Prepare the Petition: To begin the name change process in New Hampshire, you must file a Petition for Name Change in the Superior Court in the county where you reside.
- The petition is available from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website or the local Superior Court office.
- The petition requires personal information, your current legal name, your desired name, and a brief explanation of why you want the change. For transgender individuals, it is typical to cite gender identity as the reason for the change.
Filing Fee: The filing fee for the petition is around $100, but it can vary depending on the county.
Criminal Background Check: New Hampshire typically requires a criminal background check as part of the petition process. This check can be submitted from the State Police or FBI, depending on the county’s requirements.

Attend the Hearing: A court hearing will be scheduled, where you may need to present a valid reason for the name change. In most cases, the judge will approve the petition unless there are concerns (such as fraudulent intentions).
- For transgender individuals, it may be helpful to provide additional documentation, such as a letter from a medical provider supporting the name change as part of your gender identity.
Court Order: Once the judge approves the petition, they will issue a court order officially changing your name.

Social Security Administration (SSA): After obtaining the court order, you must update your name with the Social Security Administration. Complete Form SS-5 and submit it along with a copy of the court order to the SSA.
Driver’s License or State ID: You can change your name on your New Hampshire driver’s license or state ID at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Bring your updated Social Security card and the court order with you. The DMV charges a fee of approximately $20–$30 for name changes.
Other Records: Update your name with banks, medical providers, insurance companies, and any other important institutions.

Requirements: To change the gender marker on your New Hampshire driver’s license or state ID, you need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. The letter should state that you are undergoing or have undergone gender-affirming treatment, or it should affirm your gender identity (male, female, or nonbinary).
- No surgery required: New Hampshire does not require proof of surgery to change your gender marker.
Submit Request at DMV: You will need to visit the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to submit your request for a gender marker change. Along with the letter from your healthcare provider, you will need to provide proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, current ID).
Fee: The fee for updating your driver’s license or state ID is typically $20–$30.

Requirements: To change the gender marker on your New Hampshire birth certificate, you must submit a petition to the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration (NHVR).
- New Hampshire allows for a gender marker change on a birth certificate with proof of gender-affirming treatment. Surgery is not required.
Documentation: You will need to submit the following:
- A letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying your gender identity.
- A copy of your current birth certificate.
- A completed application form available from NHVR.
Fee: The fee for a gender marker change on a birth certificate is approximately $15–$20.
Processing Time: Gender marker changes for birth certificates can take several weeks to process, so it is important to plan ahead.

For Driver’s License/State ID: Submit a letter from a healthcare provider to the DMV. Fee of $20–$30.
For Birth Certificate: Submit a petition to the NHVR, including a healthcare provider's letter and a birth certificate. Fee of $15–$20.

No Surgery Requirement: In New Hampshire, you do not need to undergo surgery to change your gender marker on official documents like your driver’s license, birth certificate, or state ID.
Supportive Documentation: A letter from a licensed healthcare provider is essential to change the gender marker on your driver’s license and birth certificate.