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Idk if that dogshit executive order applies to birth certificates or if it’s just passports and other federal identity documents. As far as I’m aware birth certificates are managed by the state and I live in a blue state (Minnesota), so I’m thinking maybe I could but idk.
I’m planning on using my passport that I got a few months ago as one of my supporting documents but I’m worried that it might get confiscated. (My passport has an F on it, my birth certificate currently has an M on it)
Yes, absolutely get your birth certificate updated.
I recommend getting the legal name change done first so then you update name and gender on the birth certificate at once.
Some places don’t fully re-issue the birth certificate if you don’t have both changed at once, and they will show the old info and the revision on the same document. Obviously this is bad since it outs you, so do them both together.
Thanks for your advice, though I actually have all my documents updated already except for my birth certificate. Sex is self determined here on driver’s licenses and etc so all my other documents already have an F marker on it.
I changed my name when I was about 8 months on hrt so I didn’t qualify for getting an ACT letter then. So I figured I’d just change it later, but yeah I agree it’d be easier to do both at once.
From what I have read my birth certificate changes will be private (only if done via court order) however my name change is public unfortunately. I don’t think it’s possible for that to be private here unless there’s like a victim protection thing going on.
You should talk to a lawyer about sealing the name change - they would know best whether it’s possible, and they might be able to petition the court and attend the hearing for you. I haven’t done it myself yet, but I plan to - and I know someone who has in another state.
I don’t know what the best choice is but; what I can say is that:
If I were anywhere in the US atm I’d consider changing any legal documentation once I’ve fled to a more reasonable pro-LGBTQ+ countryChanging some documentation from afar can be difficult, for example for a legal name change you might have to file the court petition and attend a hearing in-person. Some courts have remote options, but not always. Being able to go in person and ask questions helps.
So it depends on the document and what is required. I know someone who had to travel across the U.S. just to attend a court hearing to update their birth certificate, whereas I was able to update mine easily by mail. Either way, I don’t encourage people to wait to get their legal documents in order, I encourage all trans people to get their documents updated ASAP (even before Trump won the election, every year seems worse for trans folks - now is probably better than later).
I guess my point is that it’s not that simple, each person will have to evaluate the risks and rewards.
I was born in a red state that won’t let me change my birth certificate, even though I’ve lived in a blue state my entire life. I cried the day I made this realization. Then fuckface’s executive order happened. At least my drivers license will have the right letter, I guess.
Is it the one-star (out of five) state? Same here if so. Haven’t even lived in that state since i was a toddler.
Also wondering this. I actually have a change open right now, but I guess I needed a notary to sign something… I’ve been waiting each day to see if I should get the form signed and send it back.
Mild rant… but I don’t understand why I need a notary (someone who knows nothing about me) involved in the process. Like, how are my court documents, updated driver’s license, and updated Social Security card not enough to prove my identity…
A notary is a licensed professional ID checker. They certify that you are who you say you are. They are required for many important documents.
The notary allows you to self select your gender marker without any other proof, and without having to appear in person to make the change.
Not requiring other materials is a good thing.
Seems pretty easy to become one. I am slightly interested in becoming one and offering services to the gender diverse people in my area and community!
A friend of mine became a notary, and I signed some form declaring their trustworthiness. Apparently its a good business. Anyone buying a house needs a notary and will pay for the service especially if you do house calls.
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AFAIK birth certificates are a state thing, and the federal order is for… well federal. If you were in a red state I’m not sure I would try it but you might be ok in a more blue one.
You can get them from the county. Less than $30. Just go do it. All you need is the passport, cash, and an unsigned but filled out application.
https://www.hennepin.us/en/residents/licenses-certificates-permits/birth
If you don’t have this part done then maybe research it a bit more:
https://transequality.org/documents/minnesota-identity-documents
That seems to be just for getting a copy of a birth certificate and I need to do an amendment which isn’t as easy as that.
The first link and text of the post is about getting a copy of the birth certificate.
The second link is about amendments and seems accurate as far as I can tell.
Regardless you will probably want to order certified copies at the same time.
The birth certificate amendment paperwork has an option for ordering a copy so I shouldn’t need to order any at the courthouse, but I do appreciate your helpfulness!
https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/docs/bamendia.pdf
