So I think it's about time I legally change my name and gender market but I am not sure how to go about it.

It depends on where you were born, in some places its not possible.

If you are in the US, many states allow you to change your gender marker without surgery, you literally just need a note (official form) from your doctor. The name change rules also vary by state, but I expect many of them use the same basic guidelines. You will probably need both an FBI background check and a State background check. You will most likely need to file a name change petition in your local court, and the proposed name change will likely need to be published in the local newspaper before it will be approved. Once the change is approved the next step is usually the Social Security Office, followed by a trip to the DMV the next day.

Quote from: Stevie on February 21, 2018, 09:39:10 PM
It depends on where you were born, in some places its not possible.

I live in Michigan, I know it's possible here because I know of and mtf who legally changed her name.

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 21, 2018, 10:00:48 PM
If you are in the US, many states allow you to change your gender marker without surgery, you literally just need a note (official form) from your doctor. The name change rules also vary by state, but I expect many of them use the same basic guidelines. You will probably need both an FBI background check and a State background check. You will most likely need to file a name change petition in your local court, and the proposed name change will likely need to be published in the local newspaper before it will be approved. Once the change is approved the next step is usually the Social Security Office, followed by a trip to the DMV the next day.

That's a lot and yes I am from the US

 
https://transequality.org/documents/state/michigan

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 21, 2018, 10:00:48 PM
If you are in the US, many states allow you to change your gender marker without surgery, you literally just need a note (official form) from your doctor. The name change rules also vary by state, but I expect many of them use the same basic guidelines. You will probably need both an FBI background check and a State background check. You will most likely need to file a name change petition in your local court, and the proposed name change will likely need to be published in the local newspaper before it will be approved. Once the change is approved the next step is usually the Social Security Office, followed by a trip to the DMV the next day.

[emoji44]  WOW!  AFAIK, I didn't have to get a FBI background check, nor any kind of background check at all! 

I petitioned the court, told the why (I was honest, I said "I wanted a name that properly reflected my gender," but some people put "personal reasons,") and they set a court date.  I went, the judge asked me if I had any criminal reasons for wanting my name changed (no!), signed paperwork and they sent me five notorized copies of my court documents within three weeks.  I'm in Connecticut, btw. 

I next had to go to the Social Security office with a copy of my court documentation, along with a letter from my endo stating I was currently on HRT with the intention of changing my gender.  That changed my name on the Federal level.  I had to return with the letter and fill out paperwork showing I was also changing my gender marker, but that was my mistake for not doing it on the first visit.

Once I changed it at the Federal level, I took my new Social Security card and court documentation to the DMV, along with a letter from my endo, filled out paperwork and they took a new pic then and there, since my being on T had already started some facial changes. [emoji4]  That changed it on the State level.

I also got my first (!) passport with my new name and gender. [emoji106]

I'm not sure, but I think many states are getting rid of the "outing yourself in the newspaper by announcing your name change," probably for safety reasons.

Your best bet is to go to your state's website and find out what you need to have to start the process.

Good luck!

Ryuichi

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Good luck, Brandon!

Hugs, Devlyn

Wisconsin does not require back ground checks, just the court hearing and newspaper publishing. You also need to get an ok from your regulatory board if you hold a professional license from the state.

There is a way to go confidential without publishing but then your birth certificate is a sealed document so you need another court order if you need copies later.   I took the publishing route.  Small notice of court hearing in the classified section.  I'm sure there are some people with nothing better to do that read those things but otherwise you'd really have to be looking for it. It's required so you can't try to skip out on creditors. 

DMV will change gender marker with a letter from physician but need GCS to change gender on birth certificate here. There is a form I can try to have the judge sign but since I still live in Wisconsin I don't think it will work. 

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I'm changing my name in Michigan too, and other than the fact that it's expensive, it hasn't been too bad.  You can get the right forms from here:

https://michiganlegalhelp.org/self-help-tools/family/name-change

If you have questions you can call the closest self-help center, free of charge:

https://michiganlegalhelp.org/organizations-courts/self-help-centers

This is what I've had to pay so far:

$185 -- filing name change form with the court and reserving a court date
$15 -- getting a fingerprint card at the Sheriff's Office
$40 -- fee for getting a federal and state background check from the Michigan State Police
$90.50 -- name change ad in the Washtenaw Legal News

If you're under 22, you don't have to get fingerprinted or have a background check, so that's $55 of savings right there.  I think it's possible to get a cheaper name change ad, but the Legal News fills out your proof of publication affidavit stuff and sends it to the court for you, which is handy for me since I don't live near the county courthouse.