Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Real-Life Experience => Topic started by: TheAwesomePrussia on August 19, 2011, 02:10:29 PM

Title: Identification
Post by: TheAwesomePrussia on August 19, 2011, 02:10:29 PM
So...just trying to get things straight. I file my name change today. So after the court date (and hopeful approval), I'll need to change my SS first, which I can't change my gender on until after GCS.
But, if I get my new passport after my appointment with my therapist, and can get her to write me a letter, I should be able to get the gender marker on it changed. And when I go to get a new DL, I should be able to show my passport on the basis that, as a federal document, it trumps a state document (birth certificate).
After which I should be able to get the proper name and gender on most, if not all, of my other important documents, contracts, and forms. (school loans, phone contract, university ID, etc.)
Yes?
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Ann Onymous on August 19, 2011, 02:19:51 PM
You may luck out and get the marker changed at Social Security...it all depends on the clerk you draw. 

Cannot speak to student loans...years ago, I actually had them in *my* name even before the DL had been changed.  The school had never even asked for paperwork on a name change (although I did have an SS card that had been corrected several years earlier). 

Just remember to never underestimate the ability of a government clerk to thoroughly screw something up...and often not to your benefit.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: TheAwesomePrussia on August 19, 2011, 02:30:14 PM
This is why I do everything I can in person. I figure I can contact companies myself and make sure they've got the information. And I'll be on campus, so I can deal with the offices at my school in person. I don't have a job, so that gets that out of the way.
My goal is to transition almost, if not entirely, completely prior to graduation.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: JungianZoe on August 19, 2011, 02:38:17 PM
Quote from: Ann Onymous on August 19, 2011, 02:19:51 PM
You may luck out and get the marker changed at Social Security...it all depends on the clerk you draw.

QFT!

It happened to me! (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,99945.0.html) ;D

As for student loans, I'm dealing with that now.  Call up the student loan company and ask them what they need.  If your loan is owned by the US government (through Direct Loans) they need you to fax in a copy of your new driver's license or social security card, your old name, your new name, your social security number (can you say "redundant?"), then sign and date the paper you fax in (1-800-848-0984 is the fax number).
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: TheAwesomePrussia on August 19, 2011, 06:42:50 PM
I figured I'd do everything through the financial aid department at my school. The advisers make sure you get it all right the first time.
Title: Re: Identification
Post by: Pinkfluff on August 19, 2011, 07:52:55 PM
Quote from: TheAwesomePrussia on August 19, 2011, 02:10:29 PM
But, if I get my new passport after my appointment with my therapist, and can get her to write me a letter, I should be able to get the gender marker on it changed. And when I go to get a new DL, I should be able to show my passport on the basis that, as a federal document, it trumps a state document (birth certificate).

Can you get gender marker corrected on a passport with a therapist letter? I thought it had to be from a doctor saying you've undergone medical treatment.

EDIT: Answered my own question. This (http://"http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_5100.html") is the official State Dept. page that explains.