Identity Documents and Government Databases
Updating name and gender markers is a very important step in a trans youth’s gender journey. Having documents which accurately reflect one’s deeply held sense of self can alleviate dysphoria, affirm a trans youth’s identity, and make trans youth safer. Having matching documents promotes safety because holding non-updated documents can out a trans person, potentially placing them in a dangerous and unideal situation.
Change your name with Social Security Office
All documents you bring to Social Security need to be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. You can find the nearest SSA office at the Social Security website.
How to change your gender marker with Social Security
PAPERWORK NEEDED:
Fill out a Form SS-5 “Application for a Social Security Card.” (This form is also available at SSA office)
Proof of legal name change: A legal name change document, such as a court ordered name change or marriage certificate (if you changed your name through marriage). The document must have the old name and new name listed on it. If it does not have enough identifying information, SSA will request an identity document in your prior name and another in your new legal name in addition to the name change document. (Massachusetts issued court-ordered name changes list old and new name)
If you were born outside of the U.S., you also need to prove your U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status.
If you are a U.S. citizen and have not previously established citizenship with SSA, you will need to present a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other proof of citizenship.
Your name in employment personnel records should match the name on your Social Security card until you receive the revised card.
Changing your name on your passport
All documents need to be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. See U.S. Department of State guidelines for more information.
IMPORTANT: Look at the National Center for Transgender Equality’s guide for updating the name and gender marker on a passport. They provide separate instructions for children under and over 16. Minors are legally allowed to update their passports.
IF YOU HAVE A CURRENT VALID PASSPORT LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD:
A completed application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement Form DS-5504.
A certified copy of a marriage certificate or name change court decree to prove that your name has legally changed.
Your current passport
Two new photos
Using the DS-5044 form, there is no fee unless you need your passport immediately.
Using US Postal Service, mail all of this information to:
National Passport Processing
P.O. Box 13290
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3290
IF YOUR PASSPORT IS OLDER THAN ONE YEAR:
A completed DS-82 form (Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail).
A certified copy of a marriage certificate or name change court decree to prove that your name has legally changed.
Your current passport.
Two new photos.
You will have to pay all of the fees associated with getting a new passport.
Using US Postal Service, mail all of this information to:
National Passport Processing
P.O. Box 371971
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7971
Important Resources:
Gender Marker Change*
Here’s all the information you need to know to change your gender marker on various government documents (state and federal).
Look at the National Center for Transgender Equality’s guide for updating the name and gender marker on a passport. They provide separate instructions for children under and over 16. Minors are legally allowed to update their passports.
Please note: As declared by the U.S. Department of State, medical certification is no longer required to change the gender marker on your U.S. passport.
*We are monitoring the expected update to gender marker applications which will allow a non-binary marker. We will update this page as soon as the Department of State publishes more information.
Some information on this page is credited to Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.