FAQs

To legally change your name and/or sex designation, you need to file a petition with your local New York Supreme Court. Name and sex designation changes can be completed on the same form. The court may grant the name and sex designation changes after reviewing your application and ensuring it complies with state law.

You’ll need to have completed your Retainer Agreement and paid your $500 retainer before your appointment. You will need to bring photo ID and your proof of birth (original birth certificate, certified copy of your birth certificate, or certificate from Commissioner or local Board of Health stating no such certificate is available).

NYS’s name and sex designation petition form requires information regarding where you were born, if you have been arrested, if you have been married, if you owe spousal support, if you have children, if you owe child support, if you have ever declared bankruptcy or have any liens against you, if you have ever been a party to a lawsuit, and if you have filed name or sex designation petitions in the past.

Yes, a parent or legal guardian can file a petition on behalf of a minor. If both parents or legal guardians are living, the court will need both to consent to the name change. The court considers the best interests of the child when making its decision.

A court order is not required under New York State law to change your sex designation on an identity document (birth certificate, driver’s license, photo ID, etc.) issued in New York. You can change your sex designation on your NYS birth certificate by submitting an application to the NYS Department of Health (or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene if born in NYC). You can update your sex designation on your New York State driver’s license or ID by visiting a DMV office and completing the required forms. You can also update your name and sex designation with federal agencies, including the passport office and Social Security Administration.

Some states may not honor sex designation change orders from New York courts. If you want to change an identity document issued in another state, you should check that state’s requirements before you file an application.

No, New York State does not require proof of surgery or medical documentation for sex designation changes.

Yes, New York State offers an "X" marker for non-binary designations. Currently, New York only offers three options for sex markers: F (female), X (not-binary), and M (male).

We will complete and notarize your form with you and file it with New York State at the same time. In our experience, receiving a signed order from a judge takes anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.

No, under New York State law and federal law, employers and schools are required to respect your legal name and gender identity. Let us know if you have issues with your employer or school refusing your name or sex designation changes.