Name[1] [MOU2] and Gender Marker Changes with the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (Driver’s License)
● Change your name with Social Security first
● Wait 24 hours after SSA change before going to the DMV
● Bring your receipt from social security[MOU3]
● Complete the Gender Designation Change Form
● Print out and complete this form . Follow the instructions listed on the form carefully. The form states that DMV employees are not allowed to ask about your personal medical history.
● Bring current ID/license
● Bring your name change court order [MOU4]
● Pay the fee[MOU5]
● Must turn in your old ID and take a new picture
● If you have problems, ask for a supervisor
● Some workers are not familiar with the form
● Note: You don’t need to wait for your new SS card to come in the mail
● It is possible to change the gender marker with the DMV even if you do not change it with Social Security. However, name changes must go through Social Security first.
Name and Gender Marker Change for Rhode Island Birth Certificates
● Note: gender affirmation surgery is no longer required to update your gender marker on your Rhode Island birth certificate (as of October 2014).
● Note: you can designate your gender as F, M, or X (as of October 2019)
● Note: a medical provider letter is no longer required (as of March 31, 2021)
● You will need to submit the following documents to the Office of Vital Records:
● Letter: Your own notarized letter requesting your gender marker be changed (see the applicant affidavit model language below for details). [MOU6] The letter must include your full name and date of birth.
● Name Change Court order
● Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Record form (to get a copy of your new birth certificate)
● Photocopy of photo ID (if applying by mail)
● Cost
○ $10.00 to update the certificate and $20.00[MOU7] for a certified copy
○ Each additional copy is $15.00.
○ Cash, check, or money order accepted in person. Only check or money order accepted if you do it by mail.
○ Check/money order should be made out to "General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island".
● The process can be completed in person or by mail:
RI Dept of Health, Office of Vital Records, rm 101
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02903[MOU8]
● Names will be marked as amended if they are changed. Gender markers will not indicate that they were amended.
● Intersex individuals
○ A person who is intersex and wishes to change the gender on their birth certificate can use this same procedure[MOU9] .
From Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders- RI Birth Certificate Tool Kit[MOU10] :
1. Applicant Affidavit:
Submit an affidavit, which is a signed written statement, where you state:
“I, [NAME OF APPLICANT] [DOB: MM/DD/YYYY] under the pains and penalties of perjury, declare that I have undergone appropriate treatment for the purpose of gender transition based on contemporary clinical standards, and that I am no longer the gender recorded on my current birth certificate. I am therefore requesting that the gender marker on my birth certificate be changed from [MALE/FEMALE] to [FEMALE/MALE]." [MOU11]
*This letter must be notarized*
name change at the DMV: bring current RI license, complete this form http://www.dmv.ri.gov/documents/forms/license/License%20App%20v2%20RI.pdf, have one document showing your correct name. Refer to the third page of the License/ID/Permit Application for a list of documents needed to perform this transaction.
[MOU2]This form and the supporting documents are definitely required
[MOU3]They no longer require this, although it still might be a good idea in case of any hiccups
[MOU4]Our understanding is that this is required, not optional, because DMV no longer requires social security documentation
[MOU5]What is the fee and is it waivable under any circumstances?
[MOU6]This is still required, but should be requested from and created by Melissa at the DMV, and then signed in the presence of a notary. (If the person seeking the change is able to physically appear at the Office of Vital Records, they can get it notarized by someone in the office.)
[MOU7]It’s now $22 if requested in person and $25 if requested by mail
[MOU8]May be worth noting that the office is currently closed to visitors due to the pandemic
[MOU9]Affidavit no longer required
[MOU10]This link is dead
[MOU11]My understanding is that this affidavit must be created by the Office of Vital Records, and then signed and notarized by the individual seeking the change. The person seeking the change should call or email the Office of Vital Records, provide their name and DOB, and ask for the office to create the document for them.