Identity Documents

  • Your Immigration Rights
    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

  • NY State ID Policy

    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 »


  • Court removes bar to transgender name changes
    Associated Press | November 27, 2008

    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".

  • Stop the Suspensions!

    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.

    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 »


  • Victory: Name Change Court Decision in Matter of Guido

    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

    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


  • Letter to Board of Health, October 2006, re: Birth Certificate Policy Change

    October 2006 letter in support of the Board of Health and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's intention to amend Article 207 of the New York City Health Code regarding amendments to the gender on birth certificates.

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    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 About Legal Issues (Birth Certificate Policy)

    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.

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    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 »


  • Birth Certificate Sex Designation: An Overview of the Issues

    A summary of the issues discussed at the meeting with the Office of Vital Statistics in February, 2003. Read more »


  • Initial Letter to Department of Vital Stats

    Initial letter sent to the NYC Department of Health in 2002, about changing NYC's birth certificate gender change policy

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    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 »


  • Talking Points in Support of Proposed NYC Transgender Birth Certificate Regulations (Fall 06)

    Talking points: Why change NYC's birth certificate gender change policy? What parts of the current (September 2006) proposal should be corrected?

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    Why should New York City's current birth certificate gender change policy be changed?