File the Petition: In North Carolina, you must file a Petition for Name Change with the Superior Court in your county of residence. You can obtain the required forms from your local courthouse or the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
- Petition: The petition will require your current name, the new name you seek, and a reason for the name change. You will also need to complete a Criminal Background Check (available from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation).
- Proof of Residency: A document proving that you live in North Carolina may be required.
Court Hearing: After you file the petition, the court will schedule a hearing, typically within 6–8 weeks. If the petition is uncontested (meaning there are no objections), the judge will approve the change, and you will receive a court order for your name change.
Notice Requirement: In North Carolina, you are generally required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. However, if you are changing your name for safety reasons (e.g., domestic violence), you may request to waive this publication.
Fees: The fee for filing a name change petition varies by county but generally ranges from $120 to $200. You may request a fee waiver if you have a financial hardship.

Once you receive the court order:

Social Security Card: To change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need to submit Form SS-5 along with a certified copy of your court order.
Driver’s License or State ID: To change your name on your North Carolina driver’s license or state ID, visit the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your court order. The fee for a new ID is typically around $13.
Birth Certificate: For a North Carolina birth certificate update, send the certified court order to the North Carolina Vital Records office along with the applicable fee (usually around $15–$20).

Requirements: North Carolina allows individuals to change their gender marker on a driver’s license or state ID without requiring a court order. You will need to provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that you are undergoing gender transition or have received gender-affirming care.
Process:
- Visit the DMV: To update your gender marker, go to the North Carolina DMV with the appropriate documentation (e.g., a letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming your gender identity). Some DMV offices may require specific forms or additional proof, such as medical records or a self-attestation form.
- Complete the Form: Complete any required forms at the DMV, which typically involves a gender change request form.
- Pay Fees: The fee to update your driver’s license or state ID is usually about $13.
Processing Time: Changes made at the DMV typically take about 2–4 weeks for processing.

Requirements: In North Carolina, a person can change the gender marker on their birth certificate with a court order or a letter from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Court Order: You can petition the court for a gender marker change on your birth certificate, though this process can take longer.
- Medical Documentation: Alternatively, you can submit a letter from your physician or healthcare provider stating that you have undergone gender-affirming procedures (e.g., hormone therapy, surgeries, etc.). This letter is required for most gender marker changes.
Process:
- Submit Request: To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, send your documentation (court order or medical letter) to the North Carolina Vital Records office, along with the appropriate fee (typically $15–$20).
- Fee Payment: The fee for changing the gender marker on a birth certificate is approximately $15–$20.
Processing Time: The processing time for gender marker changes on birth certificates typically takes 4–6 weeks.

Social Security Update: After changing your name, update your gender marker with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Submit a Form SS-5 with the appropriate medical documentation or a court order confirming your gender identity. This will update your records with the SSA.
U.S. Passport: The Department of State allows gender marker changes on U.S. passports without requiring surgery. You must provide a signed letter from a licensed physician confirming that you are undergoing gender transition. This can be done by submitting the required forms to the U.S. Department of State.
Other Records: Make sure to update your insurance policies, medical records, bank accounts, and other records after changing your name and gender marker.

Name Change:
1. File a Petition for Name Change with the Superior Court.
2. Attend a court hearing and obtain the court order.
3. Publish a notice (unless waived).
4. Update your name with SSA, DMV, and Vital Records (birth certificate).
Gender Marker Change:
1. Update your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID with a signed letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.
2. Submit a request to North Carolina Vital Records to change your birth certificate with a court order or medical documentation.
3. Update your Social Security, passport, and other records as necessary.