Step 2 - Update social security Card

Why is this the next step?  Because in order to update your driver's license or ID card, the name assigned to your social security number must exactly match the name that will be on your driver's license or ID card.

The instructions below will guide you step-by-step through the process.  If at anytime you are unsure of what to do, the tan colored box will give you more information and tips.  If you would like to contact an attorney or the courthouse, find resources for your area by selecting the county.

1 - Fill out application for a social security card

Fill out the application for a social security card to update your gender marker with the Social Security Administration.  Even though your Social Security Card does not include your gender, this form will also be used to update your gender in the administration's computer records.​
Want to work with an attorney?
Select your county to see options to work with an attorney.
Want to print and fill out the Social Security Application by hand?
​You have that option!  Click on the button below to download a blank application.​​
x
social_security_card_application.pdf
File Size: 135 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
x
The first four pages of the form are instructions on how to fill out the form.
  • For Question 1 - the "Name to be Shown on Card" field should be filled out using your current full legal name.
  • For Question 1 - the "Full Name at Birth if Other than Above" field only need to be filled out if your full legal name at birth differs from what it is currently.  
  • For Question 8 - check the box that matches your gender identity (i.e. the sex that you have transitioned to or are in the process of transitioning to).  ​
​

2 - Get Medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment

Share these requirements with your doctor's office.

The Medical Certification of Appropriate Clinical Treatment must be on a doctor's office letterhead and include:
  • Doctor's full name
  • Doctor's license or certificate number (M.D. or D.O.)
  • Issuing state or other jurisdiction of medical license or certificate
  • A statement that the patient has had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition to the new gender (specify male or female)
  • A statement that he/she has either treated the individual in relation to the individual's change in gender or has reviewed and evaluated the medical history of the individual in relation to the individual's change in gender
  • A statement that the doctor has a doctor/patient relationship with the individual; and
  • Language stating "I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the forgoing is true and correct."​

Below is a sample physician's letter.  Remember that it needs to be on your physician's letterhead.

Please note - If you are a resident of Miami-Dade county, you filed your petition in Miami-Dade County, and you elected to amend your gender marker (in addition to your name) by court order, the "Medical Certification of Appropriate Clinical Treatment" letter is not needed. If you aren't sure, simply look at your final judgment or court order to determine whether your legal name and gender marker were both changed by the judge. If so, your final judgement form should be taken with you to the Social Security office below in step 3.  It includes a court ordered gender marker update that you can use in place of the letter.
ss_-_sample_physicians_letter.pdf
File Size: 270 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
What is "appropriate clinical treatment"?
Under the current policy, no type of treatment is required and the details of the treatment need not be included in the letter from the physician to the Social Security Administration.

All that is necessary is for the physician to state the individual had clinical treatment determined by their health care provider to be appropriate.

3 - Take application to your social security office

Take the following items to your local Social Security Office:
  • Application for Social Security Card from task 1 above
  • Proof of identity (such as a Driver License)
  • Your Medical Certification of Appropriate Clinical Treatment physician's letter from task 2 above

​Please note - If you are updating Social Security information for a minor, they must be physically present with you when you visit the Social Security Office.  You will also need an ID for them or school records verifying their date of birth.
Closest Social Security Office
To find the closest office to you, click here and enter your zip code.

You're on a roll!

The next step is to update the name on your driver license