1. Name Change Process in Kentucky

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • In Kentucky, you must file a Petition for Name Change in the Circuit Court of the county where you live. The petition should include:

      • Your current name.

      • Your requested new name.

      • A reason for the name change (e.g., gender transition).

  2. Criminal Background Check:

    • A criminal background check is typically required as part of the name change petition process. This background check is to ensure that the name change is not being requested for fraudulent purposes.

  3. Court Filing Fees:

    • The filing fee for a name change petition in Kentucky ranges from $100 to $150, depending on the county. You may request a fee waiver if you meet certain financial criteria.

  4. Publication Requirement:

    • After filing the petition, you will need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks.

    • If you are requesting to waive publication for safety reasons, you can request a confidential hearing by submitting a written statement explaining why public notice would endanger you.

  5. Court Hearing:

    • A court hearing will be scheduled to review your petition. You must appear at this hearing to finalize the name change. If there are no objections, the court will grant the name change.

  6. Obtain Court Order:

    • After the hearing, the court will issue an Order for Name Change, which you can use to update your documents.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • To update your name with the SSA, submit Form SS-5 along with the court order for the name change. The SSA will issue a new Social Security card with your updated name.

  2. Driver's License and State ID:

    • To update your driver's license or state ID, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and provide:

      • The court order for the name change.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • There may be a fee for a new ID or driver’s license, typically $20.

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Once you have the updated legal name, notify other institutions like banks, employers, schools, and healthcare providers. Provide them with a copy of the court order to update your records.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Kentucky

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • To change your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID, you need to submit a letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that you are undergoing or have completed gender-affirming treatment (e.g., hormone therapy or surgery).

  2. Submit Request:

    • To update your gender marker, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and submit:

      • A letter from your healthcare provider stating your gender identity and treatment (or completion of treatment).

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

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

    • The request can be made at any local Circuit Clerk’s office or directly at KYTC.

  3. Fee:

    • The fee for updating your gender marker on your driver’s license or ID is approximately $20.

  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. File a Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • Kentucky law does not currently allow for an automatic change of gender on birth certificates, so you must petition a Circuit Court for a gender marker change.

    • The petition should include:

      • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that you are undergoing or have completed gender-affirming medical treatment.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, a court hearing will be scheduled. You will need to appear in court for the judge to review your request.

    • If the court approves your petition, it will issue an Order for Gender Marker Change.

  3. Submit to Vital Records:

    • Once you receive the court order, submit it to Kentucky’s Office of Vital Statistics to amend your birth certificate. The office will update your gender marker based on the court order.

  4. Fee:

    • The fee for amending a birth certificate in Kentucky is generally between $10 and $25.

3. Summary Checklist for Kentucky

Name Change Process:

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

  2. Submit a criminal background check along with your petition.

  3. Publish Notice of the name change in a local newspaper for three weeks (unless waived).

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

  5. Update Documents:

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

    • KYTC: 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 your gender identity and treatment.

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

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

  2. For Birth Certificate:

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

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

    • Submit the court order to Kentucky’s Office of Vital Records for amendment.

    • Pay the $10 to $25 fee to amend your birth certificate.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Kentucky does not require proof of surgery for updating your gender marker on either driver’s license or birth certificate.

  • Legal Support: You may want to seek legal assistance or support for the court petition, particularly for updating your birth certificate.