Frequently Asked Questions:
updating id documents in rhode island
What should I do if I need legal assistance with updating my ID documents?
There are some situations where you may need legal assistance from an attorney, such as individuals with criminal records. If you believe your situation will require individual legal assistance, the Transgender ID Project from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders may be able to help.
Because of high demand, however, it can sometimes take several months to match you with a lawyer.
Can I get an "X" gender marker on my ID documents in Rhode Island?
Documents issued by the State of Rhode Island like driver's licenses, state ID's, and birth certificates, allow self-attested "X" gender markers! So do U.S. passports! Self-attested means medical documentation is not required to update these forms of ID.
Some federal agencies, like Social Security, do not allow a "X" gender designation in its records. You may wish to consult with legal counsel to learn more about the implications of having a "X" gender marker. Depending on your need, the Transgender ID Project from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders may be able to provide legal assistance.
It cannot be guaranteed that a 'X' designation on your license, state ID, or birth certificate will be accepted by any other city/town, state, quasi-public agency, federal authority, or foreign authority. Choosing a 'X' gender marker may result in conflicts in how you are registered with different governmental agencies. These conflicts could have future consequences that are unknown, impossible to predict, and will vary depending on your personal situation.
Do I need any specific gender-affirming treatments to obtain a name change or updated gender marker?
Updating the gender marker on documents issued by the State of Rhode Island, including dvier's licenses, state IDs, and birth certificates are self-attested. This means you can change the gender marker on these documents without any medical documentation. You also do not have to provide medical documentation to the probate court when seeking a legal name change in Rhode Island.
Similarly, you no longer need to provide medical documentation when updating the gender marker on your Social Security records and U.S. passport.
The ability to update the gender marker on documents issued by states other than Rhode Island will varry. You will need to consult resources specific to the state of your birth.
Do the steps outlined on TransVoteRI.com to update a name and gender marker apply if I am a minor or if I'm assisting a minor?
This guide is intended for adults residing in Rhode Island.
The process for a minor updating their name and/or gender marker in Rhode Island is often similar to adults. However, parental/guardian consent is required. Name change for a minor may be filed either in the county family court OR the city/town probate court in which the minor lives. Where a minor has two parents/guardians, both must provide consent for the name change petition to be approved.
If you are a parent or guardian of a minor seeking changes to their ID documents, you may want to contact the Trans Health Access Team at Thundermist Health Center for assistance.
Additionally, the Transgender ID Project from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders may be able to provide legal assistance, especially for situations with system-involved minors, and minors with a parent who does not consent to the minor’s desired changes.