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New Jersey birth certificates

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

If you were born in New Jersey, you can change the sex on your birth certificate to female, male, or undesignated/non-binary by signing a one-page attestation (form REG-L2). No doctor's letter or court order is needed for the gender change. You get a new certificate that is not marked as amended.

Main cost
$6, can be waived
Apply
Online or by mail
Typical wait
8 to 12 weeks

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

This applies only if you were born here. Birth certificates follow your birth state, not where you live now. Choose your birth state

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

Under the Babs Siperstein Law (P.L.2018, c.58, N.J.S.A. 26:8-40.12, in effect since February 1, 2019), the State Registrar issues an amended birth certificate showing your gender when you send a signed attestation. Choices are female, male, or undesignated/non-binary ("encompasses all gender identities that are not exclusively male or female"). No surgery, medical records, or court order is required.

The new certificate is the same type as the original and is not marked "amended". The original and all papers are sealed. You can change your name in the same request if you include a certified copy of your court order.

Filing the form is free. You pay only for copies: $6 for the first certified copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, plus $2 if you are registering a name change.

This only applies if you were born in New Jersey. If you were born elsewhere, contact your birth state's vital records office.

Steps

  1. Fill out and sign REG-L2 (or REG-L3 for a minor)[2][3]

    Choose female, male, or undesignated/non-binary and sign the attestation under penalty of perjury. No medical documentation.

  2. Gather ID, your court order if changing your name, and payment[3][2]

    Attach a copy of government-issued photo ID. If you are changing your name on the certificate, attach a certified copy of the court order and add the $2 name registration fee. Add $6 for the first copy and $2 for each extra copy.

    Cost
    $6 first certified copy of the amended certificate (ordered with the request); $2 each additional copy ordered at the same time; $2 registering a court-ordered name change (one time)

  3. Submit online or by mail (not in person)[3][4]

    Mail everything to: Office of Vital Statistics & Registry, Records Modification Unit, NJ Department of Health, P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370. The state also offers an online application where you upload documents and pay by card (linked from the NJ Transgender Hub). Local registrars and walk-in counters do not accept these amendments.

  4. Receive your new certificate[4][1]

    Processing takes about 8 to 12 weeks. The original certificate is sealed and can only be unsealed by court order or at your own request.

    Time
    8 to 12 weeks

Costs and fee waivers

Can’t afford it? You may not have to pay.[3]

People experiencing homelessness can get one free copy of their birth certificate (N.J.S.A. 26:8-63(f)) with a signed request on agency letterhead from a shelter coordinator or social worker, plus a copy of that worker's photo ID.

WhatCostNotes
First certified copy of the amended certificate (ordered with the request)[2][3]$6Filing the form itself is free. Copies ordered later cost $25 for the first and $2 for each additional.
Each additional copy ordered at the same time[2]$2
Registering a court-ordered name change (one time)[2][3]$2

More detail

Forms2 forms: REG-L2, REG-L3

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

REG-L2Request Form and Attestation to Amend Sex Designation to Reflect Gender Identity on a Birth Certificate, AdultSometimes required: Adults (18 and older).

How to fill it out

  • 1A: your name exactly as on your current birth certificate. 1B: your current legal name; attach a copy of government photo ID.
  • 1C: if your legal name differs from the birth certificate, attach a certified copy of your court order (or marriage certificate).
  • 2B: choose Female, Male, or Undesignated/Non-binary.
  • 2C to 2E: only if you want your new name on the certificate; you must attach the certified court order.
  • 3A/3B: how many certified copies you want now ($6 first, $2 each additional). Order several now; later copies cost $25.
  • Sign the attestation. Pay by check or money order to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey"; no cash.

Open REG-L2[2]

REG-L3Parent/Guardian Request Form and Attestation to Amend Sex Designation on a Birth Certificate, MinorSometimes required: Minors under 18; signed by a parent listed on the certificate or a legal guardian (with…

Minors under 18; signed by a parent listed on the certificate or a legal guardian (with the guardianship order).

Open REG-L3[3]

RequirementsWhere you live, age, timeline
Where you live
You must have been born in New Jersey. Where you live now does not matter.[3][2]
Age
Adults 18 and older sign REG-L2 themselves. For a minor, a parent or legal guardian signs REG-L3.
How long it takes

About 8 to 12 weeks after the state receives your request.

After you finishYour new birth certificate can be used anywhere a birth certificate is required, including for the MVC's 6 points of ID.

Your new birth certificate can be used anywhere a birth certificate is required, including for the MVC's 6 points of ID. If you change your name later, you can file again with the court order and the $2 registration fee. Questions: Records@doh.nj.gov (subject "Sex Designation Amendment") or 866-649-8726.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • Order all the copies you need with your first request; they cost $2 each then, but $25 for the first copy later.
  • You do not need to change your name to change your sex designation, and you do not need a court order for the gender change.
Laws and other guides1 law, 2 other guides

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

4 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. P.L.2018, c.58 (Babs Siperstein Law), amending N.J.S.A. 26:8-40.12New Jersey Legislature, Law. accessed
    “The amended certificate of birth shall be of the same general type as the original certificate of birth, and shall not be marked as amended.”
  2. Form REG-L2 (Feb 19), Request Form and Attestation to Amend Sex Designation to Reflect Gender Identity on a Birth Certificate, AdultNew Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, Form. accessed
    “$6.00 one-time fee for the first requested certified copy of the amended birth certificate.”
  3. Amendment to Sex Designation on a Birth Certificate to Reflect Gender Identity, FAQs (as of February 4, 2019)New Jersey Department of Health, Official page. accessed
    “There is no fee to simply file either the REG-L2 or the REG-L3 forms with the State Registrar. Fees are charged only upon request for copies of amended birth certificates.”
  4. How to update your birth certificateState of New Jersey, Transgender Information Hub, Official page. accessed
    “Expect 8-12 weeks for processing; timelines may vary.”