How do I change the sex on my immigration or citizenship documents?
This can help you learn what was most recently required to change your sex on your immigration and citizenship documents. This is historic information to help you prepare in case these rights come back. As of January, 2025 the information related to federal ID rights and sex/gender on federal records is changing rapidly. All current passport applications that included a request to change the sex or gender have been suspended. The Social Security Administration will not issue sex identification changes to Social Security records anymore. Other federal record and ID information will be affected including all or most immigration related records. It is not possible or advised to try to change the sex that is on your immigration documents during the federal ban. This information will be updated regularly to include any changes. #8915EN
Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your situation. This publication answers questions about some of the most common immigration situations and documents.
Immigration documents will be limited to only "M" or "F" (or "male" or "female") gender designations.
Most will require proof of gender change through another ID document or a letter from a licensed healthcare professional certifying your "true gender". There is a sample letter attached to this publication. There are no specific surgery or medical requirements. The letter just needs to confirm your gender.
You must submit:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (uscis.gov/i-765)
- Filing fee of $495 (in 2023) or a Fee Waiver (permission to not pay the fee). The Fee Waiver form is Form I-912 (uscis.gov/i-912). If you need to use the Fee Waiver, submit the Form I-912 along with your Form I-765.
- Two passport-style photos
- Driver's license, birth certificate, passport, court order, or other official government-issued document showing the requested gender designation, or a letter from a licensed healthcare professional certifying your true gender - see sample letter
You must submit:
- Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (uscis.gov/i-90)
- Filing fee of $540 (in 2023) or a Fee Waiver (permission to not pay the fee)
- Driver's license, birth certificate, passport, court order, or other official government-issued document showing the requested gender designation, or a letter from a licensed healthcare professional certifying your true gender - see sample letter
- Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (uscis.gov/n-565)
- Filing fee of $555 (in 2023) or a Fee Waiver (permission to not pay the fee)
- Two passport-style photos
- Driver's license, birth certificate, passport, court order, or other official government-issued document showing the requested gender designation, or a letter from a licensed healthcare professional certifying your true gender(see sample letter)
Learn more about gender changes and immigration documents from The National Center for Trans Equality at transequality.org/know-your-rights/immigration-documents.
Learn more about USCIS issued identity documents at USCIS's website: uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-11-part-a-chapter-2.
Learn more about changing your name on USCIS issued secure identity immigration documents at uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-11-part-a-chapter-2.
Learn more about how to ask for a legal name change in Washington by reading How to Get a Name Change in Washington.
- If you currently have an immigration attorney, you should talk to your attorney about changing your name on your immigration documents before you try to change the documents. You should also tell your attorney that you received a legal name change.
Get Legal Help
Visit Northwest Justice Project to find out how to get legal help.