So I'm trying to get a plan of action and something remotely resembling a rough schedule together.  Nobody seems to know exactly where I should get started or how this is accomplished.  The only advice I've been able to find is to start with my birth certificate, but all data suggests that requires being post-op in VA(where I was born).  Could anyone provide current information?

I have no idea what you why you would start with your birth certificate to change your name except that you will need to attach a copy to the name change petition.  In any case, all you have to do is call the circuit court clerk's office and make sure they have the forms to change your name.  If they do, then go to the clerks office and file them.  If not, download them here, fill them out, and go to the clerks office to file them:

http://www.mdcourts.gov/family/formsfinder.html#k.3.1m.2a.1m.37

You will need to pay a filing fee and fees for publishing the required notice.  The court clerk can give you a better sense of what the total fees are and the length of time it will take in your county.  In some counties (e.g., Montgomery) the courts routinely allow notice to be given by posting the notice on the courthouse bulletin board instead of publishing it in a newspaper, so ask the clerk about that too.  In Montgomery County there is a form for that as well.  I am not aware of another county that does this, although I do know of several others that don't. 

There are also numerous websites that explain the process at no charge, including some geared specifically for trans* people, that come right up with simple google searches. 

I hope this helps!

Thanks for all the advice, I'm on my way to the court house, wish me luck!

From what I understand, in VA it is impossible to change your BC gender w/o SRS, or is it at all? Things in Maryland are far simpler. Name change is a cinch, even your DL gender marker if you are undergoing some basics such as seeing a therapist and HRT.

BTW-Your BC can only be modified by the state your were born in. What the rules are where you live does not matter

Quote from: JoanneB on February 19, 2014, 10:20:26 PM
From what I understand, in VA it is impossible to change your BC gender w/o SRS, or is it at all? Things in Maryland are far simpler. Name change is a cinch, even your DL gender marker if you are undergoing some basics such as seeing a therapist and HRT.

BTW-Your BC can only be modified by the state your were born in. What the rules are where you live does not matter

Yes and no.  The rules for changing your birth certificate do, of course, depend on the state where you were born.  But, depending on the peculiarities of state law, those rules may allow you to use a court order from the state you live in. 

Quote from: ThePhoenix on February 19, 2014, 10:45:25 PM
Yes and no.  The rules for changing your birth certificate do, of course, depend on the state where you were born.  But, depending on the peculiarities of state law, those rules may allow you to use a court order from the state you live in.

That is extremely useful information.  Once I get to that stage of things I will try my hand at battering through VA's idiocy with as much local documentation as I can lay my hands on.