1. Name Change Process in Vermont

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Where: You will need to file the Petition for Name Change with the Superior Court in the county where you reside. Forms are available on the Vermont Judiciary website or at your local courthouse.

    • Information Required:

      • Your current legal name.

      • The name you wish to adopt.

      • Reason for the name change (e.g., gender identity).

  2. Pay the Filing Fee:

    • The typical filing fee for a name change petition is $150, though it may vary by county. If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver.

  3. Notice of Petition:

    • In Vermont, you are required to publish a Notice of Petition for Name Change in a local newspaper to give the public an opportunity to object.

    • Waiver of Publication: If you have a safety concern or fear harassment, you can request that the publication requirement be waived. The court will review and make a decision.

  4. Court Hearing:

    • A hearing may be scheduled to review your petition. In many cases, a hearing is not required if the name change is uncontested.

    • If the judge approves your petition, they will issue a court order for your name change.

  5. Obtain Updated Documents:

    • After receiving the court order, you can begin updating your legal documents (e.g., Social Security, driver’s license, passport).

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Vermont

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

  1. Submit a Request for Gender Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID, you will need to contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

    • You must submit a written request to change your gender marker, along with a signed letter from a healthcare provider affirming that you are undergoing treatment for gender transition. This is required to update the gender on your ID.

  2. Complete the Application:

    • Fill out the Driver's License/ID Gender Change Form, available at the DMV or online. This form will require basic personal information and confirmation of your gender identity.

  3. Submit the Application:

    • You can submit the application in person at the DMV or by mail, depending on the specific procedures set by your local office.

  4. Pay the Fee:

    • There is a $20 fee to change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

  5. Receive Updated ID:

    • After processing, you will receive an updated driver’s license or state ID with the correct gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. File a Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you must file a petition with the Vermont Superior Court. You will need to show that your gender identity is consistent with the requested gender marker.

    • Required Documentation:

      • A letter from a healthcare provider stating that you are undergoing gender transition. Vermont law does not require proof of surgery to change the gender marker.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, you may be required to attend a hearing. However, in many cases, the court will approve the petition without a hearing if all documentation is complete.

    • If approved, the court will issue a court order to change the gender marker on your birth certificate.

  3. Submit Court Order to Vermont Department of Health:

    • After obtaining the court order, submit it to the Vermont Department of Health to amend your birth certificate.

    • Fee: There is typically a $20 fee for changing the gender marker on a birth certificate.

  4. Receive Updated Birth Certificate:

    • Once processed, you will receive an updated birth certificate with your corrected gender marker.

3. Summary Checklist for Vermont

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change at the Superior Court (forms and fee required).

  2. Publish Notice or request a waiver if necessary.

  3. Attend Court Hearing and obtain court order for name change.

  4. Update Documents (Social Security, driver’s license, passport, etc.) with your new name.

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Submit request and healthcare provider’s letter to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

    • Pay the fee and receive updated ID.

  2. Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition for Gender Marker Change in Superior Court.

    • Submit court order to the Vermont Department of Health.

    • Pay the fee and receive updated birth certificate.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Vermont does not require proof of surgery for gender marker changes on official documents, including driver’s licenses, state IDs, and birth certificates.

  • Healthcare Provider's Letter: The letter from a healthcare provider is necessary for both the driver's license and birth certificate gender marker change, but Vermont is more flexible in its requirements than other states.

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