Transgender Alaskans can change sex on licenses easier under new DMV rule
Suzanna Caldwell | Jul 26, 2012

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/transgender-alaskans-can-change-sex-licenses-easier-under-new-dmv-rule

The lieutenant governor signed a new Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles regulation earlier this month that makes it easier for transgender citizens to change their sex identifier on state ID cards.

Residents wanting to change their physical description -- including sex identifier -- must submit certification from a licensed physician, social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, physicians assistant or certified nurse practitioner. In it, the provider must certify that the individual has been undergoing treatment and that the change is expected to be permanent.

The department will accept, but not require, documentation to change other physical descriptors -- like height, weight or eye color.

It's a big change from the previous policy, which required people who want to change their sex identifier to submit proof of surgery. A state Superior Court ruling in March found that asking for such information was an invasion of privacy. DMV Director Whitney Brewster said the state is complying with that order to adopt a new regulation.

The change has come without much pomp and circumstance. Treadwell, whose office is in charge of adopting regulations, quietly signed it on July 12 after a 30-day public comment period. The regulation will be in effect starting Aug. 11

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Alaska Lt. Governor Files Regulation For Changing Driver's Licenses
July 26, 2012
ACLU PRESS RELEASE

New Policy Allows Transgender Persons To Correct Gender On License and Eliminates Requirement Undergo Surgery

http://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/alaska-lt-governor-files-regulation-changing-drivers-licenses

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell has filed a new regulation that governs changes to driver's licenses and will allow transgender individuals to correct the gender marker on their licenses without undergoing major surgery. The regulation takes effect August 11. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Alaska had challenged the requirement as a violation of an individual's right to privacy.

"We appreciate the work of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Lt. Governor's office in crafting a regulation that recognizes the important and legitimate needs of transgender Alaskans," said Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the ACLU of Alaska. "All Alaskans must be able to obtain a driver's license that accurately reflects their gender and avoids disclosure of sensitive personal information unrelated to their ability to safely drive a motor vehicle. The government should never needlessly intrude into mandating specific medical procedures."

The ACLU filed its challenge on behalf of a transgender woman, K.L., whose United States passport and work documents all identify her as a female. After initially securing a change to the gender on her driver's license, she was told that her new license would be revoked unless she submitted proof of having surgery.

"I am humbled and grateful for this decision," said K.L. "It is my prayer that this victory will make a difference in the lives of transgender people."