Identity documents

Resources disclaimer: all resources are anecdotal in nature and provided as suggestions only; they should not substitute for professional medical or legal advice.

Changing identity documents such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport is important to many trans people. We’ve provided a short guide for those living in Kentucky and hope to develop more resources for Indiana in the future. In the meantime please see the National Center for Transgender Equality Kentucky ID Documents Center for information about state and federal ID laws.

**If you were born outside of Kentucky, you may run into barriers with updating your gender marker. Contact us for help walking through this process.

Step One: Petition For Name Change (KY)

Step 1.1 Complete the Petition for Name Change Form

Step 1.2 Get it Notarized.

Step 1.3 File in person with the County Clerk’s Office.

Step 1.4 Wait or appear in court. (depending on your County)

In Jefferson County, you’ll wait for your court order to arrive in the mail in about 2 weeks. Some counties require you to appear in court. Your County Clerk should tell you what is required for your county.

You will need the signed court order to move on to changing other documents.

Updating Your Social Security Info

To change your LEGAL NAME on your social security card, you will need an original copy of your court ordered name change.

To change your GENDER MARKER on your social security card, you will need to present an amended birth certificate or a correct passport.

You can make these changes at the same time or in stages.

Source: https://transequality.org/know-your-rights/social-security

Updating Your License (KY)

To change your LEGAL NAME on your Driver’s License, you will need an original copy of your court ordered name change AND your updated social security card.

To change your GENDER MARKER on your Driver’s License, you will need to present an amended birth certificate or a correct passport.

Do this in person at the you county’s Circuit Court Clerk’s office.

Name Change Info For Military Service Members

Updating Your Name on Property You Own (KY)

If you own a home or land: File a quitclaim deed on your property from your old name to your new name and file it with the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office.

If you own a vehicle: