Trans Resource Navigator

Driver’s license and state ID in Northern Mariana Islands

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.
UnclearNo written policy; see details

You can update your name on a CNMI license or ID with your court order. For the sex marker, the BMV has reportedly required a court order reflecting the gender change, plus a passport or birth certificate. There is no written policy, and no court procedure for such an order exists except the surgery-based birth certificate rule.

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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. After you finish
  4. Laws and other guides
  5. Sources

How it works

Licenses and ID cards are issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Department of Public Safety.

Name: bring a certified copy of your Superior Court name change order, a completed application, and your current license. Public Law 24-38 says the order can be used to update identification cards.

Sex marker: a BMV representative told Advocates for Trans Equality that you need a court order for the legal name and gender change, plus a valid passport or original birth certificate. The only CNMI law on court-ordered sex changes is the birth certificate statute, which requires surgery. Ask the BMV in writing whether it will accept an amended CNMI birth certificate or other documentation.

Steps

  1. Update Social Security first[2]

    Change your name with Social Security using your certified court order (see the federal Social Security guide).

  2. Visit the BMV[1][2]

    Bring your current license or ID, a certified copy of your court order, a valid passport or birth certificate, and a completed application. For a sex marker change, bring whatever court order or amended birth certificate you have, and ask for any refusal in writing.

More detail

After you finishFor your passport, see the federal passport guide.

For your passport, see the federal passport guide.

Laws and other guides1 other guide

Other trusted guides

Sources

2 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Identity DocumentsAdvocates for Trans Equality, Organization. accessed
    “In order to change the name and gender marker on a driver's license, the license holder must provide both the court order for the legal name and gender change, as well as a valid passport or original birth certificate.”
  2. Public Law 24-38 (HB 24-10)CNMI Law Revision Commission, Law. accessed
    “The petitioner may use the court order to update their legal documents, including identification cards, birth certificates, and other official records.”