Ask for a court order to recognize your gender change

To ask the court for an order recognizing your change of gender, you first fill out court forms. You can ask for one of 3 gender markers: female, male, or nonbinary. 

⚠️ Use different instructions if you also want to change your name. There's a different process to change your gender marker and name.

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 (if your spouse agrees; if not, you'll need a court order)

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. 

⚠️ The rules regarding gender markers on US passports are currently under review. Visit this government page to read more.

How to fill out forms to ask for a court order recognizing your gender change

🔗 Links to court forms below open in a new tab.

Gender recognition

What's next?

Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.

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Have a question about Gender recognition?

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