Passports

Change of Sex Marker

Change of Sex Marker

Passports are valid for different lengths of time depending on whether you have completed your transition or are still in the process of transition.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

You must apply in person at our office

1. A Completed Unsigned DS-11 Form
2. A Valid ID that resembles your current appearance
3. Birth Certificate
4. A Medical Certification that indicates you have had appropriate clinical treatment for transition to male or female, or are in the process of transition to male or female
5. 2×2 Passport Photo that resembles your current appearance

FEES
ROUTINE | 6-8 WEEKS
U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $110
Passport Card: $30
Both: $140
(check or money order)
Vermilion Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $35.00
(cash,check,credit or debt)
EXPEDITED | 2-3 WEEKS
U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $170
Passport Card: $90
Both: $260
(check or money order)
Vermilion Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $56
(cash,check,credit or debt)
– If your name does not match your Birth Certificate, you must provide evidence of marriage or another form of a legal name change.

– Bring your old passport. If you were a minor when it was obtained does not constitute a renewal, but it aides in the passport acceptance process.

Please Note: You can get a valid copy of your Birth Certificate here in our office.

Status of Transition
You have had appropriate clinical treatment for transition from male to female or female or male
Validity of Passport
10 years (Adult)
5 years (Child under 16)
You are in the process of getting appropriate clinical treatment for transition from male to female or female to male
Validity of Passport
2 years
Step by Step Instructions
1. Fill Out the DS-11 Form

Please note:

  • After downloading the DS-11 Form you are able to fill in your information on your computer before printing.
  • Do not sign the application until instructed to while in our office.
  • You must provide a Social Security number, if you have been issued one, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a and 22 C.F.R 51.60(f).
    • If you fail to provide a Social Security number, you will encounter a delay in processing and/or denial of your passport application. You will also be subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS pursuant to Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E). All questions on this matter should be directed to the nearest IRS office.
    • If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
  • You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by checking the ’52 page’ box at the top of the DS-11.
2. Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit one of the following:

  • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
  • U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
    • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
    • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
    • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
    • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
    • Has the registrar’s signature
    • Has the seal of the issuing authority

Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

3. Bring a Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship Evidence

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re providing.
Photocopies must be:

  • Legible
  • On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
  • Black and white
  • Single sided

If you don’t want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.

4. Present ID

You must present one of the following identification documents that resembles your current appearance:

  • In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
  • In-state, fully valid learner’s permit
  • In-state, fully valid non-driver ID
  • Temporary driver’s license
  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID
  • Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)

The ID must readily identify you.

5. Bring a Photocopy of ID

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply.
Photocopies must be:

  • Legible
  • On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
  • Black and white
  • Single sided
6. Medical Certification

A signed, original statement from a licensed physician must be on office letterhead and include:

  • Physician’s full name, address, and telephone number
  • Medical license or certificate number
  • Issuing state or other jurisdiction of medical license/certificate
  • Language stating that:
    • He or she has treated you, or has reviewed and evaluated your medical history
    • You have had appropriate clinical treatment for transition to male or female, or are in the process of transition to male or female
  • The statement must include, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • Medical certification requirements are the same for a minor as an adult.

A Example Medical Certification is available for Download

Please Note: A description of specific treatments is not required in the medical certification. The certification is based on your physician’s clinical assessment of your treatment. The certification meets the standards and recommendations of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health which is recognized by the American Medical Association.

7. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your passport application that resembles your current appearance.

  • Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
  • You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
  • Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis
  • Taken in the last 6 months
  • Use a plain white or off-white background
  • Be sized correctly:
    • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
    • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
  • Printed in color
  • You cannot wear glasses.
    • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
  • You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
    • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public.
    • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor’s statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
    • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
  • You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
8. Calculate Fees
ROUTINE | 4-6 WEEKS

U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $110
Passport Card: $30
Both: $140
(check or money order)
Vermilion Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $35.00
(cash,check,credit or debt)

EXPEDITED | 2-3 WEEKS

U.S. Department of State
Passport Book: $170
Passport Card: $90
Both: $260
(check or money order)
Vermilion Clerk of Court
Processing Fee: $56
(cash,check,credit or debt)

9. Submit Your Completed Application

Please have the following when coming in to uor office for your U.S. Passport:

  • Completed DS-11 Form
  • Your Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
  • A Copy of Your Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
  • Your Identification Documents
  • A Copy of Your Identification Documents
  • A Medical Certification
  • Your 2 x 2 inches Passport Photo
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have the sex on my birth certificate and/or driver’s license changed before I can get it changed on my passport?
No, your (or your child’s) citizenship evidence (e.g. U.S. birth certificate) and ID do not have to show the updated sex marker, but the photo on the ID must resemble the applicant’s current appearance.
What is "appropriate clinical treatment"?
Your physician determines what appropriate clinical treatment is according to acceptable medical practices, standards and guidelines, and certifies that you have had appropriate clinical treatment for transition to either male or female. Surgery is not a requirement to get a U.S. passport.
Is there a specific requirement needed to get a 10-year passport vs. a 2-year passport?
Yes. The medical certification you submit must either state that you are in the process of transition (2-year passport) or have had appropriate clinical treatment for transition (10-year passport for adults, 5-year passport for children under 16). The certification must be on office letterhead from a licensed physician stating that he or she has treated you OR he or she has reviewed and evaluated your medical history. Surgery is not a requirement to get a U.S. passport.
Do I need to apply using Form DS-11?
Yes. The first time you are changing your sex marker in a passport, you must use Form DS-11. After that, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82, if you are eligible. Children under age 16 must use Form DS-11 and appear in-person with both parents/legal guardians when applying for a passport
How do I update the sex marker on a passport for my child?
The medical certification requirements are the same for a child as they are for an adult. However, parental consent is required when the child is under age 16.
Can my therapist, psychologist, naturopath, etc. submit a medical certification?
No, the medical certification must be from a licensed physician – either a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.). Certifications from other practitioners such as psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, health practitioners, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, chiropractors, or pharmacists are not acceptable.
If I get a 2-year passport, do I have to submit a new photo when I extend to a 10-year passport?
Yes. Please keep in mind that the new photo must resemble your current appearance and meet the passport photo requirements.
If my birth certificate, driver's license, etc have already been updated to a new sex marker, do I still need a medical certification? Why?
Yes, you still need to submit a medical certification. We need this because the requirements for amending the sex marker on birth certificates and other domestic documents vary from state to state and country to country. The requirements for these documents may not satisfy the requirements for issuing a U.S. passport with a new sex marker.
If I have a court order approving a change in my sex or gender, do I still need to obtain a medical certification from a physician? Why?
Yes, you still need to submit a medical certification for your transition to male or female. We need this because the requirements for obtaining a court order changing sex vary from state to state and country to country. The requirements may not satisfy the requirements for issuing a U.S. passport with a new sex marker.
If I identify neither as male nor female, or I have a birth certificate, driver's license, court order or other documents in non-binary, can I have a passport issued with a non-binary or no sex marker?
No, the only sex markers available for a U.S. passport are male and female.
I followed the requirements on this page, but I got a letter requesting more information. What do I do now?
Please follow the instructions in the letter. If you have further questions, please contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 / 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY).
Will anyone ask me questions about my medical history besides what is stated in my medical certification?
No. No one, including acceptance agents and passport agency staff, should ask you anything regarding your medical history, other than for you to provide the required medical certification.
Does my ID have to be in my current name?
No. Not if your name change occurred within one year of the date you submit your passport application. Your ID can be in either your current or previous name, as long as you submit a court order documenting your name change to the current name. If your name change occurred more than one year prior to your application, you must obtain an ID in your new name before a passport may be issued.
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