On June 13, 2025, the Kansas Court of Appeals ruled that trans Kansans may change our gender markers on our driver’s licenses. A lot of you have questions, so here are some quick answers!

When can I change my gender marker on my driver’s license?

It should be immediate. The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) has not yet updated their website, but the ruling should already be effective.

How can I update my gender marker?

In the past, KDOR required ONE of the following documents:

• A letter from a licensed physician
• A court order
• A birth certificate with your updated gender marker

If you use a letter from a physician, you also need to submit a letter with your legal name, address, phone number, email address, and new gender marker.

Please note that the process may change now that it’s been reinstated.

What else do I need to bring?

If you are replacing your license: two proofs of identification (the license you are replacing counts) and a proof of residence (like a piece of mail or a bill with your name and address on it).

If you are getting your first-ever license: one proof of lawful presence (birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, passport, etc), two proofs of residence, and proof of your Social Security number. If you have moved from out of state, you’ll need your former state ID/license, as well.

Does it cost money?

It costs $12. If you are also changing your name, it will be $16. First-time licenses and renewals can cost up to $29.

If you need help paying this fee, TLC has a mutual aid fund that can help! Learn more at https://tlcks.org/mutual-aid-fund/.

Can I update my name at the same time?

If you have already legally changed your name, yes. Updating your name requires the signed court order.

Will there be an X marker?

Not likely, but it’s not impossible. This would be a matter of advocating with KDOR to implement an X marker.

Can I update my birth certificate?

No, unfortunately. The ban on changing gender markers on driver’s licenses was a separate legal case from the ban on changing gender markers on birth certificates. As of June 2025, there is no court case challenging the birth certificate ban.

What about passports/Social Security cards?

Passports and Social Security cards are managed by the federal government. As of June 2025, Trump’s executive order banning gender marker changes stands in place. If you’re applying for a new passport, you might be able to get the correct gender marker if your driver’s license gender marker is also correct.

How long do I have to get this done?

Kobach has 30 days to file an appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court. If that happens, there will be another hearing and ruling. This process could take around a year. However, it is unlikely that we will be prohibited from changing our gender markers in the meantime.