Name change laws in Minnesota/Wisconsin

[Troy]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knew what they name change laws are in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I'm wondering how far into the transition you have to be. For instance, start on T, top surgery, etc. Also I'm wondering about the two states because I currently live in Minnesota but in a year hope to be working across the border in Wisconsin and possibly moving there. I don't know if I will have started on T by then or how long I will have been on it. And I'm just wondering if I should take the risk of moving to Wisconsin or live across the border in Minnesota.

Thanks
Troy

[Flan]

WI is easier to change name assuming you don't mind putting a legal notice in the paper, otherwise you'll need to find two witnesses to back you up in court (MN legal requirement).

[Troy]

Flan,
Thanks for the information. I don't think I would have trouble getting two people to stand up or whatever for me unless they have to be therapist or whatever.

Thanks again,

Troy

[tvc15]

You don't need to be on T or have surgery to change your name to a male name.

[GQjoey]

I had my name legally changed in MN (mpls) at the age of 16. With my dads sig, and my school social worker. It was literally, a piece of cake.

[LordKAT]

Wisconsin is easy but you do have to wait 6 weeks for the affidavit from a newspaper. Thee are no transition requirements. Total cost will be about $350 to $400.

[Kay]

Sounds like name change info has been covered above.
.
In related issues, I'm not sure what MN is like, but I do know that
you can change your gender marker on your drivers license in WI
after you get the name change (without any surgeries needed).

[tvc15]

Kay: Wait, how?!

[Kay]

I have a couple of friends who have done it (they showed me their new license).  At the same time that you present your name change at the DMV, you need to present a letter from your doctor or counselor stating you are GID/transgender and that the change is for medical/safety reasons.  I haven't done it myself yet (soon though, hopefully this year), but that's what they've told me worked for them.
.
You still can't update your Birth Cert in Wisconsin with the new gender until after surgery, but since in 99% of matters requiring identification people use their Drivers License, it does really help that you can get that done before going full time. 

[Troy]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Kay, That was going to be my next question - changing the sex marker on my drivers license.

Thanks again everyone

Troy

[LordKAT]

By the rules in Wisconsin, all you need is a letter saying you are in a gender reorientation program, also known as a carry letter, to change your DL in Wisconsin. The name change isn't the factor. It will often get them to change it for you anyway, since it seems obvious to them what you are up to.

[Troy]

Thanks LordKat

Troy