Nonbinary Gender Marker to be Included on New York State Issued IDs

Nonbinary New Yorkers will no longer be forced to identify as male or female on their state-issued IDs.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that residents will have the option to choose “X” as a gender marker on their driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card at all Department of Motor Vehicle offices statewide.

“As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.” said Governor Hochul.

This announcement comes as part of other major advancements in LGBTQ+ related policy that Governor Hochul secured in the Enacted Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget which includes 13.5 billion for the Department of Health to support the LGBTQ+ community and requirements for the same “X” gender designator used by the DMV to be included on ALL state forms that collect gender information.  

The change at the DMV is being implemented in accordance with the state’s landmark Gender Recognition Act which goes into effect on June 24. Besides the changes at the DMV, the law will remove a requirement for New Yorkers to publish their name change, address, birthplace and birthdate in a newspaper within 60 days of the respective change. The law will also simplify the process of changing a birth certificate.

In addition, people will no longer need to provide medical evidence when petitioning a court or updating an identification document for a gender change. They can also ask to have related documents sealed due to concerns of violence or discrimination.

With its passage into law, the Gender Recognition Act once again reaffirms New York’s status a national leader in progressive legislation.