1. Name Change Process in New Jersey

A. File a Petition for Name Change

  1. Prepare the Petition: To change your name, you need to file a Petition for Name Change at the Superior Court in the county where you live.

    • The form is available on the New Jersey Courts website, or you can get it at the County Clerk’s Office.

    • In the petition, you’ll need to provide your current name, the desired name, and a valid reason for the change. For transgender individuals, it is common to state that the name change reflects your gender identity.

  2. Criminal Background Check: You may be required to submit a criminal background check when filing the petition. If you have a criminal record, this may complicate the process.

  3. File the Petition: Submit your completed petition along with the filing fee. The fee is generally around $150, but fees can vary by county.

    • In New Jersey, there are usually no residency requirements, meaning you can file anywhere in the state if you are living there temporarily.

B. Court Hearing

  1. Attend the Hearing: After filing the petition, a court date will be scheduled. You must attend the hearing. For transgender individuals, the judge will typically approve the name change unless there is an issue with the petition.

    • The judge may ask for supporting evidence (e.g., medical letters, proof of gender transition) to help determine if the name change is necessary for your identity.

  2. Court Order: If the court approves the petition, you will receive an official court order that legally changes your name.

C. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA): Once you receive your court order, you need to update your name with the SSA. Submit Form SS-5 to the SSA with a copy of the court order.

  2. Driver’s License or ID: You can update your New Jersey driver’s license or state ID at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The MVC will require a copy of the court order for the name change.

    • There may be a small fee of $24 to change the name on your driver’s license or ID.

  3. Other Documents: Update your name with other institutions such as banks, medical providers, and insurance companies.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in New Jersey

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

  1. Submit Documentation: To change the gender marker on your New Jersey driver’s license or state ID, you must provide a letter from a licensed healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, psychologist) confirming that you are undergoing or have undergone gender-affirming treatment or that your gender identity is male, female, or nonbinary.

    • No surgery requirement: New Jersey does not require surgery to change your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

  2. Visit the MVC: Go to your local MVC office with the required documentation to update your gender marker.

    • Fee: There is usually a fee of $24 to obtain an updated driver’s license or ID.

    • You do not need a court order for this change, just the provider’s letter.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Submit Request: To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you must file a Gender Marker Change Application with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).

    • You must submit proof from a healthcare provider stating that you are undergoing gender-affirming treatment (again, surgery is not required).

  2. Required Documentation: You will need:

    • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying your gender identity.

    • A copy of your current birth certificate.

    • Application forms are available on the NJDOH website.

  3. Fee: The fee for a gender marker change on a birth certificate is $25.

  4. Processing Time: After submitting your request, processing can take several weeks. It is important to check with the NJDOH for specific times.

C. Updating Other Records

  • After changing your gender marker on official documents such as your driver’s license and birth certificate, update your Social Security records, passport, healthcare records, and financial documents.

  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require a court order for gender marker changes and may accept the same healthcare letter used for your state ID.

3. Summary Checklist for New Jersey

Name Change:

  • File a Petition for Name Change at the Superior Court in your county.

  • Pay the filing fee (typically around $150).

  • Submit a criminal background check (if applicable).

  • Attend the court hearing and provide supporting evidence if necessary.

  • Receive the court order for your name change.

  • Update name with SSA, MVC, and other institutions (e.g., banks, insurance).

Gender Marker Change:

  • For Driver’s License/State ID: Provide a letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity and submit it to the MVC. There is a $24 fee.

  • For Birth Certificate: Submit a Gender Marker Change Application to NJDOH, with a healthcare provider’s letter and a $25 fee.

  • Update your Social Security records, passport, and other documents.

Important Considerations:

  • No Surgery Requirement: New Jersey does not require proof of surgery to change the gender marker on your driver’s license, birth certificate, or other state-issued documents.

  • Healthcare Provider Documentation: You may need a letter from a healthcare provider for both gender marker changes (on the ID and birth certificate).