How To Change The Gender On Your Driver License In Nevada

As a transgender person, changing your gender on your Nevada driver license is one of the most exciting steps in your transition! At Aceable, we understand that even though it’s very exciting, it can also be very confusing.

Luckily, the process for having your gender changed on your Nevada driver license is much easier than it is in some other states. We’ll explain the steps you need to take in order to change your gender, and go over the steps to take if you want to change your name too. Here we go!

Changing Your Gender in Nevada

Thanks to work by Equality Nevada, ACLU of Nevada and countless other organizations, the Nevada DMV instated a new policy for changing the sex marker on your license. Here’s how to get your gender changed:

Step 1: Get a DLD-136 Form

You’ll be required to submit a DLD-136 Medical and Authorization (Gender Change) form. Grab one from your local DMV.

Step 2: Get a doctor to fill out your DLD-136 Form

While you no longer need to provide proof of sex reassignment surgery, you do need a physician or psychologist to fill out your DLD-136 form.

Step 3: Return the form to your local DMV

Once your DLD-136 is completed (yay!), you’ll need to return it to your local DMV. This allows the DMV to get started in gathering your medical information and change the gender on your license.

Changing Your Name in Nevada

Unfortunately, changing your name will take a bit more work in Nevada.

Step 1: File a verified petition with the district court

Nevada name change law is governed by Sections 41.270-290 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. You’ll need to file a notarized petition with your district court and provide required forms.

This is probably the most troublesome part of the process, as required forms vary from county to county, and are not easily found online. Required forms could include:

• Civil Cover Sheet
• Notice of Petition
• Request for Summary Disposition and Declaration in Support
• Any additional supporting documentation

There are a few ways for you to find these forms, however. Call or visit your district court clerk to ask for a list of the required documentation.

Once you have the notarized petition and appropriate paperwork, bring your documents to your district court.

Step 2: Give public notice

In Nevada, you’re required to publish a public notice in a local newspaper immediately after filing the paperwork with the court. This notice must be published at least once a week for three consecutive weeks. (We know it sounds bizarre and old school, but it’s real!)

The newspaper will then give you an affidavit. You’ll be required to file this affidavit with a copy of the published notice to your district court as proof.

Step 3. Wait for the court to sign the order

If no one objects to your proposed name change within ten days after publication in the newspaper, the district court will likely sign the order and grant the name change “on the papers.”

If someone objects to the proposed name change within ten days, the court will schedule a hearing and you’ll be required to attend.

Step 4: Get the court order

Once your name is approved, the court will mail a signed order to you. This might take several weeks, and at most two months. Once you receive the court order, though, your name change is official! Congrats :)

Step 5: Change your name with the Social Security Administration

Before you can change your name with the DMV, you have to change your name with the Social Security Administration first.

Here’s what you’ll need to start that process:

• Provide required documents.
• Fill out an application for a Social Security Card.
• Mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office, or turn them in in person.

It usually takes about 10 business days from the date your application is processed for you to receive your new Social Security card.

Step 6: Wait for the DMV to verify your name change

The DMV will check your name, birthdate and social security number with the Social Security Administration.

Step 7: Visit the DMV to get your new license or ID

In order to get a new driver license or ID, you must visit the DMV office in person. You’ll receive a temporary document in the interim, and get your new license or ID in the mail.

Whew. It’s A LOT of work, and it won’t always be a quick process, but it sure is worth it in the end. Congratulations, friend!

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