Closer still to name change!

[Lana Mae]

I went to an appointment with my attorney today! I went early and she was late! While I waited the receptionist/secretary had me fill out some forms for info purposes! She complimented me on how pretty I looked and then noticed my necklace and said she loved it! It is a beaded tassel on a gold chain! She said I had good taste! Attorney arrived and we discussed the things that need to be done! I had to give two personal references that live in the county! I gave my boss and a co-worker! I did not know the co-worker's middle initial so I had to get that! Total cost is $605 and other than getting my fingerprints for the criminal checks, she does the rest! She said she would immediately post the letter for name change in the courthouse(has to be there 10 days)She is just so bubbly! She shook my hand and then gave me a big hug! She stated the criminal report from the SBI will take the longest! I had read it would be the FBI but she said no, they are quick about it! She answered all of my questions!
I then went to work to get the co-worker's middle initial! I walked to a few residents' rooms and greeted them as Lana Mae! The middle initial was "H"! I called the attorney's office after I got home with that info! While I was at work they asked if I could work 3-11 as the med tech was sick! I reluctantly said yes! Tomorrow I am going to get my fingerprints done for the criminal reports! I will keep you advised!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Rhonda Darling]

Yea! A great first step on this path!! Congratulations.

[Devi SM]

Congratulations Lana Mae.

[Lana Mae]

Today, had fingerprints done and took them to attorney's office! I had to sign the letter of name change and bring in my birth certificate! Mine was the original from 1951! I had to give it up as she is going to change my gender marker as well! I will receive a new birth certificate with Lana Mae W------ and female on it! I will truly be Lana Mae! My two personal references have to go to the attorney's office and sign something! Moving forward at the speed of light! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Devi SM]

Yeah! Very fast!

[Sarah Doepner]

That's all great news Lana Mae. I like the way that sounds and I think you will wear it well. :belly:

[Lana Mae]

I spent the afternoon trying to find what is needed for name changes for different entities I must deal with in the near future! Mostly contact customer service! I need birth certificate and court order for social security and drivers licence! (Hope PA is on the ball with that birth certificate!) Got a folder and notebook to help keep track of it all! I got a handy brochure at the local DMV! This is going to be a lot of work but the end result is worth it! Hugs Lana Mae Thanks everyone for your responses!

[Jeri Ann]

You do not need your birth certificate for Social Security. You already have a SS number. All that is required is a photo ID and the court order. That is why you get the DL changed first. You do not need a birth certificate to change your name and gender marker anywhere. The birth certificate is needed to get a passport by not change one.

[Lana Mae]

My two personal references went yesterday together to sign the papers! Moving along! Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

OK, I had to look! I went to the courthouse and looked at the bulletin board and there it was! The letter my attorney wrote! It should not matter much but that made it so REAL! Oh, my! Must be up 10 days! Then the possible wait for the criminal checks and then(I think) to the judge with it! Closer every day! Hugs Lana Mae

[JeanTG]

I'm thinking about name change as well, as I need to travel to Europe in November. So I either need a new passport, or have to travel in male mode. That will be 8 months after starting HRT and going full-time!!! Not sure I can pull that off.

My problem is complicated by the fact that I live in Quebec for more than a year (36 years to be exact), and need to process the name change here, but I was born in Ontario and need to update my birth certificate there so I can apply for my passport (federal government). So two provincial and one federal government involved. Promises to be a bureaucratic mess.

And speaking of name changes, "Jean" is no longer my femme name. Jean is actually my real name (the French version of "John") but for crossdressing purposes I rendered it as anglophone version of Jean, the girl's name. It's too complicated to manage now that I am out and in transition, so I have chosen "Elena" as my new name to carry me through transition and beyond.

[Lana Mae]

Jean(Elena), my attorney is changing my birth certificate and I live in NC but was born in PA! She is taking care of it all! I do not know how it works in Canada but you might need to check that out! Hugs Lana Mae

[Eemz]

> I either need a new passport, or have to travel in male mode.

Honestly, it should be fine. I have flown several times now looking like my avatar and using my old passport with my legal (male) name, M gender and old photo complete with bald head. I just say yep that's me alright; obviously it's an old photo ha ha. They took a closer look and yep that's you alright, ok off you go. The homeland security website explicitly says they don't care, they only care if you're pretending to be someone else, which you're not. And indeed that's how it worked out.

But back to the OP - that's great progress Lana Mae. I know that your hands are tied about how you present at work until the name/gender change goes through so it's great to see it making such progress.

[Lana Mae]

I went to the courthouse and the letter was posted on 2/27 so 10 days is 3/8 and 10 business days is Wednesday the 11th! so I am off work the 9th, Monday and the 11th and will check in with the attorney one of those days! Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

I got back both criminal checks and took them to the attorney's office! I was driving to do something else but it took me past her office so I stopped in and she was not there! So I checked on the way back and missed her again! I called the office and she was in! She needs all the rest of the money and she will take it all to the court house to schedule the hearing! I got off the phone and took her the hundred I had been holding back and I get my SS check on Wednesday so I will pull $200 from it! This has gone so fast! She was also amazed as the SBI usually takes up to a month! Tell you more when I have more! Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

A possible step backwards! Nothing major but the paper I had thought for years was my birth certificate was actually an official birth announcement! I now need to get an official copy of my birth certificate! Cost as of now-unknown! Well at least I know my attorney is working on all of this! LOL LM

[Eemz]

311105

Never mind! You're getting there and I don't imagine the real birth cert will be too hard to get.

[Pat]

You do not need your birth certificate for Social Security. You already have a SS number. All that is required is a photo ID and the court order. That is why you get the DL changed first.

It might depend on the state you're in. In Massachusetts, the registry coordinates name data with the Social Security database, so you have to change your SS card before you change your license, otherwise the changes you make at the registry will get overwritten. So in MA, we change our SS card first, then change our driver's licenses and bank records (banks also coordinate with the SS database.) I did all of them in one day because the banks and the registry accept the receipt from SS as evidence you made the change. I don't know if that works everywhere. Jeri Ann is in Texas and I'm in MA, so you're going to have to check what it's like in NC.

[kathtx]

Great progress, even with the birth certificate hang up!

It will take a long time to get your name changed on everything. For me, I changed the everyday stuff quickly, but for various rarely-used accounts and stuff I always had more pressing things to do, especially since some places don’t make it easy to process a name change. A bit over two years since my legal name change, and I’m still tying up a few loose ends.

I had the same issue with what I’d always thought was my birth certificate; years before transition, I found it out when I’d applied for a passport. When our kids were born, they didn’t give us official birth certificates either, so we had to order the real thing later for their passports. Silly that hospitals don’t automatically provide the correct type of birth certificate.

[Jeri Ann]

After over two years of name changing on stuff a birth certificate has never been required, even for passport. If you are not changing your name on a passport but getting a new one yes, it is required. I have not changed my birth certificate. I never think about it.

Pat,
In Texas changing the name and gender marker on a DL required the proper form completed, the court order and $11.

[Lana Mae]

Eemz: I think that maybe the coronavirus will delay it a bit but I can wait!
Pat: Yes I will have to check it out more closely! Hi, Pat!
Kath: I have made lists and gone over them but always come up with one more or some kind of interconnection with something else! It is a tangled web we weave! LOL I wish hospitals would/could do that!
Jeri Ann: I did not think of it! The attorney included it in the package! A friend was born in Quam and wished to change her's and the attorney said she couldn't do it! I don't know the full story but I just feel lucky that it is not more complicated than it is!
Thanks so much for your responses, Ladies!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Anne Elizabeth]

Wow. I got the forms on line, filled them out went to court house filed them got a court date $165.00. then went to newspaper gave the the paper, talked about their timing and court date. Went back to court house changed the date, then went back to the newspaper changed the date on form. They set it up and processes it $250.00. then went back to court house went to DMV with court order. Since I moved I needed a proof of address she told me go upstairs get your registration changed with new address. Did that and changed my title to new address and name . Took it back down to DMV she filed everything for new license I asked is she could change my gender marker she replied "already did" took my photo. I left with a temporary and two weeks later I received my new official license. Oh yeah I did spend $50 for 15 minutes with a lawyer to verify I was going things right.
Now slowly I am changing name on all the other things. Everyone I have talked to you change names on credit cards, banks, life insurance has been very positive and fantastic to deal with. Congratulations, happy for me you name it no negative remarks.

[Lana Mae]

Finally got my Birth Certificate from Pa.! Of course, the attorney is not doing face to face so... I left a message on her answering machine! I am still probably looking at next year until it will be done(per me not her)! Virtual Hugs Lana Mae

[Bandile]

Pretty informative topic.

[Robin-in-TX]

Lana Mae,

That is exciting. I'm happy for you.

Robin

[Lana Mae]

Bandile: I am here to help others for the most part and learn as we can always learn something! When I feel that I am not helping or I have no more to learn-I will leave! LOL
Robin: Yes, it is exciting but now the best thing! She will send the changes back to PA. and Harry will become Lana Mae W------!
Thanks for your responses!
Virtual Hugs Lana Mae

- - - Updated - - -

Another update!!
My attorney called! As per her instructions, I put my birth certificate in her mail slot at the office! She told me the clerk of courts office is still working except they are working in shifts! Now that she has my birth certificate, she can make an appointment and proceed from there! It is slow but it is getting there! Virtual Hugs Lana Mae

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Lana Mae :hugs:, I have been following your progress for the past four years
that you have been on this wonderful Forum.


It is like watching the Caterpillar slowly morph into a beautiful Butterfly.

I am so happy for you that you are really living the Dream now.


Congratulations on your new life's journey.


May your new life's paths be covered with Rose Petals and Sunshine. >Orchid .oO:daydreaming:Oo.

[Jeri Ann]

I remember that day several years ago when I walked out of the Bexar County Courthouse in San Antonio with a folder full of official copies of my name and gender marker change. I was on cloud nine. I looked around for someone to take my picture but I had walked out a side door and was by myself on that beautiful Spring day. After a few minutes I just started walking the three blocks back to my hotel. As I walked I contemplated what came next - Social Security Office first, then Department of Transportation after that.

Over time I changed records on everything I could think of. Some of the procedures were a pain in the ass. Letters, copies of photo I.D., court orders, some things even had to be done in person. Two years later I was getting copies of some of my college diplomas with my legal name on them. Sometimes you might deal with a rep or employee that doesn't even know where to begin. Every entity, it seems, has their own procedure, kinda like a box of chocolates.

Believe it or not, I am still going through hell with the name thing. I recently applied for a home loan. I am looking for a home to buy and wanted to get pre-approved. My bank gets credit scores from three different sources and then goes with the middle score. There was a glitch with one of the credit agencies, not with my score but with a conflicting identity. Yep, my dead name was associated with my credit history. Just yesterday I mailed packets of documentation to creditors that I haven't used in years. I am now changing the records on accounts that have been closed for years.

None of this should affect my getting a home loan because my credit score from the two agencies that did report was almost perfect. And, it has forced me to go through with a name change on an account that is still open. I have been reluctant to change that one because it is a small, regional credit union in the area that I came from. I know 3/4 of the people there and didn't want to start up the rumor mill. Also, I'm pretty sure it is not legal to have bank accounts under different names associated with the same SS number.

So, hang in there Lana Mae. The name change will happen and then the real work will begin. You will be wanting to come back to my house for a vacation.

To everyone who has gone through with a name change, or might in the future, be very thorough. Think about accounts, businesses, agencies, any one that might have a record of you.

And that's all I have to say about that.

[Lana Mae]

Orchid: Aww, thank you so much! It has been my pleasure to be here and share my life's journey with so many wonderful people!
Jeri Ann: Thanks for sharing that, Jeri Ann! I have been giving thought to who as well as how they are all interconnected! I would be very pleased to have a vacation at your new home and play ball with Obi! By next year my name change should be a reality!
Thanks ladies for your replies!
Hugs Lana Mae

[JeanTG]

Lana Mae, I hope things work out soon. My own name change is on hold as well. I don't live in the province I was born in, so my first step was to ask that my birth be registered in my current province. I sent the application in just before lock-down. I quickly got a letter back that the application was received and was "being studied". Then lock-down happened. And the processing of that application is not a priority service. So I have to wait. Once that step is done then I can send in the actual name change documents. It's a fairly lengthy process but not all that bad. It just requires notarized signatures and "send money...". I was the sponsor for my trans daughter, she will likely be the sponsor for her trans parent! Then I have to change everything else: passport. health card, driver's license, banks, etc. Otherwise most of the transition is also on hold. I'm living with my soon-to-be ex but we can't split because we're confined. And I can't present female in front of her as she'll go ballistic and I don't want to antagonize her any more; it will not be a "friendly" divorce but I don't want it to descend into acrimony either. I was scheduled to start laser for my face on March 30. That's not considered a priority service either. So we both need to hang in there, and any one else caught in pandemic paralysis...

I am anxious about my own name change as I have to travel to Rome in November (if things open up by then) and it will have to be under my male name and passport.

Hugs to all!

[Lana Mae]

Jean: Yes, we must be patient and let things work their way out! At least we have something to look forward to after all of this is done! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

OMG! OMG! I received a call on my answering machine and...I am now officially Lana Mae W------!!!!! The orders are in the mail! I can hardly wait for them to arrive! Praises to my attorney for getting this through during a pandemic! I am about to burst with joy!!! Hugs Lana Mae

[JeanTG]

Wow BIG surprise Lana Mae! Congrats on this very significant milestone on your journey! May the road continue to be smooth!

[Maid_Marion]

Hi Lana Mae,

Congratulations!

Marion

[bridget thronton]

Congratulations

[Devi SM]

Wow! Lana Mae I'm so happy for you. It was almost 2 months. I think it was a great timing considering all the adversities and in a pandemic....
Devi

[DianaPrince]

Congrats! So happy for you!

[Lana Mae]

Jean: Thanks! I hope it remains relatively smooth from here!
Marion: Thanks!
Bridget: Thanks!
Devi: Thanks! "The journey goes ever onward!" Bilbo Baggins
Diana: Thanks!
Thanks for your responses!
The court order should get here around Thursday or Friday! The sooner the better!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Robin-in-TX]

Wow, congratulations Lana Mae! I am so happy for you and envious at the same time.

Robin

[Lana Mae]

Robin: Thanks for the congrats! Do not be envious! You could do this too if needed!

Good news! The Court order arrived today! It is now so real! I am actually speechless!
As Lana Mae was standing with Harry but in the background, now Harry is standing in the background supporting Lana Mae! 68 years as Harry and the rest of my life as Lana Mae! This is a great day! Hugs to everyone!
Lana Mae

[AllieSF]

Congratulations Miss Lana Mae!! I am so happy for you. Now it is just paper work to get all that date changed of other documents. Start with the Social Security, then, once you have your new Social Security card, use that with your old license and all those other documents that you need in your State and get that Real ID Driver's License. Make sure that the SS makes the changes everywhere in the Federal Government that they can, including Medicare and the IRS. Then start with credit cards, any other insurance, where you work, subscriptions, where you rent, etc. It will take you awhile, but fortunately most of it is free. Call them all and ask what do I need to do to legally change my name on your records and my account. I have one last item to change and that is my Deed to my home. Good luck.

[Lana Mae]

Allie: Thanks so much for that!

Oh no! They spelled Mae, Maw! It is wrong and I will have to contact the attorney tomorrow! They got it right in the front about all the facts but the order on the back is wrong! Another set back but I am very optimistic about this!
Hugs Lana Mae

[MarieTS]

It always seems to be something, doesn't it? Hang in there, they will fix the typo. Jeri Ann is right... now the real work begins. My biggest hassle was the credit bureaus. I had a high score but they insisted I had to start off all over. Wrong answer! Took legal action and just over two months but my attorney got got them to transfer my identical scores. Granted that was back a few years and I believe they have since ironed out those wrinkles. My diplomas also took longer than expected. Sometimes I think it would have been easier to go into the witness protection program. LoL

[Lana Mae]

Contacted my attorney and she will get it fixed! I have typed it that way a few times and it was probably a typo! Should get it before long! LM

[Devi SM]

Lana Mae, of course is a typo error, W goes at the side of the E, goblins love to play us that kind of games....

[Lana Mae]

You are right, Devi!
Attorney got it fixed(Bless her!)!
I contacted the Social Security office today(national not local as they are all closed)! They highly highly recommend waiting until the local office is open to proceed! They are sending me the appropriate form! Oh,well just like the military: Hurry up and wait! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[AllieSF]

Lana Mae,

Just go on line because you can get all the mforms there, and for Drivers License, passport, etc.

[Maid_Marion]

Hi Lana Mae

Great to hear the attorney fixed that!

Marion

[Lana Mae]

Allie: The form came in the mail but I have to get the forms for everything else! Trying online! Thanks!
Marion: Yes, I think she is amazing to pull this all off during a pandemic!
Thanks ladies for your replies!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Sissy_in_pink]

Wow, that seems like a lot of money to get your name changed, I am seriously thinking of adding a name to the beginning of mine so I can keep my given names in respect to my parents. I have looked into it and turns out I need to do it by Deed Poll, all it entails is to fill out a form that I can download as a PDF, fill it in and have proof of identity and one document that has the new name on it. All this will cost $195.00 and no Attorney involvement.
All I need is to arrange a document with my chosen name on it which should be easy enough I hope.

[Lana Mae]

Rhonda, good luck with that! It is wonderful to look at a legal paper with your chosen name on it! But I know the work will start now! Hugs Lana Mae

[Sissy_in_pink]

Hi Lana, I legally changed my name today, took about an hour and $244.00. My name is officially Sophie. Now all I have to do is figure out how to change it on here, I've tried but with no success.

[Lana Mae]

Sophie, go to the section marked Forum news, issues and help! Go to the closed thread marked name change by Di and follow the instructions! Piece of cake but you may have to add to the name to clarify which Sophie is you! Best wishes Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

OK, great day but discovered I am a block head! I called the local Social Security office after getting the number off their door! They can do my name change by mail! They are doing with the form SS-5 and the court order only, as the court order has both names on it! Mailed it next day delivery via UPS! It should not be long now! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Devi SM]

Those are great news Lana.
Now I'm stuck with my name and gender changed because courts are just receiving paperwork but mine are not considered "essential" so judge doesn't read them....

[AllieSF]

Lana Mae,

Remember to contact them again and make sure they filled out the corresponding forms to change your name with the IRS, Medicare/Medicaid, and any other Federal agency that relies on the Social Security identification for ID info. I had to return later to get that done and it should have been done the first time around. They forgot to do it!

Congrats,

Allie

[Lana Mae]

Devi, wishing your better luck with yours! Thanks!
Allie, I will do that when I get the card back! Thanks!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Jeri Ann]

When I did my name/gender change I was told at the SSA that Medicare would automatically update. It does not. It took me three trips and several months before Medicare got changed. The third trip I insisted on talking to a person who knew how to do it. Of course, that was several years ago and things change.

DL and SSA are just the tip of the iceberg. Every company, organization, data base of any kind that you deal with will have their own rules and procedures for changing your name.

Also, it is important to recall any and all accounts, loans, memberships, etc. and change them too. Your credit history will get messed up when the same SS number is attached to different names. I found this out the hard way when getting preapproved for a home mortgage.

[Lana Mae]

Thanks, Jeri Ann! I know that this is just the start! I have thought about the credit reporting agencies and letting them know as well as so many more! Since I was able to proceed with Social Security, it just feels like I can get started with the rest! Hugs Lana Mae

[AllieSF]

Here is my long list and I still missed a few!! Good luck.

Allie



Changes

OK - Name
OK - Gender
OK - SSN
OK - Drivers License with Real ID
OK - Passport
OK - Medicare through Social Security
OK - Anthem Blue Cross
Done - Medicare Plan D Prescriptions Rx Insurance
Done - Dental & Vision Insurance
OK - Dept. of Real Estate
OK - Home and Car Insurance
Deed, Home Title, Property Taxes (Title company)
PAID OFF - Home Equity Line of Credit (Heloc)
DONE - Car Loan
DONE - Lyon Martin Medical LGBTQ+ Clinic
NOT Required - Planned Parenthood
OK - Doctors
OK - Credit Union
DONE - Retirement
Stock Funds
OK - Visa Credit Card
OK - Other credit cards
Rite Aid Card
Walgreens Card
CVS Card
Ace Hardware Card
DONE - Car Registration
SENT - FasTrack
OK - Condo HOA
DONE - XFinity Mobile - Cell Phone
DONE - Comcast home services
OK - PG&E (Electric & Gas)
DONE - EBMUD (water services)
OK - Republic Garbage Services
DONE - Home Loans
DONE - IRS

AND SO ON!!!!!!

[Jeri Ann]

Thanks Allie, I am working on a list for address change for when I find a house to buy. I am up to 28. The lists are very similar with a few exceptions like USPS. They don't need your name but they do need your address to forward mail.

Believe it or not, my court order that was done a long time ago is back in the court that issued it. After waiting forever, the State Department of Vital Statistics denied my request to amend my Birth Certificate because they said the wording was not sufficient. It has been sufficient in every other case. Now I am waiting for the amended court order so that I can try again with the state.

This mess goes on and on.

[Lana Mae]

Allie, thanks for the list! I have one already but will definitely refer to yours for back-up!
Jeri Ann, best wishes for all of that to work out soon!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

As they said, they sent the court order back to me! Then a letter came stating the card would arrive in two weeks! Still trying to wait patiently! Hugs Lana Mae

[Devi SM]

Well, after reading the problem Jeri Ann has, Lana Mae in my case I can expect whatever because I'm not born in the Dtates and will have to amend certification of naturalization.
I was thinking, after watching Disclosure, the TV documentary about we, trans people, on the movies, that we had been for so long in the history of the humanity but always were seen as a joke and now that they are seeing we're serious we surprise them and many don't have idea what to do or how react so made mistakes... so we have to keep being more visible and, I hope, all would proceed with the name and gender marker change so yo open the road for the ones behind us....

Devi

[Jeri Ann]

My friend Barbara is from Monterey and she had to go back there to change her birth certificate. She used her new Mexican birth certificate to get a Mexican passport. When she gets her US citizenship in a few years then she can apply for a US passport.

[Lana Mae]

Update: On internet to find contacts for name change at various places! Tomorrow sending in copy of court order to change my name on Nursing Licence! It should be done in 5 days! Then, I can be Lana Mae at work! Yeah! Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

Update again! At work, my fellow employees on 2nd shift, have started calling me Lana or Lana Mae all of the time! A few of the residents have also! I went into work on my day off without a bra! Girl, did I hear it! "Your nipples are showing!" "Bet you aren't wearing a bra!" Then they felt for one! Then they said, "if you want to be a girl then you need to wear your bra!" I guess they are right! I have one on today! Now the good news: I got my Social Security card in the mail!!!! Not my Nursing License yet but should be here soon! Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

Today, I sent letters to my cousin and my last friend in PA! I told them about me and that I have changed my name! I am not sure what the reactions will be but that is how it is now! Got my Part D card but not Medicare or part B! Moving on! LM

[Lana Mae]

Today, I checked the nursing board's site and I am now listed as Lana Mae Walshaw!!!! Now I can be Lana Mae at work! I cried! LM

[bridget thronton]

so happy for you Lana Mae

[Becoming Brianna]

Congratulations Lana Mae! I'm so happy for you!

[Laura912]

That slippery slope we once discussed seems to be leveling out. Congratulations.

[Rhonda Darling]

Lana Mae, that is wonderful news. You’ve just past another major milepost on your journey. You are proving that North Carolina’s innate disapproval of alt lifestyles is slowly changing. Clearly not an easy path, but a path nevertheless.

Congratulations,
Rhonda

[Lana Mae]

Bridget: Thanks!
Brianna: Thanks!
Laura: Thanks! Yes, that slippery slope is starting to level out!
Rhonda: Thanks! I just am being me!

I am now being held up by the drivers license! You know-a picture ID!
Just a little longer-appointment at DMV on Aug 3!
Hugs LM

[Katya@]

I was blown away how fast my court order for the name change was processed. I submitted it in person on July 13, and received the signed court order change in the mail 9 days later on July 22. My records have been sealed upon my request and I don't need to submit any announcement to the local newspaper as required by law in normal cases. The same night a sent the request to my endo to sign the letter that he treated me (hormones in my case), and my gender is now female. The letter was ready today the same day and I can pick it up tomorrow. In 10 days, I changed the name through the court and changed my gender marker!!!

I am scheduling appointment to the DVM to change my driver's license and the vehicle title at the same time. Once I get the license, I plan to apply for US passport and Social Security, Med insurance, and financial institutions in that order.

[Jeri Ann]

A US passport application requires a birth certificate.

[Devi SM]

Come on! In my county courts keep closed for not essential processes.....what a bummer.
I can start in a new job I was before but I want to do it with the new name and gender.....

[Katya@]

A US passport application requires a birth certificate.

I do have a valid US Passport. So I will be basically just changing the gender and name marker. Also, I won't be able to change my birth certificate because it is from another country, which just few weeks ago added anti-LGBT laws into their constitution. I will let you make a guess.

---------------------------
My excitement didn't last long on how fast everything is moving. After reading Lana Mae's post, I thought let me make a an appointment to local DMV to submit the application for driver's license (no in person visit at the moment). The earliest available appointment I was able to secure is August 31! It's 5 weeks away . Or well, I can do other things without it meanwhile.

- - - Updated - - -


Come on! In my county courts keep closed for not essential processes.....what a bummer.
I can start in a new job I was before but I want to do it with the new name and gender.....

Hi Devi,

Since I am going through this with HR - you are right. When you start, they have to submit federal forms to verify your eligibility. However, if your name change, they have to do it again. With that being said, it is not a huge deal for HR, so if the job is right, don't risk of losing it I guess.

[Jeri Ann]

You cannot just change the gender marker on a US passport. Even though you have a valid passport, it will require getting a new passport, including all associated fees.

Do not attempt to do it online. The system will default you to the wrong form. You must use form DS-11. Get a copy from the post office. Unless the procedure has changed, and I don?t think it has, you will need DL, current, valid passport, a letter from your doctor, a photo and two checks, one for $35 and one for $110.

Others here have gone through this in the past. There was a thread on this back in December 2018, I think.

I do not want to hijack Lana Mae?s thread but this is important. Maybe I need to do a sticky.

Congrats L.M.

[Katya@]

Hi Jeri,

I usually complete the fillable PDF form and then go to my County Clerk Office to get picture taken and application for new passport submitted. It much more convenient that at post office and processing fee stays in the county and doesn't go to Washington DC. I think the valid US Passport can be used as a form of ID. I don't think I need new driver's license with new name/gender to apply for a passport, as long as I have court order name change and a letter from a doctor. So considering the long wait time go get the passport, I can submit the passport application first.

Katya

[Jeri Ann]

I did not know that a county clerks office conducted business for the federal government. Yes, the $35 processing fee goes to whoever processes the application. Supporting the US Postal service is a good thing to do.

If you do not submit a current photo I.D., you will get turned down. I was turned down twice on fabricated technicalities. You can multiply the long wait time by however many times you do not follow the process. I even got a rude denial letter addressed to MR. Do not jack with the federal government.

This is what is required:

1. Form DS-11

2. Medical certification letter from doctor. (There is specific wording required on the letter).

3. Certified copy of court order for name change.

4. Driver's license and photocopy (copy was mailed with application).

5. Old passport under my old name/gender, which was still valid, only five months old (to prove my citizenship. it was mailed in with my application). It did have a current photo.

6. Two checks for payment, $35 and $110.

[Lana Mae]

A very happy/important day!!!LOL I received my Medicare card today! Yeah! LM

[Katya@]

A very happy/important day!!!LOL I received my Medicare card today! Yeah! LM

Congratulation Lana Mae! You wont' have to here your old name at Doctor's offices!



If you do not submit a current photo I.D., you will get turned down[....].
.
This is what is required:
.
4. Driver's license and photocopy (copy was mailed with application).
.



Hi Jeri Ann,
I am not sure if the rules have changed from what they used to be but I am pretty positive you don't need to have a valid photo ID with new name/gender marker when applying for US passport. First I confirmed it with County Clerk, and then I went to the website of Department of State, and they have Q&A on the Change of Sex Marker page (LINK (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/change-of-sex-marker.html)). One Question was:
"Do I need to have the sex on my birth certificate and/or driver's license changed before I can get it changed on my passport?"
The answer is:
"No, your (or your child's) citizenship evidence (e.g. U.S. birth certificate) and ID do not have to show the updated sex marker, but the photo on the ID must resemble the applicant's current appearance."

And on the same page, another question was related to the name:
"Does my ID have to be in my current name?"
The answer is:
"No. Not if your name change occurred within one year of the date you submit your passport application. Your ID can be in either your current or previous name, as long as you submit a court order documenting your name change to the current name. If your name change occurred more than one year prior to your application, you must obtain an ID in your new name before a passport may be issued."

I will submit my application for passport (DS-11 form) on Monday at the county clerk office along with my court order change and the letter from the doctor. I do not expect any issues, but if I will get rejected for any reason, I will make sure to update you.

Katya

[Jeri Ann]

Good luck Katya

[Lana Mae]

Katya: Thanks! Going to the doctor offices tomorrow so they can copy my Medicare and Part D cards! I do not plan on getting a passport but the info is interesting! Each state seems to have different standards to go by! When I went to get my Social Security card, (by phone) the lady said that they only needed the form and the court order as it had both names on it! Just glad that I could get through all of this so well! Hugs LM

[Richelle]

Katya and Jeri Ann

I was able to get my new passport with the gender and name change with out sending in my CA drivers license. They did reject it at first due to the photo taken at FedEx being a little out focus. When I sent in a new photo, they sent me my new 10 year passport. Although per their documentation a new passport with a gender change should have been good for two years. I guess I was lucky.

Lana Mae,
Happy to hear your name change is now going so good. For the passport just follow the instructions on the State Departments web site and send it in via the US Post Office.

Richelle

[Katya@]

When I sent in a new photo, they sent me my new 10 year passport. Although per their documentation a new passport with a gender change should have been good for two years. I guess I was lucky.


Hi Richelle,
At least, as they rule stands today (per the link I shared before, if your letter from the doctor states that you have completed the transition, you get a 10 year passport. If it says you are in the process of transitioning, you get a 2 year passport.

There is a template to follow. The second part of my letter says (name changed from my real one):

[Katya] had undergone surgical, hormonal, or other appropriate clinical treatment for the individual for the purpose of gender transition from male to female, and in my professional opinion, Katya?s gender identity
is female. I support her efforts to obtain identity documents that accurately reflect her female gender identity.

The key above was to show it was completed.

[Sarah Doepner]

Congratulations Lana Mae! That's great news and sounds like a great relief to me.

[Lana Mae]

Remembered that I had not notified my medicare supplement insurer! So this morning sent a copy of the court order per their instructions! I will wait to notify the doctors and others until the card arrives! They pay the 20% that Medicare does not pay! Hugs LM

[Katya@]

Hi Lana Mae,
I can see how this list of changes never ends. Today was my day 1 of changes and I felt like I wanted to change it all and now...I started with passport, and SSA. Line for drivers license is long, last day of August. Certificate of Naturalization is next, at a whooping $550 fee.
But walking to the bank was a delight today. The clerk called me she, and changed my bank info and ordered new cards.

[Lana Mae]

Yes, Katya ,it seems the more you do the more needs done! Tomorrow is my drivers license! After I have that there are 5 others waiting for a copy of it! That includes work who also wants a birth certificate! It just goes on and on! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Katya@]

Good luck tomorrow Lana Mae. I think driver's license is the most used photo ID, with the gender marker and you get it for 10 years. So I would say perhaps the most important one. When I went to take a photo for passport (10 years), and certificate of naturalization (for life), I only thought the night before about how would I look, but it was too late to do anything. I thought that perhaps would've been a good idea to get a light make up done at Ulta, just to look even better, considering how long I will be staring at this photo. Maybe I will do something like this for the drivers license. I don't own or do makeup but > wouldn't mind to have a light one for the photo sake.

[Lana Mae]

Yeah, now have my temporary drivers license!!! The real one will come in two weeks! The picture is awful! Oh, well! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Lana Mae]

I have my hard copy of my drivers license! To loan co. and insurance office so they could copy it! Got payment book for Medicare supplement but not the card! Changed name at city water office! Lady who waited on me got on the computer! She asked who Harry was! I said, "Me! I am here to change my name!" She paused for a second and went back to the computer!
At work, Kathy from the business office, copied my DL and SS card! She stated that they must print the checks with the name on the SS card!
A talk with the boss! I told her it might be next year before I can get my birth certificate! She said to get my name tag changed and come dressed however I felt! So nice to have LANA MAE W------ on my name tag!
I am currently on vacation! When I go back to work, I can wear my wig and BE LM! Feels great!
I don't know if anyone is reading this thread anymore so this will be my last entry! I hope it helped someone!!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Jeri Ann]

Lana Mae has responded to her op for the last time so it is time to close the thread. It will still be available for reference.