According to a 2022 survey from Pew Research, more than 5% of adults under age 30 identify as transgender or non-binary. That equates to roughly 1.6% of the American population between the ages of 30-49. Some individuals who identify as transgender undergo gender-affirming treatments, and others do not. The transition process is unique to every individual.

During or after the transition process, people who identify as transgender or non-binary may also choose to update their legal identity on government-issued documents, like their driver’s license and passport. In addition to male and female gender options, some states have added a gender-neutral “X” option for non-binary, intersex or gender non-conforming individuals.

In all 50 states, transgender individuals can legally change their gender on their driver’s license. But the process can be challenging. Some states require a birth certificate amendment and/or proof of gender-affirming surgery. Other states require a letter from a physician confirming that the individual is or has undergone hormone therapy. However, Washington, D.C., and at least 22 states do not require provider certification to change the gender on your driver’s license.

Whether shopping for car insurance as a transgender individual or updating the gender on your driver’s license, applicants may encounter challenges, such as different processes required in each state. Below Bankrate’s editorial team has detailed the requirements for each state within a table and included links to relevant resources for this process.

State laws and regulations

If you are considering changing the gender on your driver’s license, it is important to get familiar with the laws and processes in your state. Keep in mind that in all states, the process for changing your name is separate from changing your gender. Changing the name on your ID requires you to legally change your name with the Social Security Administration first.

Here are the requirements in each state for changing the gender marker on your driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Don’t forget to keep all other auto-related documents, such as registration and car insurance policies up-to-date as well. You can get DMV help if you have questions about the process of changing the gender marker on your license in your state.

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  State requirements for changing gender on your driver’s license

   

   

What is the legal age to change gender?

The legal age to change your gender marker depends on the state. In most states, you must be at least 18 years old, or an emancipated minor, to start the process of legally changing your gender on legal documents, like your driver’s license.

Some states, including California, allow minors to legally change the gender on their birth certificate. However, minors are typically required to get consent from all legal guardians before they can change their gender marker.

How does gender relate to auto insurance?

If you change your gender on your driver’s license, it’s important to understand how it might impact your car insurance policy.

In most states, gender is used as a car insurance rating factor, which means changing your gender could impact your premium. The only states that prohibit insurance companies from using gender as a rating factor are California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. If you don’t identify as male or female, you should contact your insurance agent to learn more about how your gender marker could impact your rate.

Statistically, females are less likely to get into serious accidents and drive under the influence than males. Because female drivers are less risky to insure, they often pay lower car insurance premiums than males.

If you are going through the process of changing your legal gender marker on your driver’s license, don’t update your car insurance policy right away. It’s important to make sure your driver’s license matches the information you give the insurance company.

You should wait until you’ve received your new driver license before notifying your insurance company or making any changes to your policy.

If you are unsure about how to proceed, contact your insurance agent to discuss the process.

Advice from trans advocates

Every transgender individual who goes through the transition process has different intentions. For some, changing their legal documents is an essential step in confirming their new identity. For others, changing their gender marker is less critical or may come later in their journey. Here is some advice for individuals going through the transition process from trans advocates:

Mia Edwards, case manager for the PROUDEST Me Program at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center

“The best advice I could offer is to find a trans knowledgeable/friendly therapist,” says Mia Edwards, case manager for the PROUDWST Me Program, part of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center located in Westchester County, New York. “Most folx starting their journey will need help processing their thoughts and navigating a cis-hetero world which may not be accepting.”

Working with a mental health professional who specializes in trans issues can also provide some guidance if you are struggling to navigate the transition process or if you want to learn more about your options.

“With help from your therapist, begin to map out what next steps look like for you. You will need to have clarity on what trans looks like for you. Some folx medically transition and some do not. It is a very unique and personal journey…there is no ‘one way’ to be trans.”

Edwards also explains that a support system is key for individuals who are transitioning.

“Having a support system in place can be invaluable when facing challenging situations,” she says. “A support system might look like joining a peer support group, enlisting accepting family and friends as allies and advocates, having access to trans-knowledgeable and accepting healthcare providers and finding resources to support your legal rights.”

Kira Lingala, peer navigator for the PROUDWST Me Program at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center

“All trans folx have different desires and goals. Some identify along the gender binary, meaning they express and identify exclusively as men or women. Others are non-binary or gender non-conforming,” says Kira Lingala, peer navigator for the PROUDWST Me Program, part of

The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in Westchester County, New York.

“This is relevant because a non-binary person may not want to change the gender marker on their driver’s license and other documents to ‘male’ or ‘female.’ Although about 18 states provide a gender-neutral option, the majority still do not, making it impossible for some non-binary and trans people to change these documents.”

Lingala also recommends that trans folx build a strong support system during their transition, if possible. She suggests that individuals look into resources like Centerlink, WPATH, and National Center for Transgender Equality.

“CenterLink can help individuals find an LGBTQ+ center near them, WPATH sets guidelines for transgender healthcare (but their approach is controversial for some within the community), and the National Center for Transgender Equality has more information on policies, such as those related to changing identification documents,” adds Lingala.

Finally, she mentions that trans individuals should look into The LOFT’s TransMission grant program, which will be accepting new applications for small grants from trans folx across the country this fall.

Abby Churchill, founder and director, Trans Law Help Wisconsin

“Everyone’s transition is a unique experience, and as such, there is no universal roadmap,” says Abby Churchill, J.D., founder and director of Trans Law Help Wisconsin. “The best place for one person to start might not be on someone else’s journey. A great resource that speaks more to this is the Transition Roadmap from UCSF. ”

“The trans community itself is a great place for someone to start building a support network if they wish to do so,” she says. “Many individuals find connecting with others who have transitioned in their own way an invaluable experience.”

Although not every trans or non-binary person will choose to change the gender marker on their driver’s license, Churchill mentions that people who do might also consider changing the gender on their Social Security card, passport, birth certificate, credit cards, insurance documents, employment documents, medical records and academic records.

She adds that there is no one-stop shop for changing the name and gender on a legal document. “It can take years and can be quite expensive to bring all of one’s documents in alignment with their gender identity,” says Churchill. As a result, she reminds her clients that this process is a marathon, not a sprint.

For some people, changing their gender identity on legal documents like their driver’s license is an important part of their transition journey, and for others, it is not. There is no right or wrong decision, and everyone’s transition journey is unique to them. You can find several resources, both online and in-person, that can help you navigate the process in a way that feels right for you.

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