1. Name Change Process in Oklahoma

A. Obtain a Court Order for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change: To change your name in Oklahoma, you must file a Petition for Change of Name with the District Court in your county of residence. The documents required typically include:

    • Completed Petition Form: Available from the court or online via the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN).

    • Criminal Background Check: Oklahoma law mandates that you submit a criminal background check, which is processed by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

    • Notice Requirement: You will need to provide notice of your petition by publishing it in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks, unless the court waives this requirement (e.g., for safety reasons such as domestic violence).

  2. Court Hearing: After submitting the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the judge approves the request, you will receive a court order for your name change.

  3. Fees: The name change filing fees generally range from $150 to $200. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals.

B. Update Your Name on Other Documents

  • Social Security Card: To update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), submit a Form SS-5 along with a certified copy of the court order.

  • Driver’s License or State ID: Visit the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) to update your driver’s license or state ID. Bring the certified court order to show proof of your name change.

  • Birth Certificate: To change your name on your Oklahoma birth certificate, submit the court order to the Oklahoma State Department of Health along with a fee of around $15 to $20. You may also need to provide a notarized application form.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Oklahoma

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

  1. Requirements: Oklahoma allows individuals to update the gender marker on their driver’s license or state ID without requiring a medical note or court order. You simply need to provide proof of your gender identity (e.g., a letter from a healthcare provider, or any other form of documentation confirming your gender identity).

  2. Process:

    • Visit the Oklahoma DPS: Go to a DPS office and request the change of gender marker.

    • Complete the Application: You will be required to fill out a gender marker change form.

    • Provide Documentation: Provide the necessary documentation confirming your gender identity. This can include a letter from a licensed healthcare provider.

    • Pay Fees: The cost for a new driver’s license or state ID is generally around $25 to $30.

  3. Processing Time: The processing time for a new license or ID card is typically 2–4 weeks.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Requirements: Oklahoma law requires individuals to provide medical documentation in order to change the gender marker on their birth certificate.

  2. Process:

    • Obtain Medical Documentation: You will need a letter from a licensed physician or healthcare provider stating that you have undergone gender transition.

    • Submit Request: Submit the Gender Marker Change Request Form to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, along with your medical documentation and a fee (around $15–$20).

  3. Processing Time: The processing time for the gender marker change on your birth certificate is typically 4–6 weeks.

3. Additional Steps and Considerations

  • Social Security Update: To update your gender marker with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you need to submit a Form SS-5 along with appropriate medical documentation or a court order.

  • U.S. Passport Update: The U.S. Department of State allows individuals to update their gender marker on a passport. You can do so without surgery, but you will need a medical letter to confirm your gender identity. Complete the appropriate forms for a passport name or gender change.

  • Other Records: After updating your name and gender marker with the SSA, DPS, and the Department of Health, be sure to update other personal records (e.g., medical records, insurance, bank accounts).

Summary Checklist for Oklahoma

  • Name Change:

    1. File a Petition for Name Change in Oklahoma District Court.

    2. Attend a hearing and obtain a certified court order.

    3. Update name with the SSA, DPS, and other relevant agencies.

  • Gender Marker Change:

    1. Update the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID at the Oklahoma DPS with proof of gender identity.

    2. Submit a request to the Oklahoma State Department of Health to update your birth certificate with medical documentation.

    3. Update other documents (e.g., Social Security, passport, insurance) as necessary.