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
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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
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.
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
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
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....
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
Devi, wishing your better luck with yours! Thanks!
Allie, I will do that when I get the card back! Thanks!
Hugs Lana Mae
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.
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
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!!!!!!
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
so happy for you Lana Mae
Congratulations Lana Mae! I'm so happy for you!
That slippery slope we once discussed seems to be leveling out. Congratulations.
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
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
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.
A US passport application requires a birth certificate.
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.....
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeri Ann
---------------------------
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.
[SIZE=1]- - - Updated - - -[/SIZE]
Hi Devi,Quote:
Originally Posted by Devi SM
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.
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.
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
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.
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!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lana Mae
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeri Ann
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). 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
Good luck Katya
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
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
Hi Richelle,Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
Congratulations Lana Mae! That's great news and sounds like a great relief to me.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.