1. Name Change Process in Georgia

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • In Georgia, the process starts by filing a petition for a legal name change in the Superior Court of the county where you reside.

    • The petition should include:

      • Your current legal name and the desired name.

      • A statement explaining why the name change is being requested, such as gender transition or personal preference.

  2. Notice of Petition:

    • Georgia law requires that a notice of petition for name change be published in a local newspaper once a week for four weeks.

    • This public notice will include your current and requested names. However, if publishing the notice could jeopardize your safety (e.g., if you fear for your security due to a change in identity), you may request to have this requirement waived or be allowed to submit the notice privately to the court.

  3. Court Hearing:

    • After the publication period, a court hearing will be scheduled. If no objections are raised during the publication process, the judge will likely approve your petition.

    • You will need to attend the hearing, where the judge will review your petition and may ask some questions.

  4. Receive a Court Order:

    • If the judge approves the petition, you will receive a court order officially changing your name.

    • This order will be used to update all your documents (e.g., Social Security, passport, etc.).

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • After receiving your court order, you will need to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    • Complete Form SS-5 and provide the required documents, including:

      • A copy of the court order.

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

    • There is no fee for this change.

  2. Driver’s License and State ID:

    • Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) with:

      • The court order.

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

    • You will need to pay a fee (around $32 for a driver’s license or ID card).

  3. Other Documents:

    • After updating your Social Security records, driver’s license, and passport, you will need to update other personal records, including bank accounts, employment documents, and medical records, with your new name using the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Georgia

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • Georgia allows individuals to change the gender marker on their driver’s license or state ID by providing a letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that your gender marker should be changed to reflect your gender identity.

    • This healthcare provider can be a doctor, therapist, or another qualified professional. The letter must be on official letterhead and must state that you are undergoing, or have completed, gender-affirming treatment or have transitioned in a way that aligns with your gender identity.

  2. Submit the Request:

    • To change your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) with:

      • The letter from your healthcare provider.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • There is a fee for the updated ID, which is typically around $32.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Court Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • Georgia does not currently allow gender marker changes on birth certificates without a court order.

    • You must file a petition in court for a gender marker change. This petition may require proof of medical treatment or gender-affirming procedures, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or gender-affirming surgeries, though some counties may be more flexible.

  2. Required Documentation:

    • To petition for a gender marker change on your birth certificate, submit:

      • Court petition for gender marker change.

      • Documentation from a healthcare provider affirming your gender identity or treatment.

  3. Court Hearing:

    • After submitting your petition, a court hearing will be scheduled.

    • The court will review the petition and any supporting evidence before issuing an order.

  4. Submit Court Order to Vital Records:

    • After receiving a court order, you will need to submit it to the Georgia Department of Public Health (Vital Records) along with an application to amend your birth certificate.

    • There may be a fee to process the change (around $25).

3. Summary Checklist for Georgia

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change in Superior Court.

  2. Publish notice in a local newspaper for four weeks.

  3. Attend Court Hearing and receive a court order.

  4. Update Documents:

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

    • Driver’s License/State ID: Submit court order and proof of identity to the Georgia DDS.

    • Notify other institutions (banks, insurance, etc.) of your new name.

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Submit a letter from a healthcare provider and current ID to the Georgia DDS.

    • Pay the $32 fee for the updated ID.

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • Submit a petition to the court with provider’s letter.

    • After court approval, submit the court order to the Georgia Department of Public Health with a request for an amended birth certificate.

    • Pay the $25 fee.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement for Driver’s License/State ID: In Georgia, you do not need to have gender-affirming surgery to change your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID. A letter from a healthcare provider is sufficient.

  • Court Process for Birth Certificate: Gender marker changes on birth certificates require a court petition, and the process may vary depending on the county.