Show Me My Rights Guide: Name/Gender Marker Changes & Identity Documents

*This page is under construction. Check back soon for more information on Transpapers coming to Missouri.

That is correct. During the 2026 legislative session, the following bills were introduced, but did not pass, that sought to restrict access to accurate state IDs for trans Missourians:

• SB 934 would have banned trans people born in Missouri from amending the gender (“sex”) marker on their birth certificates.

• HB 2076 would have required that a person seeking to obtain a driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit listing a sex other than an applicant's “biological sex assigned at birth” provide an amended birth certificate that reflects the sex designation requested​.

• *Note: As of November 2025, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)’s policy is to require an amended birth certificate to change the gender (“sex”) marker on a driver license, nondriver ID, or instruction permit. But this new bill would codify that requirement into Missouri law.

Both bills were defeated during the 2026 legislative session, but similar attacks on trans Missourians’ access to accurate state IDs are likely to resurface in upcoming legislative sessions. We expect similar bills to be introduced in the 2027 legislative session, and we plan to fight them in Jefferson City.

No. Unfortunately, Missouri state ID options include only “M” (for male) and “F” (for female).

Yes. In Missouri, any person over the age of 18 (and emancipated minors) can legally change their name to any name they wish. A name change can be made for any reason, including personal preference and gender identity, unless the name change is to defraud creditors. See RSMo. 527.270. *Note: Once the required paperwork is filed, the court may schedule a hearing. You should confirm with your county court clerk whether a hearing or affidavit (i.e., a written statement of facts made under oath before a person authorized to administer oaths, such as a notary public or court clerk; see RSMo. 575.010) is required. The Missouri Courts website has more information on the process here.

Yes. To change the name listed on your Missouri driver license or nondriver ID, you will need to visit a local MO Department of Revenue (“DOR”) office in person and apply for a duplicate license that reflects your new legal name. See the DOR’s website for more information on the process and what documentation you will need to bring with you to the DOR office that confirms your legal name change has occurred.

Yes. Missouri law allows for legal gender marker changes on state IDs after the gender (“sex”) marker has been changed on a birth certificate.

*A note about nonbinary (“X”) gender markers: Unfortunately, Missouri state ID options include only “M” (for male) and “F” (for female).

Updating the gender marker on a Missouri birth certificate: ​

• Missouri is currently one of seven states and one U.S. territory that permits updates to gender (“sex”) markers on birth certificates if a person has both a court order and proof of surgery.

• Specifically, Missouri law requires: “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.” RSMo. § 193.215.9. ​

• The term “surgical procedure” is not defined in the statute.

Updating the gender marker on a Missouri driver license, nondriver ID, or instruction permit: ​

• Missouri has now directly linked updating the gender (“sex”) marker on a birth certificate to obtaining an amended driver license. ​
• As of November 2025, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) requires documentation of an amended birth certificate to change the gender marker on a driver license, nondriver ID, or instruction permit.

*Note: We recommend consulting an attorney if you would like to change the gender marker on your Missouri state IDs.

Yes. To change your name on your U.S. passport, you must apply for a new passport in your new legal name by submitting a certified copy of your legal name change order. More information.

However, please be aware that if you have previously changed your gender marker on your passport, your new passport will likely be issued with your sex assigned at birth, even if you are not requesting an updated gender marker.

Unfortunately, no. In January 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order that directed the State Department to stop issuing passports with updated gender markers or “X” designations for trans and nonbinary travelers. The ACLU filed a class action lawsuit, and the situation is evolving.

Please check here for the most up-to-date information on passport access. Our friends at Lambda Legal also provide a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.

Yes. To change your name with the SSA, you will need to provide proof of a court-ordered name change, U.S. citizenship, and identity. More information.

No. Social Security cards do not include a gender marker, but a person’s Social Security record with the SSA does. However, the SSA is not currently allowing gender marker changes to SSA records pursuant to an executive order. In January 2025, the SSA issued guidance instructing the agency to only correct or change the “sex field” on the record to reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth.

There is no legal requirement that a person must have consistent gender markers on various documents, and depending on where they live or were born, a person may be able to obtain the gender marker on each document that is most comfortable for them.

However, please be aware that listing different gender markers on documents may cause administrative confusion if you show them at the same time, or if there is a discrepancy between the gender marker on your ID and the marker in your record.

Yes. In Missouri, a name change can be made for any reason, including personal preference and gender identity, unless the name change is to defraud creditors, including for a minor. See RSMo. 527.270. A parent or guardian can legally change a minor’s name, although the court will typically require notice to any other living parent or guardian before considering the name change request. *Note: Once the required paperwork is filed, the court may schedule a hearing. You should confirm with your county court clerk whether a hearing or affidavit (i.e., a written statement of facts made under oath before a person authorized to administer oaths, such as a notary public or court clerk; see RSMo. 575.010) is required. The Missouri Courts website has more information on the process for minors here.

Updating the gender marker on a Missouri birth certificate: ​ 

• Missouri is currently one of seven states and one U.S. territory that permits updates to gender (“sex”) markers on birth certificates if a person has both a court order and proof of surgery.

• Specifically, Missouri law requires: “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.” RSMo. § 193.215.9. ​

• The term “surgical procedure” is not defined in the statute.

• Missouri law also prohibits minors from having gender-affirming surgery in the state. See RSMo. §191.1720 (formerly known as SB 49, the “SAFE Act”).

Updating the gender marker on a Missouri instruction permit, driver license, or nondriver ID: ​ 

• Missouri has now directly linked updating the gender (“sex”) marker on a birth certificate to obtaining an amended driver license. ​

• As of November 2025, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) requires documentation of an amended birth certificate to change the gender marker on an instruction permit, driver license, or nondriver ID.

*Note: We recommend consulting an attorney if your minor child wishes to change the gender marker on their Missouri state IDs. 

Yes. To change the name on your child’s U.S. passport, you must apply for a new passport in your child’s new legal name by submitting a certified copy of your child’s legal name change order. More information for getting a passport for a minor under 18.

However, please be aware that if your child has previously changed their gender (“sex”) marker on their passport, their new passport will likely be issued with their sex assigned at birth, even if you are not requesting an updated gender marker.

Unfortunately, no. In January 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order that directed the State Department to stop issuing passports with updated gender markers or “X” designations for trans and nonbinary travelers. The ACLU filed a class action lawsuit, and the situation is evolving.

Yes. To change your child’s name with the SSA, you will need to provide proof of a court-ordered name change, U.S. citizenship, and identity. More information.

No. Social Security cards do not include a gender marker, but a person’s Social Security record with the SSA does. However, the SSA is not currently allowing gender marker changes to SSA records pursuant to an executive order. In January 2025, the SSA issued guidance instructing the agency to only correct or change the “sex field” on the record to reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth.

There is no legal requirement that a person must have consistent gender markers on various documents, and depending on where they live or were born, a person may be able to obtain the gender marker on each document that is most comfortable for them.

However, please be aware that listing different gender markers on documents may cause administrative confusion if you show them at the same time, or if there is a discrepancy between the gender marker on your ID and the marker in your record.

If your question isn’t addressed above, you may submit it to showmemyrights@aclu-mo.org. Submissions are used to develop general guidance for the public and do not constitute individualized legal advice. This inbox is monitored regularly, but due to volume, we cannot guarantee an individual response to every email received.

This is one section of a multi-part guide. You can find the full guide here:

Trans Justice in MO

Trans joy is a form of resistance. It reminds us that, despite everything, trans people lead full, complex, and beautiful lives.

The ACLU of Missouri's Show-Me Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, & Intersex Missourians Belong Storytelling Project is amplifying stories of joy and allyship from people like you!

TGNCI Missourians (ages 18+): Share your story

Loved ones & allies: Show your support

• • The Missouri Courts website
  • A4TE’s ID documents center
  • STL Name Change Mutual Aid
  • Missouri Kansas Queer Law
  • The Center Project
  • ACLU’s Q&A - U.S. Passport Case
  • Lambda Legal’s Q&A - U.S. Passport Case

  *Note: Check back soon for more information on Transpapers coming to Missouri!

If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination based on your gender expression or identity, please consider contacting the ACLU of Missouri for help.