Quote from: Sophie Laurette on December 09, 2010, 08:01:06 PM
I looked also and didn't find any concrete information about NYS on first inspection.
I was born in NYC, yes. Initially I thought that it was legal to marry post up in NYC.
I was wondering if anyone knew about that process and if blood tests are still needed for marriage licenses and if so how would that affect me?
I haven't gone to change the M to an F on my birth certificate.
I'm going next week in hopes that it will all be finished in time to deal with marriage certificates, so I'll give you an update about how that goes. Going to that court is always a waking nightmare!
I think all i need is the certificate of GRS and i believe a therapy letter as well as an endocrhonologist letter? I could be wrong though.
Actually the procedure on changing your gender marker on your birth cerificate differ somewhat for those born in New York City, and for those that were born in other parts of the state.
For New York city:
You will need:
a) Court Order granting name change (Original or certified copy)
b) Detailed Surgical Operative Letter from SRS surgeon - The letter needs to go into great detail as to the specifics of your surgical procedure. In some instances you may need to submit your operative and medical records from that hospital. For the women who have GRS in foreign countries, you are strongly encouraged to procure your records before leaving the country.
c) Post Operative Examination signed by a physician other than SRS surgeon, ie. a doctor other than the original doctor who performed your surgery.
d) Post Operative Psychiatric Evaluation - This can be a short letter from a psychiatrist, psychologist, though not sure if a LICSW wil suffice, and quite frankly not sure why this is needed.
e) The cost is $15 per certified copy, plus a $5.55 mailing and service charge per order. If you want delivery by a carrier who will provide service within 2 - 3 days, there will be an additional $15.00 shipping and handling charge. If not, please allow up to one week for your request to be processed and mailed.
f) Copy of valid photo ID - Drivers license, Passport, these must all be current and signed.(See application for additional forms of acceptable ID.)
Here is the form:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/birth1.pdfContact:
Edna Timbers
etimbers@health.nyc.gov
Her telephone number is (212) 788-4520.
or:
Steven Schwartz, Ph.D.
Registrar and Director
Office of Vital Statistics and Epidemiology
sschwart@dohlan.nycnet.ci.nyc.ny.us
I was born in NYC, and have had my birth certificate changed, and have also helped other women have their's changed. It is not a particularly difficult procedure and all of the clerks that you will deal with are respectful, professional, and you most definitely will not be unique in having your records amended.
I have also been married, albeit in another state. Once you have your records amended you will be able to get married just like any other woman, no civil union, or domestic partnership, a regular marriage, with all that it encompasses.
As to New York State:
State of New York
Department of Health, Vital Records Section
Corning Tower
Empire State Plaza
Albany NY 12237
Mr. Peter Carucci
Director
Vital Records Section
pmc02@health.state.ny.us
Return the completed application, with fees as indicated on the application, and the following documents (all "original or certified copy"):
the court order for name change, bearing the court seal, certified by the clerk of the court. Certified proof of publication is also required.
The court order must include original name, date and place of birth.
The letter from your SRS surgeon, specifying date, place, and type of procedure.
The actual OPERATIVE REPORT from your SRS.
A letter from your primary therapist "documenting true transsexualism or inappropriate sexual identification."
A letter from your endocrinologist or other medical physician "concerning hormonal, chromosomal or endocrinological information."
Once these documents are received, a "medical review" will be performed, and your new certificate issued. Processing takes approximately three months. One certified copy will be provided following the amendment; any additional copies are $15.00 each.
As I stated above the good news is that many have walked in your shoes before you, and paved the way.
Congrats on your impending nuptials.
