2025 update
In January 2025, the Colorado Name Change project reported via Facebook:
**IMPORTANT**
It appears that the US State Department is no longer processing gender marker correction applications and have been instructed to confiscate the supporting documentation submitted as a part of the application.
Unfortunately, it appears that the ability to get a US passport that accurately matches your gender is not currently possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, but at this time we do not recommend applying for a corrected passport.
We will be updating our website ASAP with this development.
The information below may no longer be applicable.
pre-2025 information
All transgender American adults MUST get a passport that shows their new name and gender as soon as they can. This may be harder to do later if the rules change.
If you are an American who has never had a US passport, please choose a page based on your age:
- Transgender passport resources: US citizens age 18+
- Transgender passport resources: US citizens age 16-17
- Transgender passport resources: US citizens under age 16
- Transgender passport resources: citizens of other countries
How to change gender marker if you had a passport before
In September 2023, the State Department website stated:
As of June 2021, State Department policy is that changing the gender marker on a U.S. passport does not require a physician’s certification.
You can select the gender marker you would like printed on your U.S. passport. The gender you select does not need to match the gender on your supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, previous passport, or state ID. We no longer require medical documentation to change the gender marker on your U.S. passport.
You can select male (M), female (F), or unspecified or another gender identity (X) as your gender marker if you are applying for a U.S. passport book or passport card. You can apply in person or renew by mail for routine or expedited service.
While the choice is yours, an X designation may complicate your travel in certain countries. If you are comfortable getting an M or F, please consider those. If you are considering an X designation, weigh the risks and benefits before making that choice.
Resources
US Department of State (travel.state.gov)
- US passports
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
- Selecting your Gender Marker
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/selecting-your-gender-marker.html
This is information, not advice. Policies may change. You must do your own research by calling or checking the latest information from the US Department of State.