1. Name Change Process in Nebraska

A. File a Petition for Name Change

  1. Prepare the Petition: Begin by filing a Petition for Change of Name with the District Court in your county of residence. The petition will ask for:

    • Your current legal name

    • The new name you wish to adopt

    • Your reasons for the change (gender identity is a valid reason).

    • Your personal information like date of birth and place of birth.

  2. Filing Fee: The filing fee for a name change petition is typically around $155 in Nebraska. However, it may vary by county. Some counties offer fee waivers for individuals who can demonstrate financial need.

  3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required as part of the name change process. The court may require you to submit a background check from the Nebraska State Patrol or the FBI to confirm that you are not changing your name to evade any legal responsibilities.

B. Attend the Hearing

  1. Court Hearing: After the petition is filed, you will be assigned a court date. In the hearing, the judge will review your request, and you may need to explain your reason for the name change. For transgender individuals, explaining that it is for gender identity is sufficient.

  2. Judgment: If the judge approves your petition, they will issue a court order that legally changes your name. This typically happens in the same hearing, or you may receive the order by mail within a few days.

C. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA): After obtaining the court order, you must update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Complete Form SS-5 and submit it with your court order to the SSA.

  2. Driver’s License/State ID: After updating your name with the SSA, visit the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with:

    • A copy of the court order for the name change.

    • Your current Social Security card.

    • A proof of identity (such as your current driver’s license or birth certificate).

    There will be a $15 fee for a new driver’s license or state ID.

  3. Other Institutions: Update your name with banks, employers, schools, and other institutions.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Nebraska

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

  1. Requirements: To update the gender marker on your Nebraska driver’s license or state ID, you will need to submit a letter from a healthcare provider. This letter should confirm that you are undergoing or have undergone gender-affirming treatment or that the change aligns with your gender identity.

  2. Submit Request: Once you have the letter, take it to the Nebraska DMV along with:

    • Your court order for name change (if applicable).

    • Current driver’s license or ID.

    There will be a $15 fee for the new document.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Requirements: Nebraska allows transgender individuals to update their gender marker on their birth certificate. The process does not require proof of surgery, only a healthcare provider’s letter confirming gender-affirming treatment.

  2. Submit Application: To request the gender marker change on your birth certificate, submit the following:

    • A completed request form for a gender marker change (available from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services).

    • A letter from a healthcare provider verifying your gender-affirming care or that the change aligns with your gender identity.

    • A copy of your current birth certificate.

    • Payment for any applicable fees (approximately $10 to $20).

  3. Processing Time: The process can take several weeks to months depending on the volume of requests and your local county.

3. Summary Checklist for Nebraska

Name Change Process:

  • File Petition for Name Change at your local District Court.

  • Pay the filing fee (around $155).

  • Submit a criminal background check from Nebraska State Patrol or FBI.

  • Attend the hearing for a judge’s approval.

  • Update your name with Social Security, DMV, and other institutions.

Gender Marker Change Process:

  • For Driver’s License/State ID: Submit a healthcare provider's letter to the DMV for a gender marker change. Fee of $15.

  • For Birth Certificate: Submit a letter from a healthcare provider and other required documents to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Fee of $10–$20.

Important Considerations:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Nebraska does not require surgery for gender marker changes.

  • Healthcare Provider’s Letter: You will need a letter from a healthcare provider to change both your name and gender marker on legal documents.