Prepare the Petition: The first step in legally changing your name in Nevada is to file a Petition for Change of Name at the District Court in the county where you reside. The petition is typically available on the Clark County District Court or Washoe County District Court websites or directly at the courthouse.
- The petition will ask for your current name, desired name, reason for the change (for transgender individuals, gender identity can be stated as the reason), and your personal details.
- Be prepared to provide information like birth date and place of birth.
Filing Fee: The filing fee for the petition varies by county, typically ranging from $200 to $250. Some counties might allow for a fee waiver if you demonstrate financial hardship.
Criminal Background Check: In Nevada, you are required to submit a criminal background check from the Nevada Department of Public Safety or the FBI, to ensure you do not have any felony convictions related to fraud. The background check may need to be obtained prior to submitting the petition.
Submit the Petition: After completing the forms, submit them to the district court. The court may require that you also submit additional supporting documents, including proof of residency and the criminal background check.

Court Hearing: After your petition is filed, a court date will be scheduled. During the hearing, the judge may ask you about your reason for the name change. For transgender individuals, stating that the change is related to gender identity is often sufficient.
- Tip: In some cases, a judge may inquire about the name change, so bringing supporting documents (like a letter from a healthcare provider) could help facilitate the process.
Receive Court Order: If the judge approves your petition, they will issue a court order that officially changes your name.

Social Security Administration (SSA): Once the name change is granted, submit a Form SS-5 to the Social Security Administration along with a copy of the court order. This is the first step in updating your name on government records.
Driver’s License or State ID: After your name change is approved, you will need to visit the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your name on your driver’s license or state ID. Bring your updated Social Security card, court order, and proof of identity.
Other Records: Update your name with banks, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and any other important institutions.

Requirements: To change the gender marker on your Nevada driver’s license or state ID, you need to submit a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. The letter should indicate that you are undergoing or have undergone gender-affirming treatment or that the change is consistent with your gender identity.
- Note: Surgery is not required to change the gender marker in Nevada.
Submit Request at DMV: Go to the Nevada DMV and submit the required documents, including the healthcare provider's letter and proof of identity (such as a current driver’s license or state ID).
Fee: The fee for a new driver’s license or state ID is generally $25.
Processing Time: Gender marker updates at the DMV are usually processed within a few weeks.

Requirements: Nevada allows transgender individuals to change the gender marker on their birth certificate. To do so, you will need to submit an application to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
- Documentation: You will need to submit a letter from a healthcare provider affirming that you are undergoing or have completed gender-affirming treatment. You do not need proof of surgery for this process.
Submit Application: Along with the letter, you will need to submit the following:
- A completed birth certificate gender change application (available on the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website).
- A copy of your current birth certificate.
- Payment for any applicable fees (approximately $50–$75 depending on the county).
Processing Time: It may take several weeks to months to process the gender marker change request.

For Driver’s License/State ID: Submit a healthcare provider's letter to the DMV to change your gender marker. Fee of $25.
For Birth Certificate: Submit a letter from a healthcare provider to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Fee of $50–$75.

No Surgery Requirement: Nevada does not require proof of surgery for either name or gender marker changes.
Healthcare Provider’s Letter: A letter from a licensed healthcare provider is necessary to update both name and gender marker on government documents such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates.