Library Guides: Trans Resources: Name and Gender Marker Changes

Name and Gender Marker Changes

It can be overwhelming to approach changing your name and/or gender marker on official documents, but there's many resources available to help! This is not legal advice (and we can't offer any), and we only have resources for Maryland and the federal level. This guide was last updated in November 2024.

If you're a Maryland resident, please check out Trans Maryland, linked below.

Trans Maryland - Name Change Program
Trans Maryland is a multi-racial, multi-gender, trans-led community power building organization dedicated to Maryland’s trans community. By trans folks, for trans folks. They have a Name Change program, for guidance with both name and gender marker changes.

Changing your Name in Maryland

Maryland Courts on Name Change
This page has FAQs and information about legally changing your name as a Maryland resident. There is a $165 filing fee. It does not automatically update your personal documents, hence the links to the right.

Social Security Card

Social Security Website
This is the Social Security Administration's page on changing your name on a social security card.

Driver's License or ID

MVA - Changing Name
This FAQ with the MVA has links to change both a gender designator and name on a driver's license. NOTE: You will need to change your name with the Social Security Administration first!

Passport

Change a Passport
This page has information on changing your name for a US Passport. It varies based on if your name was legally changed and how much time has passed since that legal change.
Selecting Gender Marker
Information on selecting or changing your gender market on a US Passport.