In TransOhio’s October 2009, newsletter the organization has created a guide for the new laws on changing one’s gender marker in Ohio. The following answers FAQ and breaks down exactly what to do.

How this process works:

Transgender Ohioans need to phone the main office of the Ohio BMV (located in Columbus) to request the Declaration of Gender Change form. The main office number is 614-752-7500. This form is not yet available online, and will not be until it is officially assigned a form identification number by the Ohio BMV. The Declaration of Gender Change form will be mailed to the requester.

Licensed physicians, psychologists and therapists are the only one’s allowed to sign this form. To be qualified, the medical professional must attest that the transition is being conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care, also known as the Henry Benjamin Standards of Care.

The individual requesting the gender marker change will need to have their physician, psychologist or therapist complete and sign the Declaration of Gender Change form.

Completed forms should be mailed or faxed to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Attn: License Control

P.O. Box 16784

Columbus, Ohio 43216-6784

Phone: 1-614-752-7500

Fax: 1-614-752-7987

Don’t forget to make a copy of the paperwork for your records.

Turn-around and processing time is seven to 10 business days. The Ohio BMV will notify the applicant in writing that their information has been changed.

The individual will then be able to take that written notification to their local BMV office to get their new license issued. The old license must be surrendered.

BMV fees do apply to the issuance of your new Ohio Driver’s License or state-issued ID card. There are a few additional points of information on the “Declaration of Gender Change” form that we feel are important to point out that if gender identification is marked as transitional, a new form must be submitted for each driver’s license/ID renewal until gender identification is complete. If the form is not submitted at renewal, the gender marker will revert back to the original gender.

Each individual is limited to changing their gender back to the original gender on their driver’s license or ID card one time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I reside in Ohio, but my doctors and therapist are out of state. Can they sign the “Declaration of Gender Change” form?

A: Yes. Any licensed physician/psychologist/therapist is qualified to sign the “Declaration of Gender Change” form as long as they are in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care.

Q: Does my physician/psychologist/therapist need to be a member of WPATH?

A: No. Any licensed physician/psychologist/therapist is qualified to sign the “Declaration of Gender Change” form as long as they are in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care. Membership to WPATH is NOT a requirement for your physician/psychologist/therapist.

Q: Do I need to have any surgery to have my gender marker change on my Ohio driver’s license?

A: No. The Ohio BMV no longer requires a letter from your surgeon stating you’ve had SRS.

Q: Is my information public information?

A: No. All records of the Ohio Department of Public Safety or Bureau of Motor Vehicles relating to the physical or mental

condition of any person are confidential and are not open to public record.

Q: Can my gender marker be changed if I haven’t had a court ordered name change yet?

A: Yes. You can change your gender marker even if your name has not been changed.

**Note: TransOhio does recommend making sure that if you’ve not had your name changed through the Probate Court, that you do so as soon as you’re able to, so that your name and gender reflect correctly on your new driver’s license.

Q: I heard that there is a new format for Ohio driver’s license. Are driver’s licenses being issued with a pink background for women, and a blue background for men?

A: There is a new format for the Ohio driver’s license. The background color is pink for all driver’s licenses.

Additional questions about the Declaration of Gender Change form? Call TransOhio at 614-441-8167.