MyTransitionPartner v 2.0beta

update your name to reflect your identity

For many transgender people, changing their name is the first of many steps toward a better version of the person they've always been. This can be both an exciting and terrifying process. As you get started, think about what you like or dislike about your name. Do you want something similar or different? We will provide you with links to baby name websites so you can re-enact your parents picking a name for you!
  • Getting Started
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Assistance
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Many transgender people pick names that are similar to the name given to them at birth. Others pick something incredibly unique. Still others, like our founder, get really complicated a pick a name with the same first letter, same number of letters, and same number of syllables as her birth name to make it an easy cognitive transition for everyone. Some people choose to go with a family name. Other transgender people have been known to ask their parents what they would have named them had they been assigned a different sex at birth and go with that name.

Whatever you pick, you deserve a name that reflects the real you. For some people, they find the right one and adopt it immediately. Others, try different names and nicknames out until they find the right one. It might be helpful to kick it old school style and look at a baby name website. Some even have the option of searching popular names by birth year so you can reset the clock on your name, or you could even pick something that is popular this year. It's up to you!

You may not be ready or able to change your name immediately. That's okay. You are free to use it socially until you can change it legally. The proceeding sections will walk you through the steps of legally changing your name.

Next steps:
The first step is to change your name in the state, territory, or jurisdiction where you live.

The laws and processes to accomplish this vary by state. In some states, you have to appear in the local court for a judicial hearing. In others, it is simply a matter of visiting the local courthouse to fill out an application. Fees can be less than $100 or as much as several hundred. Some states will waive fees if you are below the Federal poverty line.

Once you've secured your legal name change, you can then update state-issued documentation:
  1. Driver's License. In most jurisdictions, this involves providing the legal documentation from the state to the local office that issues driver's licenses.
  2. Birth Certificate. This process may be more complicated than changing your name on your driver's license. In some states, it may just be a matter of providing documentation to the local health department. In others, you may need to contact the state agency issuing birth certificates directly. How they change your name may also vary. Some states refuse to change birth certificates. Other states amend the birth certificate (i.e., the cross out the original name and write in the new name). Others issue a completely new birth certificate.
  3. Titles, Vehicle Registration, Deeds. This will vary by state, but typically you can change these documents at the county courthouse of the county where you live.
The National Center for Transgender Equality has the best resource for determining the laws and processes in your state for legal name changes, driver's license updates, and birth certificate amendments or reissues.
The second step is to update your name with the Federal government.

This is a fairly simple process. You will need to take the documentation provided to you by the state, territory, or jurisdiction where the name change occurred to your local social security office. You do not need an appointment, though having one will speed up the process. Once you've updated your name with the Social Security Administration, your name will be updated across most Federal agencies. This update may take up to thirty days. The SSA will also issue a new social security card to you by mail.

There are some Federal documents you have to update:
  1. You will have to apply for a new US Passport if you have one. This process is fairly easy. You will need to submit the following to the US Department of State: Form DS-5504, your valid passport, your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order (no photocopies or notarized copies), and one color passport photo. They will return the name change document to you.
  2. You have to update your Selective Service records if you were assigned male at birth. Registration with the Selective Service System is required by law if you are between the age of 18 and 26 and were assigned male at birth. This involves mailing them a letter explaining that you've changed your name, what your new name is, and a photocopy of the legal name change documentation. You should also include your Selective Service number or Social Security Number, if you know it.
  3. You have to update your immigration documentation. Having accurate immigration documentation is essential to being able to live, work, and study in the United States. The process for updating your name with US Citizenship and Immigration Services is relatively easy, but it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney prior to initiating this process.
  4. Updating Records with the Department of Defense (Military or Veterans Only). It is currently unclear how this should be done.
  5. Consular Birth Certificate (those born abroad). Same as passport guidelines.
The National Center for Transgender Equality has the best resource for determining the laws and processes regarding updating Federal documentation.
The third step is updating your name with your employer, bank, and other entities you do business with.

The processes for changing your name with private entities varies. For the most part, you will need to have your updated social security card, so this process will need to wait until you receive your new social security card by mail:
  1. Employers: Provide your new social security card to your human resources department.
  2. Banks/Credit Cards: Provide your new social security card to a banker or customer service representative. Contact the bank/credit card company for more information.
  3. Airlines: Provide a copy of your new passport or driver's license.
  4. Others: Many other companies like email providers, utilities, magazines, etc. do not require documentation.


Many US-based nonprofits provide advice, legal assistance, or financial assistance to transgender individuals seeking a legal name change:

Advice
Legal Assistance
Financial Assistance
Darcy Jeda Corbitt Foundation does not provide legal aid or counsel. Legal counsel should be sought from a license attorney.

External links are provided to assist users in their transition by connecting them to more specialized resources. Darcy Jeda Corbitt Foundation and MyTransitionPartner do not vet the resources we provide on this website. We cannot guarantee the helpfulness or quality of the external resources we provide. Content on the links provided are reflective of the opinions and experience of the content's author. Linked external pages do no imply endorsement.