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:

To change your gender marker on your passport, which is a federal document that can also be used to update your gender marker on your license in other states, you will simply self-select an M or F designation when you apply for your passport–you don’t need additional supporting documentation. The Department of State is working on adding an “X” option by late 2023. The cost for a passport book is $135-165 depending on age, and the cost for a passport card is $50-65 depending on age–both can be used to prove your identity, but the passport card is primarily for land crossings, and is a budget friendly option if you don’t plan on traveling by air. Expediting your documents is an additional fee. To find out more about applying for a passport, visit the “apply in person” page. To find your nearest location to apply for a passport, visit this page.

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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