[GA] What are the steps to change my name and my gender?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that changing your name and gender is an important step for you. Can you please tell me which state or country you are in, as the process can vary by location?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already started any part of the process, such as gathering documents or filing any forms?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with name and gender changes.

TJ, Esq.

Hello! My name is TJ and I’m an attorney. Thanks so much for the opportunity to assist you! I’ve gone over the details you shared and I’ll post my initial response shortly. I’ll also post a few quick questions. They’ll help me better understand your situation so I can give you a more complete and tailored answer.

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TJ, Esq.

Hi again!

Generally, changing your name and gender in Georgia involves a couple of different legal processes. For a name change, you'll typically file a petition with the superior court in the county where you live. For a gender marker change on state ID documents, you'll likely need a court order recognizing your gender identity, often supported by a doctor’s letter. These processes are separate but can sometimes be coordinated.

Let's discuss this in more detail so I can provide a more thorough response.

Are you looking to change your name and gender marker on all your identification documents (like your driver's license, passport, and birth certificate), or just certain ones?

Have you already had any medical treatments or procedures related to your gender transition?

TJ, Esq.

Thanks for getting back to me! I can definitely give you more information about changing your gender marker on all your documents. Since you're on testosterone, that's a good piece of information to have.

In Georgia, changing your gender marker on official documents like your birth certificate, driver's license, and passport generally involves a court order. The specific requirements can vary slightly for each document. The process for changing your name is usually done first, or at the same time, since a legal name change is often a prerequisite for updating other documents.

For your Georgia birth certificate, the Office of Vital Records will typically require a certified copy of a court order. This court order needs to state that your gender has been changed by a surgical procedure and that your name has also been legally changed. This means that while hormone therapy is a significant step in your transition, for a birth certificate change in Georgia, documentation of a surgical procedure is usually necessary to get that court order.

When it comes to your Georgia driver’s license or state ID, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) is a bit more flexible. They can update your gender marker if you provide a court order or a physician’s letter. This letter should certify your gender change and include your name, date of birth, and the date of any gender-affirming operation.

While a surgical procedure is generally required for the birth certificate, a physician’s letter stating appropriate clinical treatment (which can include hormone therapy) might be enough for your driver’s license if it’s accompanied by a court order.

For a U.S. passport, the rules can be a bit more complex and they’ve actually seen some changes recently. As of early 2025, there’s been a federal policy introduced that has restricted gender marker changes on passports.

While you can still change your name on a passport with a certified court order, changes to the gender marker itself are currently subject to a lot of legal challenges and may revert to the sex assigned at birth unless you fall under specific court-ordered relief. It’s a really fluid situation right now.

My suggestion is to start by filing a petition for a name change with the superior court in your county. You can often combine this with a request for a gender marker change in the same petition. You’ll need to gather some forms and information, and you’ll likely have to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper.

Once the court grants your name change, and if applicable, a gender marker change, you’ll get a certified court order. This order is the key document you’ll use to update your driver’s license and other state-level IDs. For your birth certificate, if you haven’t had surgical procedures, you may face a hurdle in Georgia for the gender marker change on that specific document.

Did I completely answer your question, and do you need clarification on anything? Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions.

Thank you again for letting me assist you!

TJ, Esq.

Great!