1. Name Change Process in Arizona

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

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

    • Forms: Obtain the Name Change Petition form (available from your local court or online).

    • Information to Include:

      • Your current legal name.

      • The name you wish to adopt.

      • Reason for the change (e.g., gender identity).

  2. Pay the Filing Fee:

    • The filing fee for a name change in Arizona is generally $150 to $250, depending on the county. If you are unable to afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver.

  3. Notice of Petition:

    • Arizona law requires you to publish a Notice of Petition for Name Change in a local newspaper for at least three consecutive weeks. This publication gives others the opportunity to object to the name change.

    • Privacy Concerns: If you have privacy concerns or fear retaliation, you may request a waiver from the court for this publication requirement.

  4. Attend a Court Hearing:

    • After the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. You may need to provide reasoning for the name change during this hearing.

    • If there are no objections, the judge will approve the name change and issue a court order.

  5. Obtain the Court Order:

    • Once the court approves your name change, you will receive an official court order. This document is necessary for updating your name on official records.

  6. Update Documents:

    • With the court order, you can update your Social Security records, driver’s license, bank accounts, and other records. Each agency will require a copy of the court order to make changes.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Arizona

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

  1. Submit Request for Gender Change:

    • To change your gender marker on your driver's license or state-issued ID, you must submit a request to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), which oversees the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

    • Required Documentation:

      • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that the requested gender marker reflects your gender identity. The provider’s letter must be on official letterhead and include a statement that the gender marker aligns with your current gender identity.

  2. Complete the Application:

    • Submit the Gender Change Application form (Form 96-0130) to the MVD. Along with the form, include:

      • Your current and desired gender marker.

      • The healthcare provider's letter.

    • Pay the required $12 to $25 fee for updating your driver’s license or state ID.

  3. Submit to MVD:

    • Submit the completed form and documents to the MVD. The MVD will process the request, and you will receive a new driver’s license or ID card reflecting your updated 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 Superior Court of the county where you were born. This process is handled by the court’s family division.

    • Required Documentation:

      • The petition form, which you can get from the court.

      • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider affirming that your gender identity aligns with the requested gender marker.

      • Some counties may require other forms of documentation, such as proof of gender transition (e.g., hormone therapy or surgery), but a letter from your healthcare provider may suffice.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • The court will schedule a hearing to review your petition. At the hearing, the judge will consider your petition and any objections, though objections are rare.

    • If the judge approves the petition, the court will issue a court order to change the gender marker on your birth certificate.

  3. Submit to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS):

    • After receiving the court order, you will need to submit it to the Arizona Department of Health Services’s Vital Records Office to update your birth certificate.

    • The ADHS will process the order and issue a new birth certificate with your updated gender marker.

  4. Fee for Birth Certificate Update:

    • There is a fee for obtaining an updated birth certificate, generally around $25 to $35.

3. Summary Checklist for Arizona

Name Change Process:

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

  2. Publish Notice of Petition in a newspaper for three consecutive weeks (unless waived).

  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 Gender Change Application form and healthcare provider’s letter to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), MVD (fee of $12 to $25).

    • Obtain updated driver’s license or state ID.

  2. Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition for Gender Change in Superior Court.

    • Submit court order to Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for updated birth certificate (fee of $25 to $35).

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Arizona does not require proof of surgery to change the gender marker on a driver's license or ID.

  • Privacy Protection: If you are concerned about privacy (e.g., regarding the publication requirement for name changes), consult with a lawyer to discuss options for waiver or other protective measures.

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