Sex Designation Change Basics

On this page, sex and gender are used interchangeably based upon the language used by the office the papers are filed at.

It is always a good idea to speak with an attorney before filing legal papers with the court. The paperwork you will need to change your sex designation on government issued documents may be different depending on where you were born. Look for the heading on this page that describes where you were born, for the information you need to change your sex designation.

Sex designation change applications are public records. This means they can be found and viewed by anyone. If you have personal safety concerns, you can ask the court to “seal” the records. Once a record is sealed it can only be opened by an order issued by the court or at your request. If you are concerned for your safety or your children's safety, read about Privacy.

Note: If you want to change your sex designation and your name, read Name Change Basics.

 

Born in New York State but outside of New York City

If you were born in New York State but outside of New York City, you can ask to change your name and gender designation at the same time. The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Name Change program for New York State Residents filing in New York State Supreme Court or County Court is the easiest way to prepare the paperwork.

Visit the Name Change and/or Sex Designation Change Forms page to use the DIY Form Program. You will receive the paperwork for the name change along with instructions and the Application for Correction of Certificate of Birth for Gender Designation.

If you choose to ask for you name change first, wait until your name change have been approved and you have a signed Court Order for your name change before completing the Application for Correction of Certificate of Birth for Gender Designation.

Visit the NYS Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records for more information.

 

Born in New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond Counties)

If you were born in New York City (Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), you can ask to change your name and gender designation at the same time. The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Name Change program for New York City Residents filing in New York City Civil Court is the easiest way to prepare the paperwork.

Visit the Name Change and/or Sex Designation Change Forms page to use the DIY Form Program. You will receive the paperwork for the name change along with instructions and the NYC Health Attestation Form.

Visit the NYC Department of Health Certificate Corrections page, scroll down to the “Common Corrections” section, and click on “How do I change the gender marker on my birth certificate?” for more information.

 

Born Outside of New York State

If you were born outside of New York State, it is important to first learn if the state you were born in allows you to change your gender designation on your birth certificate. If it does, you will need to find out whether the state you were born in, requires an application or a court order to change your gender designation on your birth certificate.

The National Center for Transgender Equality has information on how to update gender on a birth certificate. Visit The National Center for Transgender Equality, ID Documents Center, and search for the state you were born in for more information.