File a Petition: To change your name in Rhode Island, you must file a Petition for Name Change with the Rhode Island Family Court in the county where you reside. The following is generally required:
- A completed name change petition form, which can be obtained from the court or online.
- Proof of residency in Rhode Island (such as a state-issued ID or utility bill).
- Criminal history check: In some cases, you may need to provide a criminal background check from the Rhode Island State Police.
Publish Notice (Optional): Rhode Island law may require that you publish the petition in a local newspaper, although this may be waived if you are concerned about privacy or safety. You can request a waiver of this publication requirement at the time of filing.
Attend a Court Hearing: After submitting the petition and publication (if required), you will need to attend a hearing. If the court approves your petition, they will issue a court order granting the name change.
Fees: Filing fees range from approximately $150 to $200, depending on the court. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals.

Social Security Card: After receiving the court order, submit it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with an SS-5 form to update your name.
Driver’s License/State ID: Visit the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver’s license or state-issued ID with your new name. Bring your court order for verification.
Birth Certificate: To change your name on your birth certificate, submit the court order to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Vital Records.

Requirements: Rhode Island allows individuals to self-attest to their gender marker. Therefore, no medical or court documentation is required to change the gender marker on a state ID or driver’s license.
Process:
- Complete a Gender Change Request form (available through the Rhode Island DMV).
- Select the appropriate gender marker (male, female, or nonbinary).
Fees: Standard fees for renewing or replacing your driver’s license or state ID will apply.

Requirements: Rhode Island law allows for gender marker changes on birth certificates, and medical certification is required to make this change.
Steps:
- Obtain a letter from a licensed healthcare provider (such as a physician or therapist) stating that the individual’s gender identity has been affirmed and that the individual is undergoing appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition.
- Complete the Application for Correction of Vital Record form provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- Submit the letter from the healthcare provider, the completed form, and the applicable fee (usually around $15–$20) to the Department of Health.

Social Security Update: To update your gender marker with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need a physician’s letter confirming your gender identity.
U.S. Passport: If you wish to update your U.S. passport, you will need a physician’s letter or other supporting documentation to change the gender marker.
Other Records: Remember to update all other personal records and documents, such as your bank account, credit cards, and insurance policies, after your name and/or gender marker is updated.

Name Change:
1. File a petition for a name change with the Family Court.
2. Attend the hearing and obtain a court order for the name change.
3. Update Social Security, DMV, and other records with your new name.
Gender Marker Change:
1. Complete a gender marker change request with the Rhode Island DMV.
2. Submit a physician's letter to the Department of Health for a birth certificate amendment.
3. Update Social Security and other records with your new gender marker.