Changing Your
Name &
Gender Marker
Congratulations on Taking
This Important Step!
Choosing to legally change your name and/or gender marker is a powerful act of self-affirmation and authenticity. It’s a courageous decision that reflects your commitment to living your life truthfully and on your own terms.
While the journey to update your legal documents can seem daunting, we’re here to simplify and guide you through each stage. Our comprehensive and easy-to-follow instructions will help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence and clarity. Remember, you are not alone—STARS and your entire community are behind you, cheering you on as you take this empowering journey towards claiming your true identity.
This is how you do it
Follow our guides below for a step-by-step walkthrough on the full process. We’ll give you the forms, what to expect, and some encouragement along the way.
Start by selecting the tab that best describes what you’re looking to do, the process is a little different for each one.
Step 1: Have Your Doctor Write a Letter Confirming Your Gender Identity
The first step in the process of updating your name and/or gender marker is to obtain a letter from a doctor overseeing your care. This letter serves as an official confirmation of your gender identity and is required by many state agencies to proceed with your legal changes.
Specific Wording Requirements: To ensure your letter meets the necessary criteria, we have provided a template that includes the precise wording required by various state agencies. It is crucial that your doctor uses this exact language to avoid any delays or complications in your application process. Many local physicians (like those at El Rio) seeing trans and gender non-conforming patients should already be familiar with these requirements.
Timing is Important: Please note that once you obtain this letter, you need to act promptly. Many agencies require the letter to be dated within the last three months at the time of submission. Using the letter beyond this timeframe could result in rejection of your application, requiring you to obtain a new letter to proceed.
Step 2: Obtaining a Change of Name Order
Embarking on the legal process to change your name is a significant milestone in your journey!
This step involves going to court to obtain an official Name Change Order. Though navigating the judicial system may feel intimidating, it’s an empowering process that affirms your identity, and is the critical step to changing the rest of your identification documents.
Take a deep breath and know that this is a pivotal step not just on paper, but in the affirmation and recognition of your true self. Many of your transgender and gender non-conforming peers have changed their names, and are happy to provide any encouragement you may need, or accompany you to the courthouse.
Our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary details and support to successfully navigate this process.
You'll Need:
- Two copies of the completed Name Change Petition
- Payment and/or a deferral request
- A current photo ID
- Your Doctor's Letter
(optional)
Payment and Waivers
The filing fee for a name change petition is $292 (as of January 2025) payable by cash, check, or credit card.
If you are on SSI or SNAP, you are likely eligible for a full/partial waiver of the fee or a payment plan. Check the section below for more details.
Are you eligible for a full or partial waiver of the fee?
Full Waiver: You are eligible for a full waiver of all fees and costs if you can attach proof that you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Deferral: If you receive SNAP benefits (aka food stamps), you may file a copy of your EBT card or other proof, to receive a payment plan.
If you request a waiver or deferral based on receiving either of the above benefits, you do not have to fill out the financial portions of the Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form. If you do not qualify based on either of those benefits, you may still have a chance to get a full waiver or a deferral by completing the financial portions of the Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form.
Make sure to file your Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form and a blank Order with the Clerk’s Office before filing your Name Change Petition. Go to the Clerk’s Office at the Pima County Superior Court at 110 West Congress in downtown Tucson. Make sure you go to the counter in the Clerk’s Office marked “civil,” not “criminal.” The Clerk’s Office will give you a phone number to call in about 7 to 10 days to find out if the request has been granted. Once the request has been granted, you will need to go back to the Clerk’s Office and file your Name Change Petition.
To streamline the paperwork process, STARS has developed fillable PDF forms that take the guesswork and stress out of the process. Simply select the appropriate form, follow the instructions on page 1, and the document should be ready to print out.
Do not sign any of the pages until you’re at the Clerk’s window and requested to do so.
Note: You’ll need to download the PDF and open it Adobe Acrobat or similar to make use of the fillable forms.
Same Day Walk-In Name Changes
For the fastest service, same day Walk-In Name Changes are done on Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 8:00am and 10:00am at the Pima County Superior Courthouse, at 110 W Congress St. Please plan to arrive before 9:30am, if possible.
Arriving at the Courthouse
We've included a few parking/transit tips for you in the accompanying accordion menu.
There is construction going on at the courthouse (as of July 2024), you’ll need to enter from the Northwest side of the building. Once inside, you'll go through the metal detectors at the security checkpoint — the rules are largely similar to what you can/can't bring to the airport, but check the full list of prohibited items if you have any questions.
Filing Your Paperwork
Go inside the door on the first floor marked "Civil" and locate one of the kiosks inside. Input the information it asks for, and take your number.
When called to a window, you will work with a clerk to file your papers, pay your filing fee, and you will be asked to sign certain pages in front of the clerk. After filing with the clerk, take a seat in the hallway and wait for your group to be called, the first hearing is at 9am.
The Hearing
At the time of your hearing, a clerk will come to gather up your group, and take you up to the courtroom. You’ll be sworn in as a group, and then individually called forward to answer a few questions for the judge.
You’ll be asked if you’re trying to change your name to avoid any debts, if you have any past felony convictions, if you think this is in your best interest, and to provide the judge with the reason that you’re changing your name. It's recommended to respond succinctly with something similar to what you wrote on the forms you filed.
Finally, you’ll be asked to provide and spell both your current legal name, and the name which you are changing to. After the judge grants the order, you’ll return to the back of the courtroom to wait for the rest of your group to finish.
Collect Your Certified Order(s)
After the hearing, follow the clerk back down to the hallway outside the Civil Window. You'll be given one Certified Name Change Order at no additional cost, and will now have an opportunity to purchase extra certified Name Change Orders for $35.50 each (as of January 2025). Certified orders are officially produced by the court with an embossed stamp. Most government agencies will require you to show a certified name change order, and will not accept a photocopy.
You may wish to purchase an extra certified order as a backup, especially if you're going to be sending one of the orders in to get a passport.
Get your order(s) from the clerk, and you’re done – congratulations!
Parking Information
The easiest parking option for you will be at the Public Works Garage (50 W Alameda St), which costs about $5 for the morning. You may also try to find street parking nearby.
Follow the map above (or on Google Maps) to the Northwest side of the Superior Court Building.
Streetcar Information
If you take the SunLink Streetcar, the closest stop will be right outside the building at the Congress/Church station.
Bus Information
If you take SunTran to the courthouse, there are a number of stops in the area, including the Ronstadt Transit Center. The SunTran Plan Your Trip tool can help you find the right bus route for you.
Helpful Tips
If a judge deadnames or misgenders you, you can say: “Your honor, would you please call me [your name] and use [your pronouns]?”
If you are petitioning for your child’s name change, we encourage you to verbally request the judge to seal their name change court file so their name change petition is not an open record accessible to the public: “Your honor, would you please seal my child’s records?”
It is recommended to complete and print form SS-5 in advance, instructions are included with the form. In the box where it asks for your sex, mark the gender to which you are transitioning.
Please note: Due to the January 20, 2025 executive order by Donald Trump, this process may change without warning. Currently, you are not required to provide medical or legal evidence of your sex designation.
Once you have attended court to obtain a certified name change order, head to a local Social Security Office. The office closest to downtown is at 88 W. 38th St.; the other office is at 3808 N. 1st Ave. Scan the QR code to join the queue to be served. The system may prompt you to fill out additional information while you wait.
When you are called to the window, give the clerk the documents listed in the “You’ll Need” section. The clerk will photocopy them and return them to you, they may ask you a few additional questions if needed. Once your request has been processed, the clerk will give you a confirmation, typically a stamped copy of your SS-5 form.
A Social Security card with your new name will be mailed to you in a few days. Please note that your gender marker will not appear on your physical Social Security card, but it’s very useful to change it in the Social Security Administration’s records for future use and documents.
You'll Need:
- A completed copy of Social Security Form SS-5
- Your Certified Name Change Order
- A current photo ID, which will still list your former name
- Your Doctor's Letter
(optional)
Step 4: Changing Your Arizona Driver’s License or ID Card
After you’ve updated your records with the Social Security Administration, you’ll need to wait 2-3 business days, then visit a Motor Vehicle Division office. You can make an appointment online for a day and time that is convenient for you, and not have to wait in line at the office! Select “Additional Services” from the drop down, find an office close to you, fill out this form with the appropriate information, and print a copy.
Note: A third party license office may not be able to handle a name change request, so we recommend you go to an actual MVD office.
When you arrive at MVD, scan the QR Code if you have an appointment or take a number from the machine to wait in the general line. Once called to the counter, let the clerk know that you are here to change the name and gender marker on your license and hand them your:
- completed Driver’s License/ID Card application
- Certified name change order
- Doctor’s letter
- Current driver’s license or ID card.
The fee for a new license with your new name and gender, as well as a new photo, is $12 as of July 2024.
Once the clerk has processed your request, they will return all your documents, take your new photo, and ask you to sign the touch pad with your new signature. You’ll be given a paper temporary document, and your new license/ID card will arrive in the mail after 5-10 business days.
Congratulations!
Note: Many clerks have done this before, but the clerk you are working with may be unfamiliar with the process for changing your gender marker — if they take your documents to a supervisor, that’s okay! You can refer the clerk or supervisor to MVD Customer Records Policy 3.1.1-Q on gender marker changes (see the top of page 5). In rare cases, some clerks have tried to say that your request might be rejected. Remember, be polite and assertive — you can always ask to speak with a supervisor, and as long as your paperwork is in order your name and gender change will be processed by the office successfully.
You'll Need Your:
- Completed Driver’s License/ID Card application
- Certified Name Change Order
- Doctor's Letter
- Current driver’s license or ID card
- $12 payment (as of July 2024)
(If applicable) Changing Your Passport
January 21, 2025 Update:
The Trump Administration’s January 20, 2025 executive order will likely make it more difficult for transgender people to obtain federal documentation which reflects an accurate gender marker, including passports and visas.
This page will be updated as various lawsuits and court orders work their way through the judicial system.
For transgender and gender non-conforming individuals born in Arizona, obtaining a U.S. passport with your affirmed name and gender marker can be a practical solution, especially if changing your gender marker on your Arizona birth certificate is not feasible due to restrictive state laws. Arizona mandates proof of surgery to change the gender marker on birth certificates, a requirement that many find both invasive and unnecessary.
Using a U.S. passport allows you to present identification that aligns with your affirmed gender in any situation requiring a birth certificate.
Important: You do not need a doctor’s letter to change the gender marker on a U.S. passport. Additionally, you now have the option to choose F (Female), M (Male), or X (Unspecified) as your gender marker.
If you are changing your name and your gender marker, you’ll need to fill our form DS-11, gather some additional documents, and submit your application in-person at a passport application facility.
The State Department has a great tool to help you fill out your paperwork here which makes the process easy. Tucson has six passport application facilities around town, most allow you to book an appointment online. You can have a passport photo taken for a nominal cost at most application facilities, at some pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc) or do it yourself at home, this page explains the requirements.
You'll need to have:
- Form DS-11
- Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- One color passport photo (options)
- Fees, which are different depending on your age
(Optional) Updating Your Birth Certificate
This guide is specifically for people who have an Arizona birth certificate. Each state has different rules to update a birth certificate. If you were issued a birth certificate in another state, visit the National Center for Trans Equality’s website to learn more about their procedures.
- A letter or an Bureau of Vital Records Request for Copy of Birth Certificate (Español) requesting the amendment that includes:
- The date of the request;
- The registrant’s name currently listed in the registered birth certificate;
- The registrant’s date of birth;
- The registrant’s mother’s name before first marriage;
- If known, the:
- Registrant’s sex;
- State file number listed on the birth certificate;
- Town or city of the registrant’s birth;
- County of the registrant’s birth;
- Hospital where the registrant was born, if applicable;
- Name of the registrant’s father;
- Dates of birth of the registrant’s parents;
- The specific information in the registrant’s registered birth certificate to be amended (i.e., the information to be added and deleted); and
- The name and mailing address of the person requesting the amendment.
- An affidavit (Español) attesting to the validity of the submitted amendment, signed by the person requesting the amendment.
- A certified copy of the court ordered name change that includes the information to be amended.
- If the request to amend the registrant’s registered birth certificate is submitted by:
- The registrant’s guardian, a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship must be submitted.
- A copy of the front and back of the applicant’s valid government-issued picture identification which bears the applicant’s signature or the letter or application must be signed in the presence of a notary.
- The appropriate fee(s) according to the fee schedule to amend a birth certificate. (For most AZ Counties, including Pima, this is $30.)
January 21, 2025 Update:
The Trump Administration’s January 20, 2025 executive order will likely make it much more difficult for non-binary, gender non-conforming, and intersex people to obtain federal documentation which reflects an ‘X’ gender marker, including passports and visas.
This page will be updated as various lawsuits and court orders work their way through the judicial system.
For now, these steps have been removed to prevent confusion.
Step 1: Have Your Doctor Write a Letter Confirming Your Gender Identity
The first step in the process of updating your name and/or gender marker is to obtain a letter from a doctor overseeing your care. This letter serves as an official confirmation of your gender identity and is required by many state agencies to proceed with your legal changes.
Specific Wording Requirements: To ensure your letter meets the necessary criteria, we have provided a template that includes the precise wording required by various state agencies. It is crucial that your doctor uses this exact language to avoid any delays or complications in your application process. Many local physicians (like those at El Rio) seeing trans and gender non-conforming patients should already be familiar with these requirements.
Timing is Important: Please note that once you obtain this letter, you need to act promptly, especially as you’ll be updating your passport as well. The Arizona MVD requires this letter to be dated within the last three months at the time of submission. Using the letter beyond this timeframe could result in rejection of your application, requiring you to obtain a new letter to proceed.
Step 2: Obtaining a Change of Name Order
Embarking on the legal process to change your name is a significant milestone in your journey!
This step involves going to court to obtain an official Name Change Order. Though navigating the judicial system may feel intimidating, it’s an empowering process that affirms your identity, and is the critical step to changing the rest of your identification documents.
Take a deep breath and know that this is a pivotal step not just on paper, but in the affirmation and recognition of your true self. Many of your transgender and gender non-conforming peers have changed their names, and are happy to provide any encouragement you may need, or accompany you to the courthouse.
Our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary details and support to successfully navigate this process.
You'll Need:
- Two copies of the completed Name Change Petition
- Payment and/or a deferral request
- A current photo ID
- Your Doctor's Letter
(optional)
Payment and Waivers
The filing fee for a name change petition is $258 (as of July 2024) payable by cash, check, or credit card.
If you are on SSI or SNAP, you are likely eligible for a full/partial waiver of the fee or a payment plan. Check the section below for more details.
Are you eligible for a full or partial waiver of the fee?
Full Waiver: You are eligible for a full waiver of all fees and costs if you can attach proof that you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Deferral: If you receive SNAP benefits (aka food stamps), you may file a copy of your EBT card or other proof, to receive a payment plan.
If you request a waiver or deferral based on receiving either of the above benefits, you do not have to fill out the financial portions of the Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form. If you do not qualify based on either of those benefits, you may still have a chance to get a full waiver or a deferral by completing the financial portions of the Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form.
Make sure to file your Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form and a blank Order with the Clerk’s Office before filing your Name Change Petition. Go to the Clerk’s Office at the Pima County Superior Court at 110 West Congress in downtown Tucson. Make sure you go to the counter in the Clerk’s Office marked “civil,” not “criminal.” The Clerk’s Office will give you a phone number to call in about 7 to 10 days to find out if the request has been granted. Once the request has been granted, you will need to go back to the Clerk’s Office and file your Name Change Petition.
To streamline the paperwork process, STARS has developed fillable PDF forms that take the guesswork and stress out of the process. Simply select the appropriate form, follow the instructions on page 1, and the document should be ready to print out.
Do not sign any of the pages until you’re at the Clerk’s window and requested to do so.
Note: You’ll need to download the PDF and open it Adobe Acrobat or similar to make use of the fillable forms.
Same Day Walk-In Name Changes
For the fastest service, same day Walk-In Name Changes are done on Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 8:00am and 10:00am at the Pima County Superior Courthouse, at 110 W Congress St. Please plan to arrive before 9:30am, if possible.
Arriving at the Courthouse
We've included a few parking/transit tips for you in the accompanying accordion menu.
There is construction going on at the courthouse (as of July 2024), you’ll need to enter from the Northwest side of the building. Once inside, you'll go through the metal detectors at the security checkpoint — the rules are largely similar to what you can/can't bring to the airport, but check the full list of prohibited items if you have any questions.
Filing Your Paperwork
Go inside the door on the first floor marked "Civil" and locate one of the kiosks inside. Input the information it asks for, and take your number.
When called to a window, you will work with a clerk to file your papers, pay your filing fee, and you will be asked to sign certain pages in front of the clerk. After filing with the clerk, take a seat in the hallway and wait for your group to be called, the first hearing is at 9am.
The Hearing
At the time of your hearing, a clerk will come to gather up your group, and take you up to the courtroom. You’ll be sworn in as a group, and then individually called forward to answer a few questions for the judge.
You’ll be asked if you’re trying to change your name to avoid any debts, if you have any past felony convictions, if you think this is in your best interest, and to provide the judge with the reason that you’re changing your name. It's recommended to respond succinctly with something similar to what you wrote on the forms you filed.
Finally, you’ll be asked to provide and spell both your current legal name, and the name which you are changing to. After the judge grants the order, you’ll return to the back of the courtroom to wait for the rest of your group to finish.
Collect Your Certified Order(s)
After the hearing, follow the clerk back down to the hallway outside the Civil Window. You'll be given one Certified Name Change Order at no additional cost, and will now have an opportunity to purchase extra certified Name Change Orders for $30.50 each (as of July 2024). Certified orders are officially produced by the court with an embossed stamp. Most government agencies will require you to show a certified name change order, and will not accept a photocopy.
You may wish to purchase an extra certified order as a backup, especially if you're going to be sending one of the orders in to get a passport.
Get your order(s) from the clerk, and you’re done – congratulations!
Parking Information
The easiest parking option for you will be at the Public Works Garage (50 W Alameda St), which costs about $5 for the morning. You can also try to find street parking too.
Follow the map above (or on Google Maps) to the Northwest side of the Superior Court Building.
Streetcar Information
If you take the SunLink Streetcar, the closest stop will be right outside the building at the Congress/Church station.
Bus Information
If you take SunTran to the courthouse, there are a number of stops in the area, including the Ronstadt Transit Center. The SunTran Plan Your Trip tool can help you find the right bus route for you.
Helpful Tips
If a judge deadnames or misgenders you, you can say: “Your honor, would you please call me [your name] and use [your pronouns]?”
If you are petitioning for your child’s name change, we encourage you to verbally request the judge to seal their name change court file so their name change petition is not an open record accessible to the public: “Your honor, would you please seal my child’s records?”
Step 3: Updating Your Records With the Social Security Administration
It is recommended to complete and print form SS-5 in advance, instructions are included with the form.
The Social Security Administration is currently unable to accommodate non-binary gender markers. You must select Male or Female on your application, please pick whichever option you feel fits you best.
Please note: You are no longer required to provide medical or legal evidence of your sex designation.
Once you have attended court to obtain a certified name change order, head to a local Social Security Office. The office closest to downtown is at 88 W. 38th St.; the other office is at 3808 N. 1st Ave. Scan the QR code to join the queue to be served. The system may prompt you to fill out additional information while you wait.
When you are called to the window, give the clerk the documents listed in the “You’ll Need” section. The clerk will photocopy them and return them to you, they may ask you a few additional questions if needed. Once your request has been processed, the clerk will give you a confirmation, typically a stamped copy of your SS-5 form.
A Social Security card with your new name will be mailed to you in a few days. Please note that your gender marker will not appear on your physical Social Security card.
You'll Need:
- A completed copy of Social Security Form SS-5
- Your Certified Name Change Order
- A current photo ID, which will still list your former name
- Your Doctor's Letter
(optional)
Step 4: Updating Your Passport (Federal ID)
For non-binary transgender individuals living in Arizona, obtaining a Federal ID (like a U.S. passport) with your affirmed name and ‘X’ gender marker is the only way to have your state identification also reflect an ‘X’ gender marker.
Additionally, changing your gender marker on your Arizona birth certificate may not be feasible due to restrictive state laws. Arizona mandates proof of surgery to change the gender marker on birth certificates, a requirement that many find both invasive and unnecessary. Using a U.S. passport allows you to present identification that aligns with your affirmed gender in any situation requiring a birth certificate.
Important: You do not need a doctor’s letter to change the gender marker on a U.S. passport. Additionally, you now have the option to choose F (Female), M (Male), or X (Unspecified) as your gender marker.
If you are changing your name and your gender marker, you’ll need to fill our form DS-11, gather some additional documents, and submit your application in-person at a passport application facility.
The State Department has a great tool to help you fill out your paperwork here which makes the process easy. Tucson has six passport application facilities around town, most allow you to book an appointment online. You can have a passport photo taken for a nominal cost at most application facilities, at some pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc) or do it yourself at home, this page explains the requirements.
You'll need to have:
- Form DS-11
- Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- One color passport photo (options)
- Fees, which are different depending on your age
Step 5: Changing Your Arizona Driver’s License or ID Card
After you’ve received your passport, your next step is to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office. A third party license office may not be able to handle a name change request, so we recommend you go to an actual MVD office.
You can make an appointment online for a day and time that is convenient for you, and not have to wait in line at the office! Select “Additional Services” from the drop down, find an office close to you, fill out this form with the appropriate information, and print a copy.
Important: When you fill out your application, do not select male or female for your sex. You must leave that field blank to get an ‘X’ gender marker.
When you arrive at MVD, scan the QR Code if you have an appointment or take a number from the machine to wait in the general line. Once called to the counter, let the clerk know that you are here to change the name and gender marker on your license and hand them your:
- completed Driver’s License/ID Card application
- Certified name change order
- Doctor’s letter
- Current driver’s license or ID card.
- Federal ID with the ‘X’ gender designation
The fee for a new license with your new name and gender, as well as a new photo, is $12 (as of July 2024).
Once the clerk has processed your request, they will return all your documents, take your new photo, and ask you to sign the touch pad with your new signature. You’ll be given a paper temporary document, and your new license/ID card will arrive in the mail after 5-10 business days.
Congratulations!
Note: Many clerks have done this before, but the clerk you are working with may be unfamiliar with the process for changing your gender marker — if they take your documents to a supervisor, that’s okay! You can refer the clerk or supervisor to MVD Customer Records Policy 3.1.1-Q on gender marker changes (see the top of page 5). In rare cases, some clerks have tried to say that your request might be rejected. Remember, be polite and assertive — you can always ask to speak with a supervisor, and as long as your paperwork is in order your name and gender change will be processed by the office successfully.
You'll Need Your:
- Completed Driver’s License/ID Card application
- Certified Name Change Order
- Doctor's Letter
- Current driver’s license or ID card
- Federal ID with 'X' gender designation
- $12 payment.
(Optional) Updating Your Birth Certificate
This guide is specifically for people who have an Arizona birth certificate. Each state has different rules to update a birth certificate. If you were issued a birth certificate in another state, visit the National Center for Trans Equality’s website to learn more about their procedures.
Here are the things you must bring to Vital Records to change your birth certificate if you are only changing your name, per the AZDHS website:
- A letter or an Bureau of Vital Records Request for Copy of Birth Certificate (Español) requesting the amendment that includes:
- The date of the request;
- The registrant’s name currently listed in the registered birth certificate;
- The registrant’s date of birth;
- The registrant’s mother’s name before first marriage;
- If known, the:
- Registrant’s sex;
- State file number listed on the birth certificate;
- Town or city of the registrant’s birth;
- County of the registrant’s birth;
- Hospital where the registrant was born, if applicable;
- Name of the registrant’s father;
- Dates of birth of the registrant’s parents;
- The specific information in the registrant’s registered birth certificate to be amended (i.e., the information to be added and deleted); and
- The name and mailing address of the person requesting the amendment.
- An affidavit (Español) attesting to the validity of the submitted amendment, signed by the person requesting the amendment.
- A certified copy of the court ordered name change that includes the information to be amended.
- If the request to amend the registrant’s registered birth certificate is submitted by:
- The registrant’s guardian, a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship must be submitted.
- A copy of the front and back of the applicant’s valid government-issued picture identification which bears the applicant’s signature or the letter or application must be signed in the presence of a notary.
- The appropriate fee(s) according to the fee schedule to amend a birth certificate. (For most AZ Counties, including Pima, this is $30.)
Under Arizona’s current laws, if you would like to change your gender marker you unfortunately must also have had surgery (top and/or bottom) and obtained a letter from your surgeon stating that you have had “sex change surgery” as per AZ statute § 36-337 A.3(a)
“A. The state registrar shall amend the birth certificate for a person born in this state when the state registrar receives any of the following:
3. For a person who has undergone a sex change operation or has a chromosomal count that establishes the sex of the person as different than in the registered birth certificate, both of the following:
(a) A written request for an amended birth certificate from the person or, if the person is a child, from the child’s parent or legal guardian.
(b) A written statement by a physician that verifies the sex change operation or chromosomal count.”
This Arizona statute does not provide a legal definition for “sex change surgery,” so it is up to the discretion of your doctor to support this claim. Another Arizona Statute, § 32-3230 4(a)(b)(c)(d) lists the following as “irreversible gender reassignment surgery”
4. “Irreversible gender reassignment surgery” means a medical procedure performed for the purpose of assisting an individual with a gender transition, including any of the following:
(a) Penectomy, orchiectomy, vaginoplasty, clitoroplasty or vulvoplasty for biologically male patients or hysterectomy or ovariectomy for biologically female patients.
(b) Metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty or implantation of erection or testicular prostheses for biologically female patients.
(c) Augmentation mammoplasty for biologically male patients and subcutaneous mastectomy for female patients.
Step 1: Obtaining a Change of Name Order
Embarking on the legal process to change your name is a significant milestone in your journey!
This step involves going to court to obtain an official Name Change Order. Though navigating the judicial system may feel intimidating, it’s an empowering process that affirms your identity, and is the critical step to changing the rest of your identification documents.
Take a deep breath and know that this is a pivotal step not just on paper, but in the affirmation and recognition of your true self. Many of your transgender and gender non-conforming peers have changed their names, and are happy to provide any encouragement you may need, or accompany you to the courthouse.
Our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary details and support to successfully navigate this process.
You'll Need:
- Two copies of the completed Name Change Petition
- Payment and/or a deferral request
- A current photo ID
Payment and Waivers
The filing fee for a name change petition is $292 (as of January 2025) payable by cash, check, or credit card.
If you are on SSI or SNAP, you are likely eligible for a full/partial waiver of the fee or a payment plan. Check the section below for more details.
Are you eligible for a full or partial waiver of the fee?
Full Waiver: You are eligible for a full waiver of all fees and costs if you can attach proof that you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Deferral: If you receive SNAP benefits (aka food stamps), you may file a copy of your EBT card or other proof, to receive a payment plan.
If you request a waiver or deferral based on receiving either of the above benefits, you do not have to fill out the financial portions of the Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form. If you do not qualify based on either of those benefits, you may still have a chance to get a full waiver or a deferral by completing the financial portions of the Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form.
Make sure to file your Fee Waiver-Deferral Request form and a blank Order with the Clerk’s Office before filing your Name Change Petition. Go to the Clerk’s Office at the Pima County Superior Court at 110 West Congress in downtown Tucson. Make sure you go to the counter in the Clerk’s Office marked “civil,” not “criminal.” The Clerk’s Office will give you a phone number to call in about 7 to 10 days to find out if the request has been granted. Once the request has been granted, you will need to go back to the Clerk’s Office and file your Name Change Petition.
To streamline the paperwork process, STARS has developed fillable PDF forms that take the guesswork and stress out of the process. Simply select the appropriate form, follow the instructions on page 1, and the document should be ready to print out.
Do not sign any of the pages until you’re at the Clerk’s window and requested to do so.
Note: You’ll need to download the PDF and open it Adobe Acrobat or similar to make use of the fillable forms.
Same Day Walk-In Name Changes
For the fastest service, same day Walk-In Name Changes are done on Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 8:00am and 10:00am at the Pima County Superior Courthouse, at 110 W Congress St. Please plan to arrive before 9:30am, if possible.
Arriving at the Courthouse
We've included a few parking/transit tips for you in the accompanying accordion menu.
There is construction going on at the courthouse (as of July 2024), you’ll need to enter from the Northwest side of the building. Once inside, you'll go through the metal detectors at the security checkpoint — the rules are largely similar to what you can/can't bring to the airport, but check the full list of prohibited items if you have any questions.
Filing Your Paperwork
Go inside the door on the first floor marked "Civil" and locate one of the kiosks inside. Input the information it asks for, and take your number.
When called to a window, you will work with a clerk to file your papers, pay your filing fee, and you will be asked to sign certain pages in front of the clerk. After filing with the clerk, take a seat in the hallway and wait for your group to be called, the first hearing is at 9am.
The Hearing
At the time of your hearing, a clerk will come to gather up your group, and take you up to the courtroom. You’ll be sworn in as a group, and then individually called forward to answer a few questions for the judge.
You’ll be asked if you’re trying to change your name to avoid any debts, if you have any past felony convictions, if you think this is in your best interest, and to provide the judge with the reason that you’re changing your name. It's recommended to respond succinctly with something similar to what you wrote on the forms you filed.
Finally, you’ll be asked to provide and spell both your current legal name, and the name which you are changing to. After the judge grants the order, you’ll return to the back of the courtroom to wait for the rest of your group to finish.
Collect Your Certified Order(s)
After the hearing, follow the clerk back down to the hallway outside the Civil Window. You'll be given one Certified Name Change Order at no additional cost, and will now have an opportunity to purchase extra certified Name Change Orders for $35.50 each (as of January 2025). Certified orders are officially produced by the court with an embossed stamp. Most government agencies will require you to show a certified name change order, and will not accept a photocopy.
You may wish to purchase an extra certified order as a backup, especially if you're going to be sending one of the orders in to get a passport.
Get your order(s) from the clerk, and you’re done – congratulations!
Parking Information
The easiest parking option for you will be at the Public Works Garage (50 W Alameda St), which costs about $5 for the morning. You can also try to find street parking too.
Follow the map above (or on Google Maps) to the Northwest side of the Superior Court Building.
Streetcar Information
If you take the SunLink Streetcar, the closest stop will be right outside the building at the Congress/Church station.
Bus Information
If you take SunTran to the courthouse, there are a number of stops in the area, including the Ronstadt Transit Center. The SunTran Plan Your Trip tool can help you find the right bus route for you.
Helpful Tips
If a judge deadnames or misgenders you, you can say: “Your honor, would you please call me [your name] and use [your pronouns]?”
If you are petitioning for your child’s name change, we encourage you to verbally request the judge to seal their name change court file so their name change petition is not an open record accessible to the public: “Your honor, would you please seal my child’s records?”
Step 2: Updating Your Records With the Social Security Administration
We recommend you complete and print form SS-5 in advance, instructions are included with the form.
Once you have attended court to obtain a certified name change order, head to a local Social Security Office. The office closest to downtown is at 88 W. 38th St.; the other office is at 3808 N. 1st Ave. Scan the QR code to join the queue to be served. The system may prompt you to fill out additional information while you wait.
When you are called to the window, give the clerk the documents listed in the “You’ll Need” section. The clerk will photocopy them and return them to you, they may ask you a few additional questions if needed. Once your request has been processed, the clerk will give you a confirmation, typically a stamped copy of your SS-5 form.
A Social Security card with your new name will be mailed to you in a few days.
You'll Need:
- A completed copy of Form SS-5
- Your Certified Name Change Order
- A current photo ID, which will still list your former name
Step 3: Changing Your Arizona Driver’s License or ID Card
After you’ve updated your records with the Social Security Administration, you’ll need to wait 2-3 business days, then visit a Motor Vehicle Division office. You can make an appointment online for a day and time that is convenient for you, and not have to wait in line at the office! Select “Additional Services” from the drop down, find an office close to you, fill out this form with the appropriate information, and print a copy.
Note: A third party license office may not be able to handle a name change request, so we recommend you go to an actual MVD office.
When you arrive at MVD, scan the QR Code if you have an appointment or take a number from the machine to wait in the general line. Once called to the counter, let the clerk know that you are here to change the name on your license and hand them your:
- Completed Driver’s License/ID Card application
- Certified name change order
- Current driver’s license or ID card.
The fee for a new license with your new name and gender, as well as a new photo, is $12 (as of July 2024).
Once the clerk has processed your request, they will return all your documents, take your new photo, and ask you to sign the touch pad with your new signature. You’ll be given a paper temporary document, and your new license/ID card will arrive in the mail after 5-10 business days.
Congratulations!
You'll Need Your:
- Completed Driver’s License/ID Card application
- Certified Name Change Order
- Current driver’s license or ID card.
- $12 payment.
(If applicable) Changing Your Passport
For transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who are only changing their name and not a gender marker, you may be eligible to use an easier option. If your passport is less than a year old, follow the instructions here, the change will be without cost.
If you have your current passport, it was issued after you turned 16, and the passport is less than 15 years old, you may be eligible to use Form DS-82 to apply by mail. Check the requirements here to see if that applies to you.
Important: You do not need a doctor’s letter to change the gender marker on a U.S. passport, but you must use form DS-11 and apply in person if you choose to do so. You now have the option to choose F (Female), M (Male), or X (Unspecified) as your gender marker.
If you don’t qualify to use Form DS-82, you’ll need to fill our form DS-11, gather some additional documents, and submit your application in-person at a passport application facility.
The State Department has a great tool to help you fill out your paperwork here which makes the process easy. Tucson has six passport application facilities around town, most allow you to book an appointment online. You can have a passport photo taken for a nominal cost at most application facilities, at some pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc) or do it yourself at home, this page explains the requirements.
You'll need to have:
- Form DS-11
- Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- One color passport photo (options)
- Fees, which are different depending on your age
(Optional) Updating Your Birth Certificate
This guide is specifically for people who have an Arizona birth certificate. Each state has different rules to update a birth certificate. If you were issued a birth certificate in another state, visit the National Center for Trans Equality’s website to learn more about their procedures.
Here are the things you must bring to Vital Records to change your birth certificate if you are only changing your name, per the AZDHS website:
- A letter or an Bureau of Vital Records Request for Copy of Birth Certificate (Español) requesting the amendment that includes:
- The date of the request;
- The registrant’s name currently listed in the registered birth certificate;
- The registrant’s date of birth;
- The registrant’s mother’s name before first marriage;
- If known, the:
- Registrant’s sex;
- State file number listed on the birth certificate;
- Town or city of the registrant’s birth;
- County of the registrant’s birth;
- Hospital where the registrant was born, if applicable;
- Name of the registrant’s father;
- Dates of birth of the registrant’s parents;
- The specific information in the registrant’s registered birth certificate to be amended (i.e., the information to be added and deleted); and
- The name and mailing address of the person requesting the amendment.
- An affidavit (Español) attesting to the validity of the submitted amendment, signed by the person requesting the amendment.
- A certified copy of the court ordered name change that includes the information to be amended.
- If the request to amend the registrant’s registered birth certificate is submitted by:
- The registrant’s guardian, a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship must be submitted.
- A copy of the front and back of the applicant’s valid government-issued picture identification which bears the applicant’s signature or the letter or application must be signed in the presence of a notary.
- The appropriate fee(s) according to the fee schedule to amend a birth certificate. (For most AZ Counties, including Pima, this is $30.)
Great work!
Congratulations on obtaining your new IDs!
Celebrate this significant milestone and then keep the momentum going by making digital scans of these updated documents. These will be invaluable as you proceed to update other important records.
If you’re using an Apple device, Notes is a great app for this.
On Android, try out Stack.
Photo IDs
Make a digital copy of your new Driver's License/ID Card/Passport as soon as you can.
Name Change Order
Many of the places you'll change your name will want to see this order as well. A few will need to see the certified copy, but most will accept a scanned or photocopy.
Doctor's Letter
You likely won't need to provide this often, but it's helpful to have the document ready to go if needed.
Next Steps
There’s a lot of places that you’ll need to change your name now that you have your ID documents. We’ve compiled a list to help you take care of them all.
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