Overview
The Department of Vital Records processes most requests to change gender markers. You can also ask the court to legally change your gender marker. If you were born in Washington, DC, you can also update your birth certificate to show your correct gender—and your new name, if you're changing it. The Civil Actions Branch handles Applications for Change of Gender Designation for persons age 21 or over. Applicants under the age of 21 should apply at the Family Court Central Intake Center.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply to change your gender marker if:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You live in Washington, DC
- You want your legal documents to match your gender identity
Note: If the person asking for the change is under 18, their parent, guardian, or legal representative must apply for them.
What You Need to Provide
To legally change your gender marker and update your DC birth certificate, you must give the court:
1. A Written Request or Application
Download the Application for Gender Marker Change
- Must be signed under oath (you promise the information is true)
- Must say that you want to update your gender marker
- Must say that you want to update your birth certificate, if you were born in DC.
2. A Statement from Your Healthcare Provider
- Must be signed under oath by a licensed healthcare provider
- The statement must say one of the following:
- You have had surgery, hormones, or other treatment as part of your gender transition
- You have an intersex condition, and your provider believes your gender marker should be changed
3. A Name Change Order (Only If You’re Changing Your Name Too)
You must include the original or a certified copy of the court order that shows your name was legally changed
What Happens After You Apply?
- The court will review your application.
- If everything is complete, the court will issue a legal order or declaration that says your gender has been changed.
- You can use this order to update your gender on documents like:
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Social Security records
- Passport
- If you requested a new DC birth certificate, it will be created.
- Any documents given to the court will be sealed so that no one can see them unless you ask for them or a court orders them to be opened.