I'm researching on behalf of a friend - does anyone know whether there are states in the US where you can change your gender from F to M without having any surgery/hormones, but just living in role as male? And if so, what are the criteria?

http://transequality.org/Resources/DL/DL_policies.html

Many states require a letter from a registered therapist to change the DL.

Thanks for this, I'm trying to do ongoing reassurance online, it really helps having quick responses!

I hear it's easily done by getting an orchi.  Doctor writes letter saying Irreversible Surgical proceedure has been done.  There is a doc in Atlanta that will do it without a therapist letter even for about $2k.  http://www.grsatlanta.com/

Thanks, but that is for MTA, not FTA . I'm trying to help him find out what his options are for transitioning away from female anatomy without having to end up very male physically.

This brings up something that is really unnecessary. Gender Markers on documents, DL, Passports, etc.
A person looking at any of those, is going to assume you are a certain gender, or not. Is it that important?
And hair color. wtf. people dye their hair. Is it that important? Colored contacts...
You are the gender you are. Regardless of presentation. It's no bodies damn business.
I just looked through all the states on that link. What about Androgyne or non-binary people?
I'm amazed at some of the twists and turns.
And a couple, after getting a crap load of documents, it's up to the dept manager? omg...
That's certainly a qualified person. The manager at the county DMV.
It should be as simple as checking the box you want. Or don't check one and don't get a marker.
And the lack of FTM change procedures for markers is pretty much non existant.
I know this has all been said before, but I just can't get over why anyone needs a marker on anything.
Ativan  grumble grumble

I know what you mean. But if someone is androgyne but prefers to be gendered one way than the other (in general), it helps if you have a flag/title on your paperwork. I made the effort required to have Ms on my DL and bank accounts and so on, because it helps people not to assume I'm male. Compromises, compromises.