1. Name Change Process in Maryland

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • In Maryland, a Petition for Change of Name must be filed in the Circuit Court of your county of residence. This petition should include:

      • Your current legal name.

      • The name you wish to adopt.

      • The reason for the change (e.g., gender identity).

    • Forms: Use the Petition for Change of Name and Order for Name Change forms, which can be found online or at the court.

  2. Filing Fees:

    • The filing fee typically ranges from $165 to $250, depending on the county. You may request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the cost.

  3. Criminal Background Check:

    • Maryland requires a criminal background check to process name change petitions. You will need to provide your fingerprints to the Maryland State Police.

  4. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, a hearing will be scheduled. The court may schedule a default hearing if there are no objections. You must attend the hearing to finalize your name change.

  5. Court Order:

    • If the court approves the petition, it will issue an Order for Name Change, which you can use to update your legal documents (Social Security, driver's license, etc.).

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • After receiving the court order, go to the SSA to update your name. This will require submitting the court order along with other documents (e.g., proof of identity).

    • Complete Form SS-5 and submit it either online or at your local SSA office.

  2. Maryland Driver’s License or ID:

    • To update your name on your driver’s license or state ID, visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

    • You’ll need to provide:

      • Court order for name change

      • Current driver’s license or ID

      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence

    • There will be a fee for the new ID (~$20–$25).

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Notify schools, banks, and employers of your new name using the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Maryland

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • To update your gender marker on your Maryland driver’s license or state ID, you will need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider (such as a doctor, therapist, or licensed clinician) confirming your gender identity.

    • The letter should state that the provider has evaluated your gender identity and that you are undergoing or have completed gender transition. Maryland does not require surgery to change your gender marker.

  2. Submit the Request:

    • To request the change, complete the Gender Marker Change Request form from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

    • Submit the form, letter from your healthcare provider, and proof of identity to the MVA. You can do this in person or by mail.

  3. Fees:

    • The fee to update the gender marker on your driver’s license or ID is approximately $20 to $25.

  4. Receive Updated ID:

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

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you must file a Petition for Gender Marker Change in the Circuit Court of the county where you were born. This process involves:

      • Submitting a petition form to the court.

      • Providing documentation, including a letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying your gender identity.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, the court will review the case. If there are no objections, a hearing will be scheduled. After the hearing, the judge will issue an Order for Gender Marker Change.

  3. Submit to Vital Records:

    • Once you have the court order, submit it to the Maryland Division of Vital Records to update your birth certificate. There is a fee for this service (approximately $50).

  4. Receive Updated Birth Certificate:

    • After processing, you will receive an amended birth certificate with the updated gender marker.

3. Summary Checklist for Maryland

Name Change Process:

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

  2. Submit Fingerprints for criminal background check to the Maryland State Police.

  3. Attend Court Hearing.

  4. Obtain Court Order for name change.

  5. Update Documents with the court order:

    • Social Security Administration (Form SS-5).

    • Maryland Driver’s License/State ID (MVA).

    • Notify other institutions (banks, schools, etc.).

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License or State ID:

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

    • Submit the request form and documents to the MVA.

    • Pay the required fee (~$20–$25).

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • File a Petition in the Circuit Court with supporting documents.

    • Attend the court hearing and receive a court order.

    • Submit to Maryland Vital Records and pay the fee (~$50).

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Both the driver’s license/gender marker change and birth certificate update in Maryland do not require proof of surgery.

  • Court Approval: A court order is required for changing the gender marker on your birth certificate.

Always verify the latest details with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Social Security Administration (SSA), and Vital Records as laws and procedures can change.