DISCLAIMER: This advice best applies to those early to mid transition but have sat on important legal ID changes. If you are still questioning, still early, it's okay to not rush this. This is merely planning for the worst case scenario, but if the federal gov makes ID changes harder, there will be a time when that government is friendly again. Take your time, be patient, and don't rush into things if you don't feel ready. We're here to love and support you <3

If you do not plan on detransitioning, and have not yet updated your documents, I urge you to start as soon as humanly possible. If you can't do all of these, try to do at least some.

WHY THIS IS URGENT

• Trump admin comes online on January 20th (Less than 11 weeks from now), and a lot of policies allowing sex designation changes on federal documents can be signed away at the stroke of a pen.
• Document updates can take up to 13 weeks to process (passports take the longest)

KEY DOCUMENTS TO UPDATE

These are the most important forms of identification. Please note you can change in any order, and none of the changes on a federal level require you to already have your ID changed.

EDIT: I am not changing my name and completely neglected to mention that if you need to first update your name, you will need to do that through a name change form in your state (some states allow it one time, others require a petition). If you think having your correct sex on your ID with your given name is a problem or risk, please change your name first and do that ASAP. It depends on the state.

1. U.S. PASSPORT

• Cost: $190 (expedited, within 9 weeks), $130 (normal, 10-13 weeks)
• Form needed: DS-11 (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/selecting-your-gender-marker.html)
• If you have a current passport, you can mail a completed DS-11 form with photo, and pay with a check / money orders.
• If you don't have a passport, you will need to do this process in person. Please consult the state department website for more information

1. SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

• Cost: Free at your local office (easily google-able)
• Form needed: SS-5 form (https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01453)
• Bring: Current SS card, completed SS-5 form, photo ID, birth certificate
• Current ID sex marker does NOT need to match

1. DRIVER'S LICENSE

• Requirements vary by state, sadly. But if you live in Colorado, you can submit the DR-2083 form to your local DMV.
• Be careful, some states like Texas are keeping a list of those that change their IDs. Be aware of your local state situation,
• Recommendation: If your state offer's an X designation, pick a binary marker (M/F) for federal alignment

1. ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT UPDATES:

• Voter Registration
• Health Insurance
• University Records (protected by FERPA)
• Birth Certificate (state-dependent)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please start the process THIS WEEK if possible
• These are private documents. Nobody will be informed of the changes unless you tell them or they read your mail.
• Consider binary markers for federal consistency (this pains me but if I'm prioritizing safety, it's what I'd recommend)
• Use all resources at your disposal. I recommend Lambda Legal. But use Google. ChatGPT. Perplexity. Government websites. Answers exist.

ACT NOW: Don't wait - please protect your documentation while Biden admin protections are in place.