Legal Name and Gender Marker Change Guidance

The following information can help you change your legal name and/or gender marker. If you have any questions, please contact us or Students' Legal Assistance.

Name Change Guidance

These documents will help in changing an adult (18 years of age and older) individual's legal name in Illinois. Your documents must be filed in your county of residence. To find your local courthouse please use the convenient courthouse locator.

• Name change instructions
• Name change application form

You may also find the following supplemental documents helpful:

• Order for legal name change (PDF)
• Newspaper publication form (PDF)
• Motion to waive newspaper publication for safety (PDF)

Fee Waiver

The following documents can guide you on fee waivers related to name changes:

• Fee waiver guide and forms

Gender Marker Change Guidance

Illinois Driver's License

To change the gender marker on your Illinois driver's license, you do not need a court order. However, providing one is considered the best evidence. You can submit one of the following documents:

• Medical Report Form
• Psychiatric Report Form
• Physician’s statement
• Other acceptable documentation showing a gender change or ongoing transition

Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles with one of these documents to update your gender marker. A "safe passage" letter from a medical provider is acceptable in place of legal name change documentation or proof of surgery. The more detailed the letter, the better (e.g., physical description, former and preferred name, height, weight, etc.).

For more details, visit Illinois Secretary of State website.

Social Security Card

Changing your gender marker on your Social Security card is a straightforward process once you have the necessary documents. A "safe passage" letter is often the easiest item to obtain. Follow these steps:

1. Gather documents proving your gender (e.g., a U.S. passport, amended birth certificate, court order, or a safe passage letter from a licensed physician).
2. If applicable, gather identity documents (e.g., your old Social Security card, proof of U.S. citizenship, or immigration status).
3. Complete the Application for a Social Security Card (PDF).
4. Take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or Card Center (nearest location: 230 West Lake Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.).

Documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies or notarized copies cannot be accepted. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website.

Note: A "safe passage" letter is a medical certification of clinical treatment for gender transition, obtained from a licensed physician, and must include biographical data to clearly identify you.