In Georgia, like in many parts of the United States, legally changing your gender can be complex and challenging. However, it is an important and empowering journey for individuals seeking recognition of their true gender identity.
Changing your gender marker on legal documents is more than just personal identification; it also carries important legal rights and protections. By obtaining a court-ordered gender change, you can access rights corresponding to your true gender. This may include access to gender-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, as well as protection under anti-discrimination laws.
Unfortunately, legally changing your gender in Georgia is not easy. To change your gender legally in the state, you must obtain a court order and proof of gender reassignment surgery before being able to do so. For this reason, the National Center for Transgender Equality gives Georgia an F for not being a very trans-friendly state.
If you want to legally change your gender in Georgia, you must hire a family law attorney with experience handling LGBTQ+ issues. Having a strong legal advocate on your side during this time is invaluable.
Changing Your Gender in Georgia
Legal gender change in Georgia is a process that involves modifying the gender marker on official identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates.
The cornerstone of legally changing one’s gender in Georgia is obtaining a court order. This court order, issued by a superior court, is a critical document that validates the gender change.
To begin this process, individuals need to file a petition with the superior court of the county in which they reside. This petition serves as a formal request for a legal gender change. It must contain specific information, such as the petitioner’s reasons for seeking the change and any supporting documentation, like a letter from a medical professional or therapist.
Once the court order has been obtained, individuals can update their identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates.
Changing Your Gender on a Georgia Driver’s License
To update your gender marker on a Georgia ID, you must submit either a court order or a physician’s letter certifying that you underwent gender reassignment surgery. This letter or order must state your name, date of birth and date of gender reassignment surgery.
When you visit the DDS or follow their online instructions, you will be asked to present your court order or physician’s letter, along with other required identification documents. These may include your current Georgia ID, proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, and proof of Georgia residency. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees associated with updating your ID.
Changing Your Gender on a Georgia Birth Certificate
To amend the sex on your birth certificate in Georgia, you can only do so by sending the state a certified copy of a court order stating that you’ve changed your sex by undergoing a surgical procedure and that your name has been changed. If they receive this order, they will issue you a new birth certificate. They will not amend the old one.
You can only change the gender on your birth certificate if you’ve had a surgical procedure changing your sex and if you’ve had a legal name change.
Georgia Trans Law Bans Gender-Affirming Surgeries for Minors
If you’re a minor and looking to change your gender legally in Georgia, you won’t find much help. In June 2023, Georgia passed a new law banning gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for anyone under 18. Transgender advocates slammed Senate Bill 140 as being harmful and devastating for trans youth in the state.
An Atlanta-based doctor who specializes in gender-affirming care for transgender youth noted that it cuts off lifesaving care for many teens and young children in the state. It also makes it impossible to legally change your gender while you’re a minor.
Contact Our Atlanta Family Lawyers Today
Transgender individuals in Georgia face insurmountable obstacles in receiving the medical care they need and deserve. They also face hurdles when legally changing their genders in the state. At Hobson & Hobson, our Atlanta family lawyers recognize these obstacles and challenges and work tirelessly to help our transgender clients through them.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at (770) 284-6153 or fill out our confidential contact form. We are here to help you simplify the divorce process and take the burdens off of your shoulders.
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.