How to Change Your Gender on Your Florida License

If you’re living in Florida and want to change your gender and/or your name on your driver license, make sure to read this information carefully. We at Aceable know transitioning is one of the bravest, most important decisions you’ll ever make. We are so excited for you and this step you’re taking ,and we want to help! Changing your gender on your driver license is a big part of this process and we know it can be a little confusing. That’s why we’ve compiled all the information you need right here as part of our Florida DMV guide!

Previously, Florida residents who wanted to change the gender on their driver license were required to provide documentation that they had undergone sexual reassignment surgery. However, in 2011, the process was changed and the requirements began to follow standards established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), recognized as the authority in this field by the American Medical Association.

What You Need to Change Your Gender

Residents requesting a gender that is different from what currently appears on their driver license must provide a signed original statement on office letterhead from their medical physician. The medical physician can be an internist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, urologist, or psychologist/psychiatrist.

This medical statement must include the following items:

• Physician’s full name
• Medical license or certificate number
• Issuing state or other jurisdiction of medical license/certificate
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number assigned to the physician
• Address and telephone number of the physician
• Language stating that he/she is the attending physician for the resident and that they have a doctor/patient relationship
• Language stating the customer is undergoing appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition to the new gender
• Language stating, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States the foregoing is true and correct.”

So, to change your driver license gender, that’s all you need! To change your name in addition to your gender, you’ll need to take a few extra steps.

What You Need to Change Your Name

Before you can change your name on your license, you have to first change it on your Social Security Card. You’ll need to report your name change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you change it with the Florida DHSMV and the Division of Driver Licenses because the FL DHSMV must be able to verify your Social Security number.

Changing Your Name with the SSA

You can change your name with the SSA either in person or by mail. Sadly, you can’t change it online. Ugh. And don’t worry, you won’t have to memorize a new Social Security number; that won’t change.

Whether in person or by mail, you will need the following:

• A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
• Your certified name-change document, such as your:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order
• Proof of your identity, such as your:
  • U.S. driver license
  • U.S. passport
  • State-issued ID card
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as your:
  • U.S. birth certificate
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Visit the SSA website for a complete list of accepted documents.

Changing Your Name on Your Driver License

After you change your name with the SSA, you have 10 (I repeat, 10) days to update it on your Florida driver license. You can only change your name in person. You can not apply for a name change online, by mail, or over the phone.

You will need

• Your Florida driver license or ID card
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship or legal presence, such as your:
  • Valid U.S. passport
  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Certificate of naturalization N-550 or N-570
• Proof of your current name, such as your:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order
• Proof of Social Security number (SSN), such as your:
  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form
• Proof of your Florida residency - (two documents), such as a recent:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • School record or transcript
• Payment for the $25 fee

All documents must be originals or certified copies. The FL Division of Driver Licenses will issue you a new Florida driver license or identification card.

There you go, friend. That’s all you need to know to go take care of business.

Don't live in Florida? Find out how to change the gender on your driver license in your state!