1. Name Change Process in Arkansas

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Begin by filing a Petition for Change of Name at the Circuit Court in the county where you reside.

    • You can obtain the form from the local court or online. You’ll need to provide:

      • Your current legal name.

      • The desired name you wish to adopt.

      • The reason for the name change (e.g., to reflect gender identity).

  2. Pay Filing Fee:

    • The filing fee typically ranges from $150 to $200, depending on the county. If you cannot afford this fee, you can file a Fee Waiver application with the court.

  3. Notice of Petition:

    • Arkansas law requires that you publish a Notice of Petition for Name Change in a local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks. This is to give others a chance to contest the name change if necessary.

    • If you have privacy or safety concerns (e.g., due to potential threats), you may request the court to waive this publication requirement.

  4. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, the judge will review your petition. If there are no objections, the judge will sign the order to change your name.

    • Note: You do not have to attend the hearing if you have no objections. However, be prepared to explain your reasons for the name change if asked.

  5. Obtain Court Order:

    • Once the judge signs the order, you will receive a Court Order Changing Name. This is your official documentation to begin updating your name with government agencies and other institutions.

  6. Update Documents:

    • With the court order, you can update your Social Security records, driver’s license (through the Arkansas DMV), bank accounts, and medical records. Most agencies will require a copy of the court order to process the update.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Arkansas

A. Gender Marker Change on Driver’s License

  1. Submit a Gender Change Request:

    • To change the gender marker on your driver's license or state ID, you must file a Gender Change Application with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), which handles DMV matters.

    • Unlike some states, Arkansas does not require surgery for gender marker changes, but you will need to provide supporting documentation.

  2. Required Documents:

    • Submit a letter from a licensed healthcare professional (physician, psychologist, etc.) stating that the gender marker reflects your gender identity. The letter should be signed and dated.

    • Submit the completed Form DFA-1900 (Request for Gender Marker Change).

    • There is also a fee for updating your driver’s license, which is typically around $10 to $20.

  3. Submit to DFA:

    • Send the completed form, the healthcare professional's letter, and your payment to the DFA. The department will process your request, and you will receive an updated driver’s license or state ID with the correct gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. File a Petition for Gender Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you must file a Petition for Gender Change with the Circuit Court in the county where you were born.

    • You will need to provide:

      • Form FC-100 (Petition for Gender Change).

      • Letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying that the requested gender marker is consistent with your gender identity.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, the judge will review the petition and the supporting documentation.

    • If the judge approves your petition, they will issue an Order for Gender Change.

  3. Submit Court Order to Vital Records:

    • Submit the court order along with a completed application for a birth certificate to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Vital Records Division.

    • There may be a $15 fee for processing the request and issuing a new birth certificate.

  4. Receive Updated Birth Certificate:

    • After processing, you will receive an updated birth certificate with the correct gender marker.

3. Summary Checklist for Arkansas

Name Change Process:

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

  2. Publish Notice of Petition in the 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 Form DFA-1900 and healthcare provider letter to the DFA (fee of $10 to $20).

    • Obtain updated driver’s license or state ID.

  2. Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition for Gender Change in Circuit Court.

    • Submit court order to Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) for updated birth certificate (fee of $15).

Important Notes:

  • Court Approval: A court order is required for both name and gender marker changes on the birth certificate.

  • No Surgery Requirement: Arkansas does not require proof of surgery to change the gender marker on a driver’s license.

  • Privacy Protections: If you have concerns about privacy or safety, discuss your options with an attorney regarding the waiver of the publication requirement or other protective measures.

Sources:

  • Arkansas DMV (Department of Finance and Administration): DFA – Gender Marker Change

  • Arkansas Courts: Petition for Name Change

  • Arkansas Department of Health: Vital Records