Name and Marker Change

[TK9NY]

I'm looking into getting my name change sorted out this week, plus looking into what i need for the gender marker change (i figure i'll change both on my license at the same time.) I have a few questions, though.

One: I'm using a program that fills out the paperwork for you and then prints it, so all you have to do is sign in front of a notary before you file.... one of the first questions is about gender.... do i put my current legal gender (F) or does it matter?

Two: Sign and date in front of a notary public.... that's something that can be done at a bank, right? Or does it have to be at the court? It says i just have to sign the petition for name change and the request for judicial intervention, is that all i need i assume? (Plus certified copy of birth certificate and photo ID according to the program.)

Three: Gender marker is done at DMV with a letter from therapist, right? Is that all i need? What about other legal documents, doctor's office, insurance, etc? Do i have to change the gender marker on my birth certificate before it's official EVERYWHERE?

Four: Changing the birth certificate. I assume it varies by state. I was born in Ohio, which i read is not very cooperative about changing birth certificates.... how do i go about doing it? I assume that i need my birth certificate changed.....?

I know it would probably be easier to hire a lawyer, but i prob can't afford one and i doubt i qualify for any sort of assistance/aid (i'm in the bracket that makes just enough to not qualify for these things but to me seems like not enough at all lol). My parents might help out but i honestly don't know if it would get done any time soon if i went that route so i'm just going to wing it myself. It doesn't look too hard but any advice would be appreciated.

If it matters, i live in NYS and was born in Ohio.

[Ryuichi13]

I'm looking into getting my name change sorted out this week, plus looking into what i need for the gender marker change (i figure i'll change both on my license at the same time.) I have a few questions, though.

One: I'm using a program that fills out the paperwork for you and then prints it, so all you have to do is sign in front of a notary before you file.... one of the first questions is about gender.... do i put my current legal gender (F) or does it matter?

Two: Sign and date in front of a notary public.... that's something that can be done at a bank, right? Or does it have to be at the court? It says i just have to sign the petition for name change and the request for judicial intervention, is that all i need i assume? (Plus certified copy of birth certificate and photo ID according to the program.)

Three: Gender marker is done at DMV with a letter from therapist, right? Is that all i need? What about other legal documents, doctor's office, insurance, etc? Do i have to change the gender marker on my birth certificate before it's official EVERYWHERE?

Four: Changing the birth certificate. I assume it varies by state. I was born in Ohio, which i read is not very cooperative about changing birth certificates.... how do i go about doing it? I assume that i need my birth certificate changed.....?

I know it would probably be easier to hire a lawyer, but i prob can't afford one and i doubt i qualify for any sort of assistance/aid (i'm in the bracket that makes just enough to not qualify for these things but to me seems like not enough at all lol). My parents might help out but i honestly don't know if it would get done any time soon if i went that route so i'm just going to wing it myself. It doesn't look too hard but any advice would be appreciated.

If it matters, i live in NYS and was born in Ohio.

I too was born in Ohio and live in a different state.  I haven't even looked into legally changing the name on my birth certificate due to not being able to change my gender marker.  Maybe I should, but right now, its not important to me.

As the above statement shows, laws differ from state to state.  The best thing I can suggest is to go to your state's website and look up legal name changes.  I know that here in Connecticut, I first had to change my name and gender at the Social Security office before I could do it on my drivers license.  In other words, Federal first, before the state would recognize it.  It might be possible to do it at the same time in your state (New York State, I'm guessing, since I'm unfamiliar with "NYS"), but the website would probably be your best bet.

If you ask me, if you want to be perceived as male, now's the time to start filling out paperwork as such!  That's what I started doing, knowing that eventually my legal gender marker would eventually catch up with the paperwork.  Once you have been recognized as male and have had your name legally changed, both at the Federal and State levels,it should be easier to change your gender marker with your insurance and everyplace else.  You MAY have to show your court documentation papers to show that you are now your legal name as well, so be aware of that fact. 

It actually was more hassle changing my Paypal info than it was changing my drivers license!

If you find out any info about changing your Ohio birth certificate, feel free to let me know.  I'm subscribing to this thread either way!

Good luck!

Ryuichi

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[jill610]

I'm in a similar boat with Ohio, and currently reside in PA though lived in upstate NY for many years.

Here, I had to fill out a form with DMV which included my therapists license/ ertification number and her signature. It took a while for them to process it while I was standing there but it was overall simple to do. For the name change. Same thing, a form and a copy of the court order.

Many people here change the name and marker on the license then go to SSA and change it all there both in the same day. Then, once you have that you can get an updated passport which usually substitutes for a birth certificate.

At my work, I will need to supply a copy of the court order and my new license and updated social security card, and they take care of everything else - all the internal systems, payroll, Fidelity, insurance, etc.

I am bummed about the whole Ohio now ignoring out of state court orders now though. I'd love to change that.

[TK9NY]

Yeah, i'm getting the paperwork started now. Figured it was time. I'm hoping to have it all ironed out by summer? Maybe sooner?

But from how i've been reading it once i get the name change court order it's pretty simple to get your name changed at the DMV (i just need the court order and my old license), and supposedly you only need the therapist note to get your marker changed there. I'll prob do SS at the same time, if not before.... i assume i have to do that in person? Which means i have to find that office.... Day trip, i guess, once i get the note from my therapist and the court papers.

The issue will likely be the birth certificate from what i've read, though if i can change everything at the DMV and SS to get an updated passport, maybe not being able to have my birth certificate changed isn't a big deal right away? The biggest things are my license, passport, and all my basic info with work, insurance, doctor's offices, and making sure everything is legal and i can't be "questioned" (if that makes sense).

I'm not worried about stuff at work though - my boss is super awesome and will be able to take care of everything through work (including my insurance information). She's done it before, i'm pretty sure. I'm not the first trans person where i work. I'm just looking for advice on filling out the paperwork, filing it, and wether or not changing my gender marker on DMV/SS/passport is enough for change it everywhere else (if i can't figure out the birth certificate thing.)

Below is what i found on amending gender marker on birth certificates in Ohio:

"Ohio statute does not provide any guidance on updating the gender marker on a birth certificate. Currently, the Ohio Department of Health is refusing to issue birth certificates with updated gender markers, even when presented with a court order for gender change.

In the past, the Ohio Department of Health was issuing updated birth certificates when presented with a court ordered gender change from another state. Generally speaking individuals have not been able to get a court order of gender change from an Ohio court, due to an old Ohio court decision stating that courts do not have the authority to issue such orders. To apply for an amended birth certificate applicants can submit the completed application for birth certificate, the court order ordering the change of sex (and name if applicable), and the associated fee to purchase the certificate."

So it sounds like you can just order a new certificate with new gender marker and name?!?

[Ryuichi13]

*snip*


Below is what i found on amending gender marker on birth certificates in Ohio:

"Ohio statute does not provide any guidance on updating the gender marker on a birth certificate. Currently, the Ohio Department of Health is refusing to issue birth certificates with updated gender markers, even when presented with a court order for gender change.

In the past, the Ohio Department of Health was issuing updated birth certificates when presented with a court ordered gender change from another state. Generally speaking individuals have not been able to get a court order of gender change from an Ohio court, due to an old Ohio court decision stating that courts do not have the authority to issue such orders. To apply for an amended birth certificate applicants can submit the completed application for birth certificate, the court order ordering the change of sex (and name if applicable), and the associated fee to purchase the certificate."

So it sounds like you can just order a new certificate with new gender marker and name?!?

I think that it might be a good idea to actually CALL your birth county and talk to someone about changing your gender marker on your birth certificate.  Iirc, the current govenor changed the law letting someone do so back in 2015.  You MIGHT only be able to legally change your NAME that way.  Idunno.

Ryuichi

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[TK9NY]

I'll def give them a call at some point, maybe once i get everything in NY sorted out. In the mean time, my mom did bring over a certified copy of my birth certificate so tomorrow i'm going to get the papers notarized and then file them for the name change.

I'm practically vibrating with excitement, and nerves - i hope i filled it all out right and bring everything i need, lol.

[Ryuichi13]

I'll def give them a call at some point, maybe once i get everything in NY sorted out. In the mean time, my mom did bring over a certified copy of my birth certificate so tomorrow i'm going to get the papers notarized and then file them for the name change.

I'm practically vibrating with excitement, and nerves - i hope i filled it all out right and bring everything i need, lol.

NOICE! [emoji109]  Way to go bro! [emoji106]

And don't forget, any info you find out about the Ohio birth certificate issue, feel free to post it here.  Us Ohioans really could use some new info about it!

Ryuichi

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[TK9NY]

NOICE! [emoji109]  Way to go bro! [emoji106]

And don't forget, any info you find out about the Ohio birth certificate issue, feel free to post it here.  Us Ohioans really could use some new info about it!

Ryuichi

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Thanks! I'll definitely update this as i find out.... now i'm off to get the papers notarized and filed. Woot!