Before you start
You can update your gender marker on many identity documents without a court order
You do not need a court order to change your gender marker or sex identifier on your:
- California birth certificate
- California driver’s license
- California marriage license
- U.S. Passport
Other states may require a court order. Also, you may not be able to use a nonbinary gender marker on some federal or out-of-state identifications.
How to fill out forms to ask for a court order recognizing your gender change
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Fill out forms
You will need to fill out these forms:
- Petition for Recognition of Change of Gender and Sex Identifier (form NC-300)
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Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) (some courts do not require this form)
- If you are asking to change your marriage certificate, Marriage License and Certificate–Attachment (form NC-312), if your spouse did not sign NC-312, Order to Show Cause–Issuance of New Marriage License and Certificate (form NC-325) and attach it to NC-300.
- If you are asking to change your information on your child's birth certificate, fill out Birth Certificate for Child of Petitioner–Attachment (form NC-311) and attach it to the NC-300. If your child is an adult, the must also sign.
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Order Recognizing Change of Gender and Sex identifier (form NC-330) (fill out the boxes at the top).
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Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
Some courts have local forms you have to use.
Contact your court clerk’s office, check your court’s website, or talk to your Self-Help Center to ask if they have any local forms you need to use. Your court's Self-Help Center may be able to review your papers before you file them.
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Make Copies
Make a copy of all of your forms. When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
Keep the copies for yourself.
Gender recognition
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.