Gender Marker Change

[Simon]

Hey guys, I'm having my hysto mid next month and am not quite sure on something. What kind of letter do I need to get from my surgeon to aid me in changing my gender marker on my license? Does it need to say SRS or just that they completed a hysto?

Thanks

[wheat thins are delicious]

Depends on your state.  In mine the letter needs to be vague but convey it was an irreversible sex change procedure.

[Simon]

Ok, How exactly does someone go about getting the letter notarized? I mean the surgeon isn't going to be present at the notorizing?

The letters never expire, do they? It will be a couple years before I get my second letter needed is why I ask.

Also, I reside in a different State than the procedure is being performed in. I am almost certain that wouldn't matter since a lot of people travel for various SRS procedures but does it complicate things?

[aleon515]

I wouldn't think your surgeon would be able to notarize it. Notarizing is like a special signature.They use a stamp.  You go to your bank perhaps with all the information, sign in front of someone, pay your $5-$15.

--Jay J

[JohnAlex]

every state is different.  do you even know if your state needs a letter from a surgeon?  mine didn't.

[Simon]

Yep, what I found concerning my State says:

"An original notarized letter from your SRS surgeon, and a certified copy of the court order for your name change."

That is the requirement.

[DriftingCrow]

A lot of large offices tend to have at least one notary present--it's quite easy to become one. The notary would notarize it with their seal upon seeing the surgeon sign the paper.

[Simon]

...so the notary has to be present when the surgeon signs the paper? I'm going to see if the Hospital has a notary but if not that could make for a tricky situation.

[Arch]

I didn't need a letter for my DL, but I got one for either SSA or State Department (can't remember which). I told my surgeon that I needed a notarized letter, and he took care of it on his end.

The Transgender Law Center has sample letters. But the term "irreversible sex change surgery" is often used. I wouldn't be specific that it was hysto because some people/agencies might feel that it's not enough.

Can you call or write to the DMV and find out exactly what the letter needs to say?

[DriftingCrow]

...so the notary has to be present when the surgeon signs the paper? I'm going to see if the Hospital has a notary but if not that could make for a tricky situation.

Yes, that's the law in all states-a notary can't notarize without witnessing the signature. The purpose of notarizing something is to certify that the signature is true, and since notaries are appointed by the state (usually the secretary of state) the signature has state backing. Notaries can be even sued if it's discovered that the signature is a fraud and the notary didn't properly witness it. (But, if a notary trusts someone, they might just do it without witnessing it. If the notary at the hospital knows the doctor then she/he will probably just stamp if they recognize the signature. We're all notaries at my job and we do this all the time at work if we know the person). I am sure the hospital has something in place, so it shouldn't be hard for the doctor to get his signature notarized.

[Simon]

Yes, that's the law in all states-a notary can't notarize without witnessing the signature.

Good to know. Thanks everyone for the help.