I was born in a red state that won't let me change my birth certificate, even though I've lived in a blue state my entire life. I cried the day I made this realization. Then fuckface's executive order happened. At least my drivers license will have the right letter, I guess.
this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2025
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Yes birth certificates are a state thing
Do it asap imo if it’s important to you. Social security cards and passports are likely suspended for the next four years at least, unfortunately. While I hope most states will resist this bullshit, who knows what the fuck will happen, thus asap
Minnesota is one of the pain in the ass states. You need either a physicians letter saying you’ve received appropriate clinical treatment or a court order to get a marker change
OutFront Minnesota can give you assistance or at least more info
Thanks
In Minnesota, afaik, getting a letter of ACT only requires a year of hormone therapy (there are exceptions for people who can't or don't want to afaik) and, for updating documents, is only necessary for amending the sex field on a birth certificate. I know many other states, primarily red states, have stricter requirements, or they just don't allow it period, so I consider myself lucky. I'm not aware of any states that let people amend their sex on their birth certificate without a letter of ACT though.
At this point in time all of my documents say I'm female except for my birth certificate and all I'm currently waiting for is my ACT letter and my other supporting document to come in the mail.
In my state the letter is optional but the court order is mandatory. The take away for anyone reading is that there is going to be red tape and you should get on this asap if it is important to you.
Regardless of what state you live in there is probably, almost certainly, an org in said state that at a minimum has a website with all of the relevant info and likely will assist you through this as well.
I don't know what the best choice is but; what I can say is that:
If I were anywhere in the US atm I'd consider changing any legal documentation once I've fled to a more reasonable pro-LGBTQ+ country
Also wondering this. I actually have a change open right now, but I guess I needed a notary to sign something... I've been waiting each day to see if I should get the form signed and send it back.
Mild rant... but I don't understand why I need a notary (someone who knows nothing about me) involved in the process. Like, how are my court documents, updated driver's license, and updated Social Security card not enough to prove my identity...
A notary is just there to verify the identity of the person signing papers. They really don't care about anything other than you are who you say you are.
It's becoming less popular but I used to see convenient stores with "Notary Public" signs everywhere. And they would stamp anything you wanted for $20.
I do get the idea, but I feel like if I'm sending in so many supporting documents, plus a check, that should suffice... I was told that UPS usually has a notary on staff, so that's my plan!
The notary is just a trusted human, using their human abilities to confirm that the human in front of them matches the documents and paperwork they're presenting. It's the kind of thing that we're still better at than computers. It's a bastion against someone who's good at fraud stealing your identity by collecting and submitting a bunch of documents.
Random is fine, but if you know others who have done this, you might ask if they liked their notary.
Not all of them do and the hours can vary from the store hours. https://www.theupsstore.com/store-services/notary-services
Unfortunately a notary is a necessary part of almost all government paperwork. If you have a bank you use, they typically also have several on staff.
A notary is a licensed professional ID checker. They certify that you are who you say you are. They are required for many important documents.
The notary allows you to self select your gender marker without any other proof, and without having to appear in person to make the change.
Not requiring other materials is a good thing.
Seems pretty easy to become one. I am slightly interested in becoming one and offering services to the gender diverse people in my area and community!
A friend of mine became a notary, and I signed some form declaring their trustworthiness. Apparently its a good business. Anyone buying a house needs a notary and will pay for the service especially if you do house calls.
AFAIK birth certificates are a state thing, and the federal order is for… well federal. If you were in a red state I’m not sure I would try it but you might be ok in a more blue one.
To my knowledge birth certificates tend to be entirely regulated by the state you were born in and so are not effected, but if you’re worried it might be worth getting a consultation with a practicing lawyer in your birth state with experience in trans legal issues.
You can get them from the county. Less than $30. Just go do it. All you need is the passport, cash, and an unsigned but filled out application.
https://www.hennepin.us/en/residents/licenses-certificates-permits/birth
If you don't have this part done then maybe research it a bit more:
https://transequality.org/documents/minnesota-identity-documents
That seems to be just for getting a copy of a birth certificate and I need to do an amendment which isn't as easy as that.