Selective Service

[Jigsaw]

I just wanted to drop in and give people some info they may or may not have known about.   I found out this semester when financial aid office contacted me.  Luckily, for me it was not problem, but if could impact somebody reading this in the future financially if they were not aware.

If you change your gender on financial aid for school, you will need to have a letter from Selective Service if you have not registered with them.  The form requires a copy of your birth certificate for trans folks.  I don't know if you can just mark one of the other choices as to why you did not register as a teenager if you have the required resources to prove another option, since I believe it said submit all requirements that apply.  I sent in my birth certificate as well as my DD-214 from the military since they both have my correct name and my birth certificate has the correct gender.   The letter Selective Service sends back has nothing on it stating why you were exempt from registration, so nobody has a clue, it just says you are good to go and that letter should be given to any office that questions your eligibility for financial aid.

So there you have it...   advice for anybody who plans to change their gender marker, especially on financial aid.   Be careful about changing it anywhere to be honest before you have all documents changed over that may be required for proof especially if it impacts you financially like this would have if I did not have the birth certificate already changed. 

[Devlyn]

Jigsaw, thanks for posting that information, and thank you for your service. Hugs, Devlyn

[Adio]

Yep, most guys get an SIL--Status Information Letter--saying that they are exempted.  Like you said, it doesn't say why so it won't automatically out you.

I have both an SIL and an actual number.  The # was by pure accident, extremely delightful accident.  I guess the DMV sent the info when I renewed my license. 

Important links:
http://www.sss.gov/default.htm
http://www.sss.gov/PDFs/PrinterFriendly/status.pdf

On the form, fill out all the info (name, address, etc) and then skip down to the second page where it says "Transsexual" fill in "female" and attach a copy of your BC.  Sign and mail it in.  Note that even though it says a transsexual is someone who has had a sex change, they mean anyone who has transitioned from "female to male" regardless of surgery (and probably hormones too).  I think the key is that your identity documents (DL, BC, etc) say male.  That way there is no conflict with state/federal employment, federal aid, etc.

Other info:
http://transequality.org/Resources/Selective_Service_only.pdf
http://transgenderlawcenter.org/cms/idplease/selectiveservice

[Kreuzfidel]

Sorry guys, I'm confused.  Do I have to contact the Selective Service once I have my birth certificate changed?

[Adio]

Sorry guys, I'm confused.  Do I have to contact the Selective Service once I have my birth certificate changed?

Is your gender marker changed on anything?  If not, then I don't think you need to contact them until that's been changed.  For example, if your school records have you as male and you want federal financial aid, they will ask for proof of registration (your selective service #).  Having an SIL (proof of exemption letter) is necessary because you will likely not have that number.  But if your school or whoever you need the # for lists you as female, then you don't need an exemption letter at that time.  Does that make more sense?

Also, not everyone gets that letter.  Some skip it altogether if they don't need federal aid or employment.  I still think it would be good to get just in case something comes up in the future.

[Kreuzfidel]

Oh, I see what you mean - that makes sense.  I plan on giving up my US citizenship once I have my Aussie citizenship, but I will probably contact SS after I change my birth certificate just in case, like you said.  Thanks, Adio.