Name change

[Hailey zy]

At what point in your transition did you legally change your name? And was there any criteria you need like a doctors note?

[Mariah]

By the time it happened I was full time by 12 full days already. No criteria was required. It was simple and easy where I live. Prior to that point I had asked the therapist and she made it clear to do it when your ready which I was before I got to the full time point. It might help if we knew a state so we can give you more customized info. Hugs
Mariah

[AbbyDS74]

I used a lawyer. I began the process shortly before I planned on going full time. That was a mistake in my case. It took a long time to be finalized. I ended up living full time for quite a while hoping to not get carded for anything or getting pulled over while driving. If it's possible where you live, you may be able to petition for a sealed case. That would mean no reporting in newspapers and the only people in the courtroom would be you, your lawyer, and the judge and it wouldn't be printed in the records. If you're able to do this, you'll need to prove that there is probable danger to yourself. This is easy considering the amount of violence and murder to trans women, unfortunately. I didn't need a letter but my lawyer suggested one just in case there was a question on whether your actually trans regarding your petition for a sealed case. It took me well over 6 months to get my cetificate. Yours may or may not be faster and in hind sight I would have much rather spent less time hoping to not be carded with my new name presenting as male rather than longer the other way around. Kinda up to you and a little luck I think.

[Sydney_NYC]

I waited till I was full time for about a month to change it. Did it myself through the court and stated the reason for my name change was because I was transitioning from male to female. 2 1/2 months later I have my valid court order and my gender change forms/letter from my doctor and updated everything at the same time. (DMV and Social Security). 2 months later I changed my passport.

[Kayla88]

I changed my name just before I went full time and I am pre-hormones, got bored of waiting for NHS to give me pills. I sorted out the most important things like Bank and Driving licence for ID before going full time, I really really did not want to be asked for that stuff if they hadn't changed  .

I have not needed a doctors letter to change name or documents, though I am aware when I change my passport I will require a doctors letter.

Though here in the UK I bought a deed poll to change my name, was cheap and easy on the internet, legit too.

[iKate]

I've been on HRT 9 months and had voice feminization surgery and my court hearing to change my name is next week. I would have done it sooner but I had to travel. So if all goes right by October my new name should be final.

Gender marker on my driver license is already changed to female using my old name. I did it this way to defend against any bathroom incidents and also because I get carded so frequently now I wanted a current photo.

Newspaper publishing is mandatory here.

I put the reason as "I wish to assume a more feminine name to better match my gender identity."

No doctors note is required in NJ for name change and they typically only turn you down if you're avoiding creditors or criminal prosecution. You do require a specific form filled out for motor vehicles gender marker change, which can be filled out by a doctor, psychiatrist or therapist, and of course the standard letter from a doctor (MD or DO only) for social security and other federal stuff.

Once I get my name change I will get a new social security card, naturalization certificate and new passport as well as changing my name on my driver license. I am waiting until next year for the passport because the state dept is issuing a new design.

[Hailey zy]

I live in Michigan.

How do I change my gender on my driver license? Is it as simple as going to DMV or do have to do it at court also?

[Mariah]

I wouldn't bet on it being that easy. Looks like current policy is the birth certificate has to be changed to fix the gender on your driver's license in Michigan. The birth certificate requires the surgery to be completed.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645_4933-13952--,00.html

2015 House Bill 4698: Authorize drivers license, state ID gender change