How to Change Your Name or Gender on Your Driver’s License, Passport, or Other Identification

As of 2025, you can only change your name with Social Security, not your gender. 

To update your name and get a new Social Security card, you'll need to:  

1. Fill out an application.
2. Provide identification records and your name change judgment from the court.
3. Turn in your application and supporting documents to your local Social Security office.
4. Wait for a new card. 

There is no cost to get a new Social Security card.  

For more guidance, see the " Change Your Name " page on the Social Security website. 

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you update your name and gender (listed as “sex” on the paperwork) on your driver's license or state ID. 

Here's how to update your driver's license or state ID: 

1. Make an appointment at your local DMV office.
2. Show up to your appointment and bring:
   1. A certified copy of your name/gender change judgment from the court.
   2. Proof of identity.
   3. Proof of residence.
   4. Payment ($30 for a replacement license, $40 for a replacement ID)
3. Wait for your new license or ID to arrive. It usually takes about 20 days. 

For detailed instructions and a list of acceptable documents, visit the Changing Your Name page on the DMV website. 

You must update your birth certificate in the state where you were born. In most cases, you should contact the state's vital records office. 

Some states let you update both your name and gender, while others only allow you to update your name. 

If you were born in Oregon, here is a basic overview of the steps to update your Oregon birth certificate: 

1. Complete an application through Oregon Vital Records.
2. Provide valid identification and proof of your name or gender change.
3. Get your application notarized.
4. Pay a fee ($25- $30). 

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're updating your name, gender, or both. For more in-depth instructions, see these pages on the Oregon Vital Records website:

• Change a Birth Record (name change only), or
• Change Birth Record to Support Gender Identity.

As of 2025, you can change your name on your U.S. passport, but not your gender. 

The steps to change your name depend on whether your passport is valid or expired, and how long it's been since your legal name change. 

The basic steps are: 

1. Get a new passport photo taken (you can often do this at USPS or FedEx).
2. Complete an application.
3. Gather acceptable identity documents and proof of your legal name change.
4. Mail your application to the National Passport Processing Center. 

For more detailed guidance on changing your name, visit the Change or Correct a Passport page on the Travel.State.Gov website. 

If you don’t have a passport, visit the U.S. Passports page on the Travel.State.Gov website. 

Tips for traveling after a name or gender change

Traveling, especially internationally, can be more complicated after you change your name or gender. Here are some tips to make travel easier: 

• Use your old name on travel documents until your identity records are updated. When you travel through airports or cross international borders, the names on your documents must match your IDs. If you’re waiting for your new ID, use your old name for travel papers.
• If you updated your gender, travel with a certified copy of your court papers. This helps clear up any confusion if your gender marker doesn't match the gender on your U.S. Passport or state IDs. 

Here's a general list of other things you may need to update: 

• Credit cards/financial institutions
• Bills, such as cell phone, electricity, water, internet, and other utilities
• Email address
• Government assistance services (SNAP, TANF, WIC, etc.)
• Doctor's office
• Insurance policies
• Car title
• Property records (deeds or mortgages)
• Legal papers (wills, trusts, etc.)
• Work or school ID
• Professional licenses (medical licenses, teaching, trades, etc.)
• Military records  

Tip: The Colorado Name Change Project has an Excel spreadsheet that can help you keep track of changes. You can download the spreadsheet here.