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Driver’s license and state ID in District of Columbia

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  • Page changed: Gender Self-Designation Form (publication page) (2026-10-05) · #118
Update your name
YesAfter your legal name change
Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
YesM, F, or X with your own signed form

In DC you can choose M, F, or X on your driver's license or ID by signing the DMV's one-page Gender Self-Designation Form. No doctor's letter, court order, or matching birth certificate is needed. You do it in person, and a new photo is taken.

Main cost
$20
Apply
In person

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Forms
  5. Requirements
  6. After you finish
  7. Tips
  8. Laws and other guides
  9. Sources

How it works

Since June 2017, DC DMV has let you choose the gender marker that fits you best: M, F, or X (unspecified/other). Anyone can pick X, including people who simply do not want to disclose their gender. DMV staff may not ask for medical information, and you do not need to have changed any other document first.

Changing your name is a separate step. Update Social Security first, then bring your original court order to a DMV service center. You can do both at the same visit.

Steps

  1. If you changed your name, update Social Security first[3]

    DC DMV will not change the name on your card until the Social Security Administration has your new name. Bring your certified court order to Social Security.

  2. Fill out the Gender Self-Designation Form[1]

    Circle M, F, or X and sign. The form is also available in Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese.

  3. Visit a DMV service center[2][3][5]

    Bring:

    • Your current DC license or ID.
    • The signed Gender Self-Designation Form (for a marker change).
    • Your original certified court order (for a name change). DMV does not accept photocopies or scans.
    • If your current card is not a REAL ID (no star), also bring original proof of identity, Social Security number, and two DC residency documents.

    A new photo is taken. Present however you like; the photo does not need to match any gender.

    Cost
    $20 duplicate driver's license; $20 duplicate non-driver ID card

Costs and fee waivers

WhatCostNotes
Duplicate driver's license[5]$20Paying by card adds a 2.5% service fee (since December 15, 2025).
Duplicate non-driver ID card[5]$20First-time and renewal ID cards are free for residents 65 and older, residents experiencing homelessness, and people released from incarceration within the last 6 months.

More detail

Forms1 form

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

Gender Self-Designation FormSometimes required: Only if you are changing the gender marker.

How to fill it out

  • Fill in your name, Social Security number, license or ID number, and DC address.
  • Circle M, F, or X (Unspecified/Other).
  • Sign and date. You are certifying the request is not for fraud; no other proof is needed.

Open the formOfficial Spanish version[1][2]

RequirementsWhere you live, timeline
Where you live
For a DC license or ID, you must be a DC resident. If you do not already have a REAL ID or Limited Purpose card, you will also need identity, Social Security, and two DC residency documents.[3][4]
How long it takes

Done in one visit. DMV typically mails the permanent card afterward.

After you finishYour DC license or ID does not have to match your other documents.

Your DC license or ID does not have to match your other documents. If you were born in DC, you can update your birth certificate next (see the birth certificate guide).

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • If a DMV employee asks for medical proof, ask for a supervisor. DMV policy forbids asking for anything beyond the form.
  • Some federal agencies and other states do not recognize X. Think about travel and federal paperwork before you choose.
Laws and other guides1 law, 1 other guide

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

5 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Gender Self-Designation Form (publication page)DC Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “The Gender Self-Designation form contains private medical information and will be kept confidential”
  2. Procedure for Establishing or Changing Gender Designation on a Driver License or Identification Card, and Gender Self-Designation Form (rev. 06/13/2017)DC Department of Motor Vehicles, Form. accessed
    “Employees shall not request additional gender-related information beyond the Gender Designation Form ... An applicant is not required to have already changed their gender designation on their birth certificate”
  3. Name Changes and CorrectionsDC Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “You must bring original documents. DC DMV cannot accept photocopies or scanned documents.”
  4. Replace a REAL ID or Limited Purpose Driver LicenseDC Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
  5. Driver License FeesDC Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “Duplicate Driver License $20 Duplicate Non-Driver ID Card $20”