1. Name Change Process in Connecticut

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Start by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the Superior Court in the county where you reside.

    • The petition must include:

      • Your current legal name.

      • Your requested new name.

      • A statement explaining the reason for the name change (aligning your name with your gender identity, for example).

    • The forms required to file the petition can be obtained from the court or downloaded from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website.

  2. Background Check:

    • A background check is typically required as part of the petition process. This is done through the Connecticut State Police or another authorized agency.

    • You will need to submit the results of the background check along with your petition.

  3. Notice of Petition:

    • You are required to publish a Notice of Petition in a local newspaper in the county where you are filing, for three consecutive weeks.

    • The publication serves to inform the public about the petition. If you have concerns about your safety, you may request that the notice requirement be waived by the court.

  4. Court Hearing:

    • After the publication period, the court will schedule a hearing. The judge will review your petition, background check, and any objections.

    • If the court approves your petition, you will receive a court order for your name change.

  5. Obtain the Court Order:

    • Once approved, the court will issue an Order for Name Change, which serves as your legal document for updating your name.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • To update your name with the Social Security Administration, submit Form SS-5 along with:

      • The court order for the name change.

      • A valid photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

    • Once processed, SSA will issue a new Social Security card with your updated name.

  2. Driver’s License or State ID:

    • To update your Connecticut driver’s license or state ID, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

    • Bring the following documents:

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

      • The court order for the name change.

      • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate).

    • There is a fee for updating your license or ID (approximately $30).

  3. Other Documents:

    • After updating your name with SSA and the DMV, make sure to update your name with other institutions, such as:

      • Medical records.

      • Bank accounts and credit cards.

      • Employment records.

      • Utility accounts and other legal documents.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Connecticut

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

  1. Request for Gender Marker Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your Connecticut driver’s license or state ID, you must submit a request to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

    • The DMV requires a letter from a licensed healthcare provider (doctor, psychologist, or other qualified professional) stating that you have undergone medical treatment related to gender transition. This letter must affirm that the treatment is appropriate for your gender identity.

  2. Visit the DMV:

    • Bring the following documents to the DMV:

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

      • The letter from your healthcare provider.

      • Proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate).

    • The DMV will update the gender marker on your ID. There is a fee for this process, typically around $30.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. File a Petition with the Court:

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

    • The petition must include:

      • Your birth certificate.

      • A statement requesting that the gender marker be changed.

      • A letter from a healthcare provider stating that the gender marker change is consistent with your gender identity.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. The judge will review your petition and any submitted documents.

    • If the court approves your request, it will issue an order to change the gender marker.

  3. Submit Court Order to Vital Records:

    • After receiving the court order, submit it to the Connecticut Department of Public Health – Vital Records along with a birth certificate request form.

    • There is a fee for updating your birth certificate (around $20 to $40).

3. Summary Checklist for Connecticut

Name Change Process:

  1. File a Petition for a name change with the Superior Court.

  2. Complete a background check and submit the results.

  3. Publish a Notice of petition in a local newspaper for 3 weeks (unless waived).

  4. Attend the Court Hearing and receive a court order for name change.

  5. Update Documents:

    • Social Security: Submit Form SS-5 and court order to SSA.

    • Driver’s License/State ID: Submit court order and identity documents to DMV.

    • Update other documents (e.g., medical, bank, employment).

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Submit a letter from a healthcare provider to DMV along with your current ID.

    • Pay the $30 fee for the updated ID.

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • File a petition with the Superior Court for a gender marker change.

    • Submit the court order to the Department of Public Health to update your birth certificate.

    • Pay the $20 to $40 fee for the new birth certificate.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement for ID: Connecticut does not require proof of surgery to update your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

  • Court Order Required for Birth Certificate: A court order is necessary to change the gender marker on your birth certificate in Connecticut.