Ask the court to recognize your child's change of gender (when all parents will sign the request)
You start the process of getting a court order recognizing your child's change of gender by filling out court forms.
⚠️ These instructions are for when all parents agree and sign the petition (the request) to recognize their child's change of gender. There are different instructions when 1 or more parents don't sign the request. There is a also different process if you also want to change your child's name.
↗️ All court form links open in a new tab.
How to fill out forms to recognize your child’s gender change
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Fill out forms
You will need to fill out these forms:
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Petition for Recognition of Minor’s Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (form NC-500) ↗️. Check the box that says "and change of name" at the top. Both parents must sign. Your child may also sign it.
- Order Recognizing Minor’s Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (form NC-530) ↗️
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) ↗️
⚠️ Starting July 1, 2026, courts will automatically keep your petition and related court records private in most cases. If you filed before July 1, 2026, you can still ask the court to make your records private.
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Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
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Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
- Check with your court clerk’s office or your court's website ↗️ (opens in a new tab) or talk to your self-help center ↗️ to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
- Your self-help center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.
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Make Copies
- Make at least 2 copies of all of your forms.
- When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
- Keep one of the copies for yourself and give the extra copies to the child's other parent(s).
Change a child’s gender without a name change
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.