The gender marker change process in Michigan has become more simplified in recent years thanks to the tireless work of members of the community who sought to remove barriers that were present in the past, namely the requirement to have surgery and/or a court order first.

Now, you may change your gender marker on your Michigan and federal documents in a process that’s much like informed consent.

While Michigan now allows X designations on state documents, the Social Security Administration still does not acknowledge X as an option at this point in time, and this record will still require an F or M designation. Additionally, the Department of State is working on adding an X designation for passports, but has warned that other countries may not recognize that gender marker, which may cause some travel issues for some folks. 

Below you’ll find instructions on how to change your gender marker for each type of state document:

Michigan Driver’s License:

To change your gender marker on your Michigan driver’s license or identification card, you simply print off and fill out this form, the Michigan Secretary of State Sex Designation Form–there should also be copies at the SOS. You may self-select an M, F, or X designation that reflects your identity. After you’ve filled out the form, you’ll take it to your preferred Secretary of State office and pay around $10 for a corrected ID. Your new documents will arrive at your home within a couple of weeks. 

Michigan Birth Certificate:

To change your gender marker on your Michigan birth certificate, you’ll print off and fill out this form, the State of Michigan Sex Designation Form. You may self-select an M, F, or X designation that reflects your identity. After you’ve filled out the form, you’ll also need to fill out the Application to Correct or Change a Michigan Birth Record form, which will have the mailing address for submitting both forms on the top of the page. There is a $50 fee each time you correct or change your birth certificate, so it’s often advised that you submit your name change order and gender marker change documents at the same time to save money. The name change order uses the same application to correct/change your birth certificate.

Passport:

Important. A federal court has temporarily blocked enforcement of the following Passport Policy.

The Gender Order directed federal agencies to strictly define sex in federal documents and to eliminate the option to select an X gender marker. On January 23, the Secretary of State instructed the State Department to stop processing gender marker changes and to remove the option to select an X marker from U.S. passports and CRBAs.

Under this currently paused policy:

        No new X designations are issued.

        Gender marker changes to reflect a person’s gender identity are no longer allowed.

        Renewals, or reissuance (to replace a lost or damaged passport) of passports revert to sex assigned at birth, regardless of history of prior markers
        aligned with gender identity.

Previously Issued Passports

U.S. passports and CRBAs with gender markers reflecting the holder’s gender identity— including those with an X marker — remain valid until they expire
or are replaced.  

In a recent update to  the State Department website, the agency confirms that “[a]ll passports – including those with an X marker or those listing a sex different
from your sex at birth – will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy.”  Some people are taking the precaution of traveling with a printout of the State Department’s webpage linked above to show anyone questioning the validity of their passport. 

Note: Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Before international travel, always check the entry requirements for your destination. 

Travel Experiences

As of the most recent update to this resource (June 2025), Lambda Legal is not aware of any confirmed incidents where individuals have faced problems leaving or reentering the United States using an unexpired passport issued prior to the 2025 policy changes—including those with an X gender marker. There have also been no verified reports of passports being confiscated upon reentry. 

Nothing in the Gender Order indicates that individuals with valid, unexpired documents should be denied domestic air travel. Travelers with up-to-date documents—including those issued before the new policy —should still be able to use them without issue. 

If you experience problems while traveling, you can reach out to Lambda Legal’s  Help Desk for additional information and support. 

Name Changes on Federal Documents

Despite restrictions on gender markers, a court-ordered name change reflecting a person’s authentic self is still permitted on federal documents. Individuals can change their name on a passport by submitting a certified court order and completing the proper application (DS-82 for renewals or DS-5504 for changes within a year). However, if the State Department can apply the 2025 policy as legal challenges unfold, renewals or reissuance will trigger the current restrictive policies, meaning that requests for name changes will allow the State Department to change the sex marker on your passport if it doesn’t match your sex assigned at birth. 

Social Security records can also be updated with a legal name change. However, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) no longer permits updates to gender markers, and the State Department may cross-check records with SSA. 

Having inconsistent names across documents can lead to issues with employment verification (Form I-9), license renewals, or background checks. When traveling, it is recommended to bring certified copies of name change documents to avoid complications. 

Traveling With Children

Individuals who are TGNCNBI and applying for a passport for their child should consider using the child’s birth certificate as the proof of citizenship rather than submitting the parent’s own passport. This helps avoid triggering review of a TGNCNBI individual’s own passport or passport record. 

Social Security Administration:

To change your gender marker with the Social Security Administration, you’ll need to provide at least one piece of identification with your updated gender marker when you visit their office–this can be an updated license, state identification, or passport. You’ll visit your local Social Security office to request a gender marker change, which can be done in conjunction with your name change order if desired–you’d just need to bring a certified copy of your name change order with you. You’ll fill out an application for a social security card, and your record will be updated. NOTE: This does not exempt AMAB people from having to register for the Selective Service at age 18, due to the way the law is currently written. 

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