1. Name Change Process in Indiana

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • In Indiana, you need to file a Petition for Change of Name with the County Circuit Court where you reside.

    • The petition includes basic personal details like:

      • Current legal name.

      • Requested new name.

      • Reason for the name change, such as gender transition.

  2. Criminal Background Check:

    • Indiana requires a criminal background check as part of the name change process. This is done by submitting your fingerprints to the Indiana State Police for processing.

    • The background check is to ensure that the name change is not sought for fraudulent purposes.

  3. Court Hearing:

    • After submitting the petition, the court will schedule a hearing to review your request. It is common for the hearing to be relatively short.

    • A judge will approve or deny the name change based on the petition and any objections raised.

  4. Court Order:

    • If the judge approves your request, a court order will be issued granting the name change.

    • This court order is essential to update your name on legal documents.

  5. Fees:

    • The filing fee for the petition is typically $150 to $200, depending on the county.

    • The fee for the background check is usually around $20 to $30.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • After receiving the court order, you will need to submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to the SSA to update your name.

    • The SSA requires a copy of the court order and may ask for other identification.

  2. Driver’s License/State ID:

    • To update your name on your Indiana driver’s license or state ID, visit your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office with:

      • Court order for name change.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • The fee for a new driver’s license or state ID is typically $17 to $20.

  3. Other Documents:

    • Notify other institutions (e.g., banks, employers, healthcare providers) of your name change by providing them with a copy of the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Indiana

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • Indiana requires a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you are undergoing gender-affirming treatment or have transitioned.

    • The letter must explicitly mention that the healthcare provider is recommending the change of gender marker.

  2. Submit the Request:

    • Visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and submit:

      • The letter from your healthcare provider.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • The BMV will process the request and update your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

  3. Fee:

    • The fee for updating the gender marker is typically $17 to $20, the same as for a name change.

  4. Receive Updated ID:

    • After processing, you will receive an updated driver’s license or state ID with the new gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • Indiana allows individuals to change their gender marker on their birth certificate without surgery.

    • You must file a petition for a gender marker change with the Indiana Superior Court in your county of residence.

    • The petition should include:

      • A letter from a healthcare provider confirming that you are undergoing gender-affirming medical treatment (hormone therapy or surgery).

  2. Court Hearing:

    • A hearing will be scheduled to review your petition. The judge will assess whether the requested gender marker change is in accordance with state law.

  3. Submit the Court Order:

    • If the court grants the change, you will receive a court order directing the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to amend your birth certificate.

    • Submit the court order to the ISDH, along with the required forms and fees, to update the gender marker.

  4. Fees:

    • The fee for updating a birth certificate in Indiana is generally around $20 to $25.

3. Summary Checklist for Indiana

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change with the County Circuit Court.

  2. Complete the criminal background check with the Indiana State Police.

  3. Attend the court hearing and obtain the court order for name change.

  4. Update Documents:

    • SSA: Submit Form SS-5 and the court order.

    • BMV: Submit court order and proof of identity.

    • Notify other institutions of your new name.

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License or State ID:

    • Obtain a letter from a healthcare provider confirming gender identity and treatment.

    • Submit the letter to Indiana BMV with your current ID and proof of identity.

    • Pay the $17 to $20 fee for a new ID or driver’s license.

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition with the Indiana Superior Court for gender marker change.

    • Provide a letter from a healthcare provider confirming treatment.

    • Submit the court order to Indiana State Department of Health for amendment.

    • Pay the $20 to $25 fee for amending the birth certificate.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Indiana does not require proof of surgery for updating the gender marker on driver’s licenses or birth certificates.

  • Legal Assistance: You may want to seek legal assistance or consult organizations such as Lambda Legal or Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) for help with petitions, especially regarding birth certificates.