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Name Change to Match Your Gender Identity

Last reviewed July 16, 2026 against official court and .gov sources.

Quick answer

A name change to match your gender identity follows the standard adult court petition, but many states treat it more privately — waiving the newspaper-publication requirement and allowing the record to be sealed for safety. The filing fee is usually the same as an adult petition, and some states waive it. Then update Social Security, the DMV gender marker, and your passport.

Find your exact steps and cost

Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.

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The process, with added privacy

Mechanically, this is the adult name-change petition. What often differs is privacy. A number of states do not require a newspaper notice for a name change to conform to gender identity, and many let you ask the court to seal the file so your former name and address aren't public. California, for example, requires no publication for this type and allows confidential handling.

If safety is a concern, ask the clerk specifically about publication waivers and sealing when you file — the options vary by state and are exactly what these provisions exist for.

Updating your gender marker too

A name change and a gender-marker change are separate updates, though some states let you request both in one petition. After your name-change order, you can update the gender marker on your Social Security record, your state ID (state rules vary), and your US passport. Bring your certified order to each.

What varies by state

Publication waivers, record sealing, and fee waivers differ significantly by state, and some states have recently changed their rules. Use the calculator above for your state's current publication rule and forms, and check the state page's Sources for the official citation.

Find your state

Each state hub has its exact fee, court, forms, and all five change types.

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After your name change: who to notify

Update Social Security first, then the DMV, then your passport — in order.

Who-to-notify guide →Build my checklist →

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to publish a notice for a gender-identity name change?
In many states, no. A number of states waive the newspaper-publication requirement for a name change to conform to gender identity, and many let you seal the record. Check your state page for its current rule.
Can I keep my name change private?
Often yes. Many states allow the court to seal a gender-identity name-change file so your former name isn't public. Ask the clerk about sealing and publication waivers when you file.
Can I change my name and gender marker at the same time?
In some states you can request both in one petition; in others they're separate. Either way, after the name order you update the gender marker on Social Security, your state ID, and your passport separately.
How much does a gender-identity name change cost?
Usually the same as an adult petition, and some states waive the fee for a name change filed with a gender-marker change. See your state page for the exact amount.

Last reviewed July 16, 2026. Methodology · Sources.