1. Name Change Process in Kansas

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition:

    • To begin the name change process, you must file a Petition for Change of Name in the District Court of the county where you reside.

    • The petition must include your current name, the requested new name, and the reason for the name change, such as gender transition.

  2. Criminal Background Check:

    • In Kansas, a criminal background check may be required as part of the name change process. This helps to ensure that the name change is not being sought for fraudulent purposes.

    • The check is usually conducted through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

  3. Court Hearing:

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

    • You will need to appear in court to finalize the name change. The judge will grant the name change if there are no objections.

  4. Obtain the Court Order:

    • After the hearing, the judge will issue a court order for the name change, which you can use to update your documents.

  5. Fees:

    • The filing fee for a name change petition in Kansas varies by county but is typically around $150 to $200.

    • Additional fees may apply for processing the background check and other administrative costs.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

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

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

  2. Driver’s License and State ID:

    • To update your Kansas driver’s license or state ID, visit a Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) office with:

      • Your court order for the name change.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • There may be a fee for a new driver’s license or state ID, which is usually $20 to $25.

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Notify other institutions, including banks, employers, schools, and healthcare providers, of your name change. Provide them with a copy of the court order to update your records.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Kansas

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • To change your gender marker on your Kansas driver’s license or state ID, you will need to submit a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. This letter should confirm that you are undergoing or have completed gender-affirming treatment, such as hormone therapy or surgery.

  2. Submit Request:

    • Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) and submit:

      • The letter from your healthcare provider.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • The gender marker can be changed without the need for surgery in Kansas.

  3. Fee:

    • The fee for updating the gender marker on a Kansas driver’s license or state ID is typically around $20 to $25.

  4. Receive Updated ID:

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

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. File a Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • In Kansas, you must file a petition in court for a gender marker change on your birth certificate.

    • The petition will need to include:

      • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you have undergone gender-affirming treatment (e.g., hormone therapy or surgery).

  2. Court Hearing:

    • A court hearing will be scheduled after you file the petition. During the hearing, the judge will review your request and any objections, if any.

    • If the court grants the change, you will receive a court order for the gender marker change.

  3. Submit to Kansas Vital Records:

    • Once the court order is obtained, you must submit it to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Office of Vital Statistics to amend your birth certificate.

  4. Fees:

    • The fee for updating a birth certificate in Kansas is generally $15 to $25.

3. Summary Checklist for Kansas

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change in District Court.

  2. Complete the criminal background check.

  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.

    • KDOR: 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 KDOR with your current ID and proof of identity.

    • Pay the $20 to $25 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 Kansas Vital Records for amendment.

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

Important Notes:

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

  • Legal Support: Consider seeking legal support for the court petition, especially for the birth certificate change.