1. Name Change Process in Wyoming

A. Obtain a Court Order for Name Change

  • File a Petition: Submit a Petition for Name Change with the district court in your county. You’ll need to include:

    • Completed name change form (provided by the county court).

    • Proof of identity (passport, driver's license, etc.).

    • Possibly a background check, depending on the county's requirements.

  • Publishing Requirement: Wyoming generally requires that a notice of name change be published in a local newspaper for a specified period, usually once a week for 4 weeks. In some cases, you may request an exemption for privacy.

  • Attend a Hearing: After publication, attend a court hearing (if required). The judge will review your case and grant a court order for a name change if approved.

  • Fees: Filing fees range from $50 to $200, depending on the county. Fee waivers may be available for low-income individuals.

B. Update Your Name on Other Documents

  • Social Security Card: Submit a court-certified copy of your name change order to the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with an application for a new Social Security card.

  • Driver’s License/State ID: Visit a Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) office with your court order and updated Social Security card to have your driver’s license or ID updated.

  • Birth Certificate: Wyoming does not require a name change on the birth certificate to match other documents, but you can submit a court order to amend it if desired.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Wyoming

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

  • Requirements: Wyoming requires a physician’s letter to update the gender marker on a driver’s license or state ID. The letter should confirm your gender identity and may require that it aligns with your lived experience.

  • Documents Needed:

    • Completed gender designation form from WYDOT (if applicable).

    • Physician’s letter confirming your gender identity.

  • Process: Visit a WYDOT office with the required documents. The staff will process the request to change your gender marker to male, female, or nonbinary (if supported by WYDOT).

  • Fees: Standard license renewal or replacement fees apply.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  • Requirements: Wyoming requires a court order to amend the gender marker on a birth certificate.

  • Steps:

    • File a Petition for Gender Change in the county court (the process is similar to a name change).

    • Present supporting documentation, which may include a physician’s statement affirming your gender identity.

    • If the court grants the order, you can then submit it to the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services, to update the birth certificate.

  • Fees: There is typically a fee for updating the birth certificate, around $15–$30.

3. Additional Steps and Considerations

  • Passport Update (Optional): Once you have a court order for name and/or gender marker changes, you may apply to update your U.S. passport with the new information through the State Department.

  • Social Security: For gender marker changes with SSA, you’ll need a physician’s letter or other approved documentation confirming your gender.

Summary Checklist for Wyoming

  • Name Change:

    1. File a name change petition with the district court.

    2. Publish notice in a newspaper (unless waived).

    3. Attend the court hearing and receive the court order.

    4. Update Social Security, driver’s license, and other personal documents.

  • Gender Marker Change:

    1. Obtain a physician’s letter for WYDOT ID update.

    2. File a court petition for a gender marker change on the birth certificate if needed.

    3. Submit court order and/or physician’s letter to update WYDOT, Social Security, and other records.

  • Required Forms:

    1. Wyoming Adult Name Change Form.

    2. SS-5 Form