Changing Your Driver’s License
Many transgender people wish to change their name and gender on their drivers' licenses. As long as your physician can attest to your sexual reassignment, it can be done. But while having an accurate license can be helpful, given how often you must use it for identification purposes, you should understand that changing your gender on your driver's license does not equate to a legal change of your sex.
When you apply to change your license, you are likely to be required to produce:
• Documentation of your old identity, such as your current driver's license.
• A Social Security card that reflects your new name. To apply for this, you will need to submit a name change form, SS-5, to the Social Security Administration. You can download this form and instructions from the Social Security Administration.
• Documentation of your sexual reassignment from a physician. In some states, this may consist of a letter. In other states, such as California, the state requires that a doctor complete a "Medical Information Authorization, Name and Gender Change" form (referred to as DMV form DL 328).
• An application for a new driver's license.
Note that specific requirements vary from state to state. You should, therefore, contact your local department of motor vehicles to confirm the requirements in your area.
Important note:
Please keep in mind that the information provided by HRC is intended for educational purposes only and may or may not be valid in your state. We strongly recommend that you consult a local attorney with experience in transgender issues. It is also important that you understand that the information provided here in no way constitutes, and should not be relied upon, as legal advice.