Having a driver’s license that misrepresents one’s gender can be a complicated or dangerous situation for a transgender person in any situation where he, she, or they need to show the license -- in bars and restaurants, while filling out forms for employers, or a simple traffic stop. This can potentially lead to discriminatory or violent situations. The most important aspect of transition is living day-to-day life in society in accordance with the individual’s gender identity.
Missouri Name Change Laws
To obtain a legal name change in Missouri, an applicant must submit a petition to the court. The applicant must publish notice of the name change at least once a week for three weeks in a newspaper within 20 days of the court order. The publication requirement may be waived for victims of domestic violence or child abuse. (Mo. Ann. Stat. § 527.290).
Missouri Drivers License Policy & Procedures
In order to update the gender on a Missouri ID, the applicant must provide ONE of the following:
A completed Gender Designation Change Request Form 5532; http://dor.mo.gov/forms/5532.pdf
Medical documentation showing completion of gender reassignment surgery;
A U.S. Passport which reflects the gender designation requested by the applicant;
An amended U.S. birth certificate which reflects the gender designation requested by the applicant; or
A court order declaring the gender designation requested by the applicant (may be part of a court ordered name change).
If the applicant requesting the gender designation change does not have one of the required documents above, the license office should contact the central office at (573) 526-2555 before turning the applicant away. The central office may allow alternate documents to be submitted for review from the applicant to determine eligibility.
In order to update the name on a Missouri ID, the applicant must present a document demonstrating the current name, such as a Certified Court Order, a U.S Passport, a Social Security Card or a Medicare Card. The Missouri Department of Revenue has information on name change here: http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/idrequirements.php#namechange
Missouri Birth Certificate Laws
According to Missouri statute, the Department of Health will issue an amended birth certificate "upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction indicating the sex of an individual born in this state has been changed by surgical procedure and that such individual's name has been changed." Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.215-9.
To apply for an amended birth certificate the applicant should submit the certified copy of the court order, a written request for the birth certificate (stating where the new certificate is to be sent), and the applicable fees to Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Note that some individuals have been able to get a court order for gender change on a Missouri birth certificate without proof of surgery, as exhibited in this court order for gender change. Template forms for requesting a court order for gender change are available on the Transas City website here: http://transascity.org/missouri-transition-information/
Legal Assistance
For referrals to attorneys who may be able to help with paperwork and/or court appearances for identity documents, contact us at PROMO@PROMOonline.org.
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