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Transgender passport: United States

2025 update

On January 22, 2025, the Colorado Name Change project reported via Facebook:

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.

On January 24, 2025, the ACLU reported on Bluesky:

  • The State Department suspended all applications for passport gender changes in response to President Trump’s executive order restricting transgender rights. We know this has caused confusion. We’re monitoring the situation closely — here are 2 important things to know.
  • The Trump administration said the executive order would not apply retroactively to current passports, meaning current passports, including those with X gender markers, remain valid. It is unclear how they intend to enforce the policy for transgender people renewing passports.
  • All applications for gender marker change are on hold while the State Department changes this policy. Anyone who now submits an application for a change runs the risk of losing access to their passport and documents while their application is being processed.

I recommend waiting to submit applications until we have more information. If you have been impacted by these actions, please report your experience to the ACLU.

The information below may no longer be applicable.

pre-2025 information

All American citizens who make a gender transition MUST get a passport that shows their new name and gender as soon as they can. The rules may change. This may be harder to do later.

Consider all good and bad things about getting a passport with an X marker. This may complicate your travel in some countries.

For more on why you need a passport and how to get help, see: Transgender passport resources

What you need

You must apply in person. You will need to bring some things that can take many weeks to get:

  • A. Passport photos
  • B. Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • C. Valid government-issued ID
  • D. Completed application
  • E. Fees
  • F. Court order for name change (good to have, not needed for this)

When you apply, they offer three speeds:

Standard4-6 weeks
Expedited $$2-3 weeks
Expedited at Agency $$ †8 business days
  • $$ These cost more money.
  • † Based on need, restrictions apply (Source)

The rules are different for three age groups. They are also different if you never had a passport before.

How to apply for the first time (adults 18+)

You MUST apply in person if you are applying for your first U.S. passport.

You will need to bring these things with you:

A. Two printed photos of yourself that are 2 x 2 inches

  • The photos have a lot of rules on what they look like and how they must be printed. You can use a free app:
    • Passport Booth app (passportbooth.com)
    • If you use this app, you must get printed copies made at a store.
  • You can get these taken and printed at many major stores for about $10 to $20, including:
    • Costco
    • CVS
    • Duane Reade
    • FedEx Office
    • Rite Aid
    • Sam’s Club
    • Target
    • UPS Store
    • Walgreens
    • Walmart
  • Call to make sure they do it. Ask about the cost. Passport photos are also made at some US Post Office locations, via AAA, and from local photographers.

B. Proof of U.S. citizenship

  • Birth certificate

C. Valid government-issued photo identification

  • Valid driver’s license (not expired)
  • Valid State ID or tribal identification card (not expired)

D. A completed application for a U.S. Passport

E. Current applicable fees

  • See fee calculator under Government resources below.
  • Fees are non-refundable.
  • They do not take cash. Payment options include:
    • Major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
    • Check drawn on a US bank (personal, certified, or traveler’s) with the applicant’s full name and date of birth printed on the front
    • Bank draft or cashier’s check
    • Money order (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange)
    • All fees should be payable to the “U.S. Department of State”

F. Court order for name change

  • If you already have this, you should bring it. It is not needed, but it is more good proof. See the part on name change for details.

See also

Transgender passport for US citizens under age 16

Transgender passport for US citizens age 16-17

Changing passport after transgender transition: US citizens

International transgender passport resources

Policy

Check current published policy. Policy may change at any time.

  • In June 2010, the US Department of State updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (aka FAM). The relevant section was:
    • 7 FAM 300 Appendix M: Gender Change
  • On July 16, 2018, 7 FAM 1300 Appendix M was moved under Change Transmittal number CON-819. The relevant section is now:
    • 8 FAM 403.3: Gender Change
    • https://fam.state.gov/FAM/08FAM/08FAM040303.html
  • On June 30, 2021, the US Secretary of State updated policy for U.S. passport applicants. They can now self-select their gender and are no longer required to submit any medical documentation, even if their selected gender differs from their other citizenship or identity documents.  
  • On April 11, 2022, the US Secretary of State updated policy for U.S. passport applicants. Applicants can now select an X gender marker.

Government resources

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov)

Other resources

Transgender Law Center (transgenderlawcenter.org)

National Center for Transgender Equality (transequality.org)

  • Know Your Rights: Passports [out of date as of January 2025]
    • transequality.org/know-your-rights/passports
    • transequality.org/documents/know-your-rights-passports

Disclaimer: This is legal talk, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change often. Some of this may not apply to you. It is presented without warranty. It may contain errors or omissions. You must do your own research.