. Name Change Process in Iowa

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Begin the name change process by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the District Court in your county of residence.

    • The petition will require personal information such as:

      • Your current legal name.

      • Your requested name.

      • The reason for the change, such as gender transition.

  2. Criminal Background Check:

    • Iowa requires a criminal background check for name changes. This check is conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to confirm that the name change is not being sought for fraudulent purposes.

    • You can complete the background check by submitting fingerprints to the Iowa DCI.

  3. Court Hearing:

    • Once the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. You must attend this hearing, where a judge will review your petition, the background check, and any objections, if applicable.

    • The judge will grant the name change if there are no objections.

  4. Court Order:

    • After the hearing, if the judge approves the petition, they will issue a court order granting the name change.

    • This court order is necessary for updating official documents.

  5. Fees:

    • The filing fee for a name change petition is typically around $150 to $200, but fees can vary by county.

    • Additional costs may include the background check fee, usually about $15 to $30.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • After obtaining your court order, submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to the SSA, along with the court order, to update your name.

    • Once processed, you will receive a new Social Security card with your updated name.

  2. Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Visit the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to update your name on your driver’s license or state ID.

    • Bring the following documents:

      • 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 $10 to $15.

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Notify other institutions, including banks, employers, schools, and healthcare providers, of your name change by providing a copy of the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Iowa

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • To change your gender marker on your Iowa driver’s license or state ID, you need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you are undergoing or have completed gender-affirming medical treatment.

    • The letter should explicitly confirm that you are in the process of transitioning or have transitioned.

  2. Submit the Request:

    • Visit the Iowa DOT and submit the following:

      • Letter from a healthcare provider confirming gender identity and treatment.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • The gender marker can be updated based on the healthcare provider’s confirmation, and surgery is not required in Iowa.

  3. Fee:

    • The fee for updating the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID is typically $10 to $15.

  4. Receive Updated ID:

    • After processing, you will receive 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:

    • To change the gender marker on your Iowa birth certificate, you must file a petition for gender marker change with the District Court.

    • You will need to provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that you have undergone gender-affirming treatment, such as hormone therapy or surgery.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • A court hearing will be scheduled after the petition is filed. During this hearing, a judge will review your request and any objections, if applicable.

    • If the court approves the petition, they will issue a court order to change the gender marker.

  3. Submit to Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH):

    • Once the court order is obtained, submit it to the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

    • The amended birth certificate will reflect the updated gender marker.

  4. Fees:

    • The fee for amending a birth certificate in Iowa is generally $15 to $25.

3. Summary Checklist for Iowa

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change with the District Court.

  2. Complete the criminal background check with Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

  4. Update Documents:

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

    • Iowa DOT: Submit the 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 Iowa DOT with your current ID and proof of identity.

    • Pay the $10 to $15 fee for a new ID or driver’s license.

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition in District Court for a gender marker change.

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

    • Submit the court order to Iowa Vital Records for amendment.

    • Pay the $15 to $25 fee to amend your birth certificate.

Important Notes:

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

  • Legal Support: You may want to consult with an attorney to assist with the petition process, particularly for the birth certificate change.