{"id":354798,"date":"2022-06-14T22:22:17","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T03:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/how-to-change-your-name-and-gender-marker-if-you-are-under-18.html"},"modified":"2026-08-17T10:23:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T15:23:01","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-and-gender-marker-if-you-are-under-18","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/how-to-change-your-name-and-gender-marker-if-you-are-under-18.html","title":{"rendered":"Legal Name and Gender Marker Changes for Minors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Legal Name and Gender Marker Changes for Minors<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A legal name<\/span> and gender marker change for a minor is a court-approved process that allows a child’s official documents to reflect their gender identity. For transgender youth and their parents, aligning these documents is a crucial step toward ensuring their safety and well-being. The process involves petitioning the court for a name change and, depending on state law, separately applying to update gender markers on documents like birth certificates<\/span> and state IDs.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Parents today face the usual challenges of guiding their kids through life, with a few new wrinkles. One of the more recent concerns facing some parents and children is gender identity.<\/p>\n

In an August 2025 study, the Williams Institute<\/a> estimated that about 724,000 individuals between 13 and 17 self-identify as transgender. For those children and their parents, making their adolescence as safe and trauma-free as possible is a primary concern. This includes having their personal documents, such as their legal name<\/span> and official gender markers, match their identity. Although adults may have difficulty changing their birth certificate<\/span> and other documents, the process may be easier for minors.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong>: These laws are in a constant state of flux. While we strive to provide the most up-to-date information, transgender children and their parents should always consult an attorney or LGBTQ non-profit organization for the latest version of the rules in your state.<\/em><\/p>\n

Legal Name<\/span> Changes for Minors<\/h2>\n

If both parents consent<\/span>, a minor can legally change their name for any reason. Parental rights<\/span> over minor children extend to requesting a name change, so it should require the same effort to change \u201cSue\u201d to \u201cBilly\u201d as to swap \u201cSue\u201d for \u201cPamela.\u201d<\/p>\n

The process for changing a child\u2019s name is straightforward:<\/p>\n