1. Name Change Process in Hawaii

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • In Hawaii, you must first file a Petition for Name Change with the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. The petition is available at the court or can be downloaded online.

    • The petition must include:

      • Your current legal name and desired name.

      • A brief explanation of why you are seeking the name change (such as gender transition, marriage, or personal choice).

  2. Notice of Petition:

    • In Hawaii, you must publish a notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper. This notice must be published once a week for two consecutive weeks.

    • You must file proof of the publication with the court. However, exceptions may apply, such as if publishing the notice would put you at risk for harm or harassment.

  3. Court Hearing:

    • After publishing the notice and submitting proof of publication, you will be scheduled for a court hearing. If no objections are raised, the court will typically approve the petition.

    • At the hearing, the judge will consider your request and, if all is in order, grant the name change.

  4. Court Order:

    • If the judge approves your name change, you will receive a court order officially changing your name. This document will be used to update your driver’s license, passport, Social Security records, and other legal documents.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • To update your name with the Social Security Administration, you must submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) along with:

      • The court order.

      • A proof of identity (such as your birth certificate or passport).

    • There is no fee for updating your name with the SSA.

  2. Driver’s License or State ID:

    • After the name change, go to the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with:

      • The court order.

      • Proof of identity (original birth certificate, current ID, or passport).

    • Pay the fee (typically around $20-$25) to receive a new driver’s license or state ID.

  3. Other Documents:

    • You will also need to update your bank accounts, employment records, and insurance policies with the new name, using the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Hawaii

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • Hawaii allows individuals to change the gender marker on their driver’s license or state ID without the requirement of surgery.

    • You will need a statement from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that the gender marker change aligns with your gender identity. This provider can be a doctor, therapist, or another qualified medical professional.

  2. Submit the Request:

    • To request the gender marker change, visit the Hawaii DMV with:

      • The letter from your healthcare provider.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • There is a fee of approximately $20 to $25 to receive the updated identification.

  3. Receive Updated ID:

    • After your request is processed, the DMV will issue a new driver’s license or state ID with the updated gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • Hawaii allows individuals to change the gender marker on their birth certificate without requiring surgery. This means a gender-affirming provider’s letter is sufficient for the change.

    • To initiate the change, you need to submit a petition to the court.

  2. Required Documentation:

    • Along with the petition, you will need to provide:

      • A letter from a healthcare provider affirming your gender identity.

      • A request for the gender marker change on your birth certificate.

  3. Court Hearing:

    • If required, you may have a brief court hearing. If the judge agrees with your petition, they will issue an order granting the change.

  4. Submit the Court Order:

    • After receiving the court order, submit it to the Hawaii Department of Health along with a completed application for the amended birth certificate.

  5. Fee:

    • The fee for updating a birth certificate is typically $10 to $20, and you may need to wait several weeks for the updated document.

3. Summary Checklist for Hawaii

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change in the Circuit Court.

  2. Publish Notice in the local newspaper for two consecutive 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: Provide court order and proof of identity to the Hawaii DMV.

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

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Obtain a letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

    • Submit the letter and current ID to the Hawaii DMV.

    • Pay the $20 to $25 fee for the updated ID.

  2. For Birth Certificate:

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

    • After court approval, submit the court order to the Hawaii Department of Health.

    • Pay the $10 to $20 fee for the amended birth certificate.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Hawaii does not require gender-affirming surgery for changes to the gender marker on your driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate.

  • Legal Support: Transgender advocacy organizations such as Lambda Legal and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) can provide assistance and additional resources if needed.