Changing your identification documents in Washington state
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For transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, it is important for the process of changing your identification documents to be smooth and easy.
We know that the current federal landscape has made it daunting to change your name or gender marker on both your state and federal identification documents.
For your state documents, like your driver's license and birth certificate, Washington state has made it easy to change your name and gender marker.
A ban on gender marker changes on federal documents like your social security card and passport is currently being challenged in court. As of now, there has been an injunction on that ban, meaning you can currently change your identification documents to reflect your identity. Learn more about that ruling in this ACLU press release.
Recent news around the ability to change your name and gender marker on federal identification documents
Identity Document Updates for Transgender People: Current Considerations [GLAD Law - Updated 7/17/25]
- Updated impacts of federal changes to the ability to change your gender marker on certain federal identification documents from GLAD Law.
Trans people can obtain accurate passports again. Here’s how. [The 19th - 7/7/25]
- Article on reversal of the ban on changing your gender on passports.
Transgender US Passport Holders Granted Temporary Relief in Challenge to Trump Gender Marker Policy [ACLU - 6/17/25]
- Information from ACLU on update regarding the ability to change your gender marker and have an "X" marker on your passport.
Guide and tools to help you understand how to change your identification documents.
Washington State Name & Gender Change Guide: Adults
- Created by Gender Justice League, this guide examples how to change your ID name and gender marker on documents in Washington state for adults.
Washington State Name & Gender Change Guide: Minors
- Created by Gender Justice League, this guide examples how to change your ID name and gender marker on documents in Washington state for minors.
Change the gender on your Washington driver's license or state ID
- From WashingtonLawHelp.org, this guide is on changing the gender-marker on your state identification.
The Rights of Transgender People in Washington State: Name Changes and ID
- ACLU WA details your right to change your name and gender on identity documents in Washington state.
Third Gender Markers on WA State IDs Community Questions and Answers
- Q&A from Ingersoll Gender Center on Washington's "X" gender marker.
Identity Documents Legal and Policy Work
- Information from the Transgender Law Center on why the processes to change your name and gender are the way they are, and policy work around this issue.
Upcoming clinics offered by organizations around the state to help you change your name and gender marker.
Gender Justice League Name + Gender Marker Change Legal Clinic
- Sunday, Sept. 21st 1:30-4:30 PM
- Spartan Recreation Center - 202 NE 185th St. Shoreline WA
- Registration required
Legal organization in Washington state that help with name and gender changes on identification documents.
- Offers free legal assistance, including name and gender change clinics, to Washingtonians. View their flyer here.
- Civil and human rights organization based in Seattle advocating for the needs of LGBTQ people. GJL hosts name and gender change clinics.
- LGBTQ+ youth center in Tacoma that holds name and gender marker change clinics.
- Trans-led organization that provides direct services to the transgender and gender expansive people in Washington state. They hold monthly name and gender marker change clinics - on pause until October 2025.
Tacoma Pro Bono Community Lawyers
- Helps with changing your name and gender marker in Tacoma and Pierce County.
Gonzaga University Name and Gender Change ID Clinic
- Gonzaga University School of Law's Center for Civil and Human Rights provides name and gender change ID clinics monthly.
Resources across Washington state agencies that could be helpful.
- To change a Washington identification document’s gender-marker, there is the option to request by mail or schedule an in-person appointment. This website helps you find the closest DOL, schedule the appointment, and prepare any documentation you might need.
Change Your Gender Designation Forms - Department of Licensing
- This form can be used for mail-in requests to change the gender-marker on a Washington driver’s license and permit, ID card, enhanced driver’s license, or enhanced ID card. This form is available in English, Vietnamese, Russian, and Spanish.
Sex Designation Change on a Birth Certificate
- The Washington State Department of Health is currently processing sex designation changes on birth certificates within 3 business days. Find out more information about the process and the "X" gender designation on this page of their website.
- Information on changing one’s name on a Washington birth certificate after a court-ordered name change.
- Washington Administrative Code 246-490-075 is the state regulation that details the requirements and right to change a sex designation on a birth certificate.
Under RCW 43.114.050, the duties of the LGBTQ Commission include providing a clearinghouse for information regarding both state and federal legislation as it relates to our purpose and providing resource and referral information to agencies and the public. While the LGBTQ Commission does not provide direct services, we work to connect constituents with affirming supports across the state through our collaboration with state agencies and community organizations. If you can't find what you are looking for here, reach out to contact@lgbtq.wa.gov or use our contact form and a Commission staff member will get back to you.