File a Petition: In North Dakota, to change your name, you need to file a Petition for Change of Name with the District Court in the county where you reside. The required documents typically include:
- Completed Petition: You can download the petition forms from the North Dakota Supreme Court website or get them from the local district court.
- Criminal Background Check: North Dakota requires a criminal background check, which you can obtain from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
- Proof of Residency: You may need to provide proof of residency (e.g., a utility bill or lease agreement).
Court Hearing: After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. You must attend the hearing, where the judge will review your request. If approved, you will be granted a court order to change your name.
Notice Requirement: In North Dakota, you are generally required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. However, the court may waive this requirement if you have a valid safety concern (e.g., domestic violence).
Fees: The filing fees for a name change in North Dakota typically range from $150 to $200. Fee waivers may be available for individuals with financial hardship.

Once you receive the court order:

Social Security Card: Submit a Form SS-5 to the Social Security Administration (SSA), along with a certified copy of your court order to update your name.
Driver’s License or State ID: To update your name on your North Dakota driver’s license or state ID, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) with the certified court order. The cost is typically around $15.
Birth Certificate: To update your name on your North Dakota birth certificate, you will need to submit the court order to the North Dakota Department of Health with a small processing fee (around $15–$20).

Requirements: In North Dakota, you can change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID with appropriate documentation. The state typically requires a letter from a licensed healthcare provider, confirming that you are undergoing gender transition.
Process:
- Visit the NDDOT: To update your gender marker, go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation and request the change. You will need to submit a Form 226 (Request for Gender Change) along with the required supporting documents (e.g., a letter from a licensed healthcare provider).
- Provide Documentation: You will need to submit a signed letter from your physician or healthcare provider that confirms you are undergoing gender transition. Some individuals may also use a self-attestation form, but this may depend on local NDDOT office policy.
- Pay Fees: The cost for a new driver’s license or state ID is generally around $15.
Processing Time: Processing time typically takes 2–4 weeks for a new driver’s license or state ID after submission.

Requirements: North Dakota requires medical documentation for individuals wishing to change the gender marker on their birth certificate. This can include a letter from a licensed physician that states the individual has undergone a gender transition or received gender-affirming care.
Process:
- Submit Request to North Dakota Department of Health: Complete the Gender Marker Change Form and submit it to the North Dakota Department of Health’s Vital Records Office, along with a letter from your physician or healthcare provider and the required fee.
- Medical Documentation: The letter from the physician must confirm that you are undergoing or have completed gender-affirming treatment. The medical provider does not have to confirm surgery in all cases, but some form of transition must be documented.
- Fees: The fee for changing your gender marker on your birth certificate is typically around $15.
Processing Time: It typically takes 6–8 weeks to process a gender marker change on a birth certificate.

Social Security Update: Once your name has been changed, be sure to update your gender marker with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Submit a Form SS-5 along with appropriate documentation. You can update your gender marker on the SSA records with a physician's letter or other approved documentation of gender identity.
U.S. Passport: For a passport gender marker change, you can do so without undergoing surgery. You must provide a signed letter from a licensed physician confirming that you are undergoing gender transition. You can apply through the U.S. Department of State to change the gender marker on your passport.
Other Records: After changing your name and gender marker, ensure that all your other records (e.g., medical records, insurance, banking accounts) reflect the updates.

Name Change:
1. File a Petition for Name Change with the District Court.
2. Attend a court hearing and obtain the court order.
3. Publish a notice (unless waived).
4. Update your name with the SSA, NDDOT, 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 the North Dakota Department of Health to update your birth certificate with appropriate medical documentation.
3. Update your Social Security, passport, and other relevant records.