the steps for your birth state.Voter registration
Take your new legal ID and paperwork and make sure to update your voter registration at your local elections office.
Congratulations! You’ve updated all your legal identification!
For more information online also check out these great resources: