Identity Documents
Trans Immigrants in New York In this brochure: • Name Changes for Immigrants in New York • Name and Gender Change on Immigration Documents • Trans Marriage Recognition • The Real ID Act • Asylum for Trans People
The NY State Department of Motor vehicles, which issues all New York State Driver's Licenses and Non-Driver's ID ("state ID") has a specific policy for changing gender on a a state ID card. This policy is much less burdensome and difficult than other state agencies such as HRA or the Department of Health (which issues Birth Certificates). A letter from a medical professional is required, stating that " one gender predominates over the other," but proof of surgery is NOT required.
If you go to change your gender on your state ID, bring a copy of the policy, because many locations do not know about it or have never seen it.
Th policy is available here. Read more »
This article also discusses New York State's Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court ruling that transgender people can change their names "at will", without any medical requirements or surgery-regardless of a judge's "confusion".
Recently, SRLP joined the NY Coalition for Immigrants' Rights to Drivers' Licenses. This important coalition, consisting of dozens of New York organizations, is opposing new policies designed to suspend the licenses of immigrants in New York State. Read more »
On October 24th, 2003, SRLP received a favorable decision in Matter of Guido, a case where we were fighting for a transgender woman to be allowed to change her name
Rena Bryant
Secretary to the Board of Health
125 Worth Street, CN-31
New York, NY 10013
October 30, 2006
Re: Comments pursuant to notice of intention to amend Article 207 of the New York City Health Code
Dear Secretary Bryant: Read more »
Follow-up letter sent after meeting with the Bureau of Vital Statistics (February 2003) to discuss the need to change NYC's birth certificate gender change policy.
February 25, 2003
Dr. Steven Schwartz, PhD.
The City of New York Dept. of Health
125 Worth Street Room 144
New York, NY 10013-4090
Dear Dr. Schwartz: Read more »
A summary of the issues discussed at the meeting with the Office of Vital Statistics in February, 2003. Read more »
Initial letter sent to the NYC Department of Health in 2002, about changing NYC's birth certificate gender change policy
The City of New York Dept. of Health
125 Worth Street Room 144
New York, NY 10013-4090
November 18, 2002
Dear Dr. Weisfuse: Read more »
