Changing Gender on U. S. Passport--Need Clarification

[Gabrielle_22]

Hullo everyone,

so, I legally changed my name today and also got a letter from my endocrinologist in the format requested by various governmental agencies in the U. S for getting a gender marker changed. While I think I know what to do with regards to changing my name/gender on my social security card (not that it contains my gender, but the application for a new card has a gender marker) and my driver's licence, I'm seeing conflicting information online about applying for an updated U. S. passport. Most guides say someone changing a gender marker must apply in person at a passport agency and fill out a DS-11, as well as presenting the official letter from the physician and all the other basic requirements. But I also read an account of someone who claims to have just filled out a DS-82 and included the letter from her physician in the mailed envelope. Because the nearest passport agency is about 2 hours' drive from where I am, it would be easier to mail my application. But I want to be sure what to do. And I'm admittedly a little confused because the Department of State website says you can fill out the DS-82 for a name change if you're eligible for its requirements, and I am, but other resources suggest you must use a DS-11.

Has anyone recently updated their name and gender on their U. S. passport? What form did you fill out? Did you just mail your application or did you have to appear in person? Thanks in advance for your time and help.

[jessical]

I will look up the exact details in a little bit, but off the top of my head it depends on if you have a current passport or and expired passport, and if you already have a court order or not.

[Gabrielle_22]

I have a current passport. It has my male name and 'M' on it. I have a court order for the name change and the letter from my physician.

[jessical]

The exact details are if you are updating both name and gender, then you have to submit the DS-11 in person.

If you passport was issued within the last year, and you just want to update your name, you can do a DS-5504, by mail.

If you are renewing (or the passport was issued more than one year ago), and you are updating your name only, then you can do a DS-82 by mail.

There are additional requirements needed for each of the cases above.  For more details you can look at the "ID Please" pdf that the transgender law center has created.  I can post a link if you want.

[kittenpower]

I went through the process a few months ago, and I was first advised by someone at the post office that I needed to submit a DS-82 form, and that was incorrect; A few weeks after I submitted the DS-82, I was contacted by  a representative at The Dept. of State, advising me that I needed to submit a DS-11 form in person at a passport acceptance facility.

[Gabrielle_22]

All right, thanks for the information to both of you! I suspected I needed the DS-11 rather than the -82. I'll fill it out and go to the agency in person. Kittenpower, did you have any problems when you went to the passport facility, or did it go smoothly?

[kittenpower]

No problems at all, it was very easy.