1. Name Change Process in Minnesota

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Where to File: The petition must be filed in the District Court of the county where you reside.

    • Petition Form: The Petition for Name Change must include:

      • Your current full name

      • The name you wish to adopt

      • The reason for the name change (for gender identity, stating this as your reason is sufficient).

    • Filing Fee: The filing fee ranges from $300 to $350, depending on the county. You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet financial hardship requirements.

  2. Submit Supporting Documents:

    • You may be required to submit additional documents such as:

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

      • A background check to ensure that you have no criminal convictions that would prevent the name change

  3. Court Hearing:

    • After filing, the court will set a hearing date. If no objections are filed, the judge is likely to grant the name change without a hearing.

    • If you attend the hearing, you will provide your reason for the name change, and the judge will issue an Order for Name Change.

  4. Order for Name Change:

    • Once granted, the court will issue an Order for Name Change. You will receive an official copy of the order for your records.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • To change your name with the SSA, complete Form SS-5 and submit:

      • The court order

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

      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status (if applicable)

  2. Driver’s License or State ID:

    • Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) to change your name on your driver’s license or state ID. You will need to provide:

      • The court order

      • Your current driver’s license or ID

      • A completed name change form from DPS

      • Payment (around $20-$25 for a new license)

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Notify other agencies (banks, employers, etc.) of your name change by providing a copy of the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Minnesota

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

  1. Required Documentation:

    • Minnesota does not require surgery for a gender marker change. Instead, you will need to submit a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating:

      • Your gender identity (male, female, or non-binary)

      • Confirmation that the gender marker change is consistent with your gender identity

    • The letter can come from a physician, therapist, or other licensed medical professional familiar with your gender transition.

  2. Submit the Request:

    • You will need to submit the healthcare provider’s letter to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with:

      • A completed application for a gender marker change

      • Fee (approximately $20-$25)

    • This will allow you to update your driver’s license or state ID with the correct gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Court Order for Gender Marker Change:

    • In Minnesota, you must obtain a court order to change the gender marker on your birth certificate.

    • Procedure: File a Petition for Gender Marker Change with the district court in your county. The petition must include:

      • A letter from a healthcare provider confirming that the change is appropriate for your gender identity

      • A statement explaining the requested change

  2. Court Hearing:

    • A hearing date will be scheduled where you must explain why the change is necessary. If no one objects to your petition, the court will issue an Order for Gender Marker Change.

  3. Submit Court Order to Vital Records:

    • After receiving the court order, submit it to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

    • Submit the court order, completed birth certificate amendment form, and the required fee (typically $40).

3. Summary Checklist for Minnesota

Name Change Process:

  1. File a Petition for Name Change in District Court.

  2. Attend the Court Hearing and receive an Order for Name Change.

  3. Update Documents (SSA, driver’s license, other institutions).

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Obtain a letter from a healthcare provider stating the gender marker change is consistent with your gender identity.

    • Submit request to DPS for a new ID or license (fee $20-$25).

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • Obtain a Court Order for gender marker change.

    • Submit the court order to MDH with the necessary documents (fee $40).

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Minnesota does not require individuals to have undergone surgery for a gender marker change on their state ID, driver’s license, or other state-issued documents.

  • Court Order for Birth Certificate: A court order is necessary to change the gender marker on a birth certificate.