1. Name Change Process in Alaska

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Where: File your petition with the Superior Court in the county where you reside.

    • Forms: You will need to obtain the Petition for Name Change form from the court or its website.

    • Required Information:

      • Your current legal name.

      • The name you wish to use.

      • A brief explanation of why you are requesting the name change (e.g., gender identity).

  2. Pay the Filing Fee:

    • The filing fee for a name change in Alaska varies by county but is typically $150–$250. If you cannot afford this fee, you may request a fee waiver from the court.

  3. Notice of Petition:

    • In Alaska, you may be required to publish a Notice of Petition for Name Change in a local newspaper. This notice allows anyone who might object to the name change to do so.

    • Publication Waiver: If you feel that publishing your name change might compromise your safety (such as due to harassment), you can file a Request to Waive Notice of Name Change. A judge will decide whether to grant this waiver.

  4. Court Hearing:

    • The court may require a hearing for your name change petition. At the hearing, the judge will review your petition and any objections filed. If no objections are raised, the judge will likely grant the name change.

    • If the judge approves the petition, a court order will be issued.

  5. Obtain the Court Order:

    • Once the judge signs the court order, you will be able to use it to update your name on official records such as Social Security, bank accounts, and government IDs.

  6. Update Documents:

    • With the court order, you can update your name on various documents including your Social Security records, driver’s license, bank accounts, and more.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Alaska

A. Gender Marker Change on Driver’s License or ID

  1. Submit Request for Gender Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID, you must request it through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

    • Required Documentation:

      • A statement from a licensed healthcare provider affirming that your gender identity is consistent with the gender marker you wish to have.

      • The healthcare provider’s statement must be signed and include their qualifications.

  2. Complete the Application:

    • You will need to complete the Gender Marker Change form, which can be obtained from the Alaska DMV website or in person at a DMV office.

    • Submit the completed form along with the healthcare provider’s letter.

  3. Submit to DMV:

    • The form and documentation can be submitted either online (if available) or in person at your local DMV office.

    • Fees: There may be a small processing fee for updating your ID or driver’s license (typically $15–$25).

  4. Receive Updated ID:

    • Once your request is processed, you will receive an updated driver’s license or state ID with your new gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you must file a petition in the Alaska Superior Court.

    • Required Documentation:

      • The petition should include a request for a gender marker change, along with a statement from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that your gender identity is consistent with the requested gender marker.

      • Some counties may require additional documentation (such as evidence of gender transition), but the healthcare provider’s letter is often sufficient.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing your petition, the court will schedule a hearing. The judge will review the petition and, if no objections are raised, issue a court order for the gender marker change.

  3. Submit Court Order to Vital Statistics:

    • After receiving the court order, you will need to submit it to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, which handles birth certificate amendments.

    • Documentation: Include the court order and any required forms provided by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

  4. Obtain New Birth Certificate:

    • After processing, you will receive a new birth certificate reflecting your updated gender marker.

    • Fee: There is a fee to obtain the updated birth certificate, typically around $25–$35.

3. Summary Checklist for Alaska

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change with the Superior Court (include the required forms and fee).

  2. Publish Notice of Petition in a local newspaper or request a publication waiver.

  3. Attend Court Hearing and obtain court order.

  4. Update Documents (Social Security, Driver’s License, Bank Accounts, etc.).

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Submit a Gender Marker Change form and healthcare provider’s statement to the Alaska DMV (fee of $15–$25).

    • Receive updated driver’s license or state ID.

  2. Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition for Gender Change in Superior Court.

    • Submit court order to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics for an updated birth certificate (fee of $25–$35).

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Alaska does not require proof of surgery to change the gender marker on your driver’s license or ID.

  • Privacy Concerns: If privacy is a concern, consult a legal professional about waiving the publication requirement for name changes or other protective measures.

Sources:

  • Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Gender Marker Change Instructions

  • Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics: Birth Certificate Gender Marker Change

  • Alaska Court System: Petition for Name Change Forms