Choose the option that best fits your situation:

This section shows you how to ask for a court order recognizing a change of gender, both in cases where you also want to change your name or when you only want recognition of a change of gender. If you want a court order for a name change ONLY (even if you are also changing your gender), go to our name change section and follow the directions for change of name to conform to your gender identity.

For Adults:

How to Change Your Gender

This section will walk you through the steps for how to change your gender. How to Change Your Name AND Gender

If you want to change your name and gender select this process.

For Minors:

How to Change a Child's Gender

This section will walk you through the steps for how to change the gender of a minor. How to Change a Child's Name AND Gender

If you want to change the name and gender of a minor, select this process. How to Change a Child's Gender or Name AND Gender if you are a Guardian or Dependency Attorney for the Child

This section will walk you through the steps for how to change the gender or name and gender of a minor if you are the minor’s guardian or dependency attorney.

Important! You do not need a court ordered recognition of gender change to change your California driver's license, social security card, or U.S. passport. You also do not need a court order to have a new birth certificate issued reflecting a change of gender (for California birth records). If you were born outside of California and want to have your birth certificate amended, you may want to get a court ordered recognition of gender change to use in your efforts.

You DO need a court order for a change of name. Go to the resources below for more information to help you figure out your options.

Beginning January 1, 2019, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will allow you to select a gender category of female, male or nonbinary for your California Driver License or Identification Card. More information about Gender on your California Driver License or ID Card.

Related information: