How To Legally Change Your Name and Gender Marker in the District of Columbia (D.C.)

If you live in Washington, D.C., and want to legally change your name, the process you'll need to follow depends on the reason for your name change. Most people change their names because they're getting married or divorced. There are processes for name changes in those cases. The process is more involved if you change your name for any other reason.

If you're transgender and want to change your gender marker as part of a gender transition process, you can do that in the District of Columbia. You'll need to follow a different process.

This article discusses the process for legally changing your name and gender marker in Washington, D.C. It also addresses changing your name on important identity documents with other agencies.

Changing Your Name Due to Marriage or Divorce in D.C.

If you're getting married in D.C., you can change your name by including your new name on your marriage license. If you're getting divorced and want to change your name back to your maiden name, most jurisdictions, including Washington, D.C., allow a judge to restore you to your former name in the final divorce decree.

Remember that whether you change your name through a marriage license or divorce decree, you must update your name on other documents and records, including your Social Security card, driver's license, and passport. Get certified copies of your marriage license or divorce decree to submit as proof of your name change.

Changing Your Name for Other Reasons in Washington, D.C.

If you want to change your name for a reason other than marriage or divorce in Washington, D.C., you'll need to file an application for change of name and file it with the D.C. Superior Court. You'll need to explain why you're seeking a name change. Prepare to pay a filing fee, too.

If you've been a resident of the District of Columbia for at least six months, you can file a name change application. But, if you're a minor, a parent, guardian, or next friend (a person appointed to represent you) must file your application.

The court will issue a name change order if it approves your name change application. Get certified copies of the court order as proof of your name change. You'll need these to change your name with other agencies.

Changing Your Name With Other Agencies

Once you get proof of your legal name change, you must still change your name with other agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA). To get a new Social Security card that reflects your new name, you'll need to fill out an application for a Social Security card. If you're changing your gender marker, you can do that simultaneously. Simply say your preferred gender on your application. The SSA will issue a new card and update your Social Security records to reflect your new name and gender marker.

After you change your name with the Social Security Administration, you can head to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get a driver's license with your new name. Bring documentation proving your legal name change and prepare to pay a fee.

Changing Your Gender Marker in Washington, D.C.

You can change your gender marker in the District of Columbia, but you must follow some steps. To change your gender marker on your birth certificate, start by completing a Birth Certificate Gender Designation application form. You'll also need to submit:

• A signed form by a licensed health care provider certifying your gender designation
• A photocopy of a non-expired photo ID card
• An application fee

Submit these materials to the Vital Records Division of the Department of Health when seeking a gender marker change on your birth certificate.

To change the gender marker on your driver's license, complete a Gender Designation Form and bring it to your local DMV, along with your existing license or identification card if you have one. You'll need to surrender your existing license and pay a fee as part of the process.

Still Have Questions? Ask a Lawyer

Changing your name or gender marker is usually straightforward, but you may still have questions or concerns while filling out the required paperwork.

For answers to any questions about changing your name or gender marker in D.C., contact a skilled family law attorney. Getting legal services early on can save you from unnecessary frustration and stress.