I'm FTM and am looking at a name change in the immediate future. THe name I have chosen (Matthew) is obviously male. How will this work with everything being "female" still? I can't change that marker until I have surgery...right? I mean, it's a little odd for a female to be named Matthew. After my name change goes through (hopefully I'll be beginning HRT at about the same time) should I start checking "male" on forms, even though my license will say "female?"

...also, I was born in a different state than I currently live in. I currently live in WA but was born in CA. From what I've read in CA they seem to tie your SRS to your name change and require paperwork stating you're a male and legal documentation as to the name change. I'm not legally a male though; can I still get my birth certificate changed and my social security info?

---edited again---

Actually, what do I NEED changed with my name? I'd rather do as little as possible; it's a pain in the ass to do all the paperwork and I'll only have to redo it when I can officially declare myself as male (medically and legally). What do I need to live as a male?

Hello Laine;

Some states will let you change the name and the gender marker on your drivers license or ID card if you are able to submit a gender therapist letter stating that you are transsexual and are undergoing treatment.  See the link below for state by state information.

How to change name/gender marker..state by state

Some states, like California, will re-issue you a new birth certificate after genital surgery and some other states will amend it.  Proof of "irreversible surgery" prior to making any changes to your BD is always required.  Although a double mastectomy and a complete hysto are irreversible procedures, what they usually require is proof of genital reconstruction (metoidioplasty or phalloplasty for FTM's and vaginoplasty for MTF's).  See the link below for state by state information:

How to change name/gender on birth certificate...state by state


Hope you find this information helpful.  Please keep in mind that some of this  information may be outdated, so it is always a good idea to check with your local DMV, SSA or vital records department.


tinkerbell

Hi all,



Since changing my name last year, I have been trying to find out what was required to change my gender on my license, although the gender does not show up on the actual license, but it is still on record with MVR. When I first asked, the staff of the Alice Springs Motor Vehicle Registry, weren't to sure, so I emailed Darwin, I did get a reply, but I lost it, and I couldn't remember what it said, so I decided yesterday (18/01/08), that seeing as how I had to renew my license I would go and see if they could help me this time, and was told what was required. See quoted clause






" 2.02.9 Evidence of Gender Reassignment


Full EO! (Category A and B) original documents in the current or former name, and a new birth certificate (with change of name if applicable) issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages is required from a person who has had a gender reassignment. "






So to me this says that I need, some form of ID plus my new birth certificate with my new gender, which I cannot obtain until after I have had the operation.


Well this is what is required by the Northern Territory, Australia, It would be interesting to see what they other states and Countries require.


Hugs

Sharon

in california, all you need is a particular letter that any physician here in the state can write for you. i got one. it changed my name and gender on my id without any legal b.s. i didn't have a legal name change. granted, it doesn't count for birth certificate, but i had all that changed before i was even on testosterone.

Great links to have saved up.  I will be hunting for the birth certificate one in the future I am sure.  As for now, at least trying to move to a state that will allow an M on my drivers license would be a nice step in the right direction.