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Driver’s license and state ID in New York

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

New York lets you choose M, F, or X on your driver's license, learner permit, or non-driver ID by self-attestation. No doctor's letter or court order is needed, and you can make the change online or in person with form MV-44.

Main cost
$12.50
Apply
Online, by mail, or in person
Typical wait
about 2 weeks

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

Under the Gender Recognition Act, the DMV uses a self-attestation standard: you simply select your gender (M, F, or X). You do not need medical documentation, an amended birth certificate, or a court order. X has been available since 2022, and an online transaction lets people who already hold a New York license, permit, or ID change the marker without an office visit.

Changing your name requires proof of the legal name change, such as a certified court order, and you should update Social Security first. Standard documents can be updated by mail; REAL ID and Enhanced documents need an office visit and a new photo.

Steps

  1. Change the gender marker online[1][2]

    If you already have a New York license, permit, or non-driver ID, use the DMV's online transaction, either with your personal information or through your MyDMV account (NY.gov login). Choose M, F, or X. The new card arrives by mail.

    Cost
    $12.50 amended driver license or learner permit; $5 amended non-driver ID card

  2. Or go to a DMV office with form MV-44[1][3]

    Fill out MV-44, check your gender, and bring your current card (or proofs of identity). If your name is also changing, bring a certified copy of your court order. You will take a new photo.

    Form
    MV-44
    Cost
    $12.50 amended driver license or learner permit; $5 amended non-driver ID card

  3. Change your name by mail (standard documents)[1]

    After Social Security has your new name, mail the name change form, a copy of your new Social Security card, a copy of your current card, proof of the name change, and $12.50 (license or permit) or $5.00 (non-driver ID) to the DMV Utica Processing Center, 207 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501. REAL ID and Enhanced holders must go in person.

    Cost
    $12.50 amended driver license or learner permit; $5 amended non-driver ID card
    Time
    about 2 weeks

Costs and fee waivers

No fee waiver is available for this step.[1]

No fee waiver was found for amended DMV documents.

WhatCostNotes
Amended driver license or learner permit[1][3]$12.50Fee the DMV lists for a name change by mail; also cited for gender updates in a 2025 legal guide. Confirm at checkout.
Amended non-driver ID card[1][3]$5

More detail

Forms2 forms: MV-44, MV-44NC

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

MV-44Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID CardSometimes required: For in-person changes, first-time applicants choosing X, and name changes on REAL ID or…

For in-person changes, first-time applicants choosing X, and name changes on REAL ID or Enhanced documents.

How to fill it out

  • Check M, F, or X in the gender field. No supporting documents are required for the gender choice.
  • If your name is changing, write your new legal name and bring a certified copy of the court order.

Open MV-44[1][3]

MV-44NCName change by mail (standard documents only)Optional

Only for a standard (not REAL ID or Enhanced) document, after Social Security has your new name, with no other changes.

Open MV-44NC[1]

RequirementsWhere you live, timeline
Where you live
You must hold or be applying for a New York license, learner permit, or non-driver ID.[1]
How long it takes

The new card arrives by mail in about 2 weeks.

After you finishUpdate your voter registration at the same time (the DMV offers it), and your vehicle registration and title if you have one.

Update your voter registration at the same time (the DMV offers it), and your vehicle registration and title if you have one. Note that as of September 2026 the US passport and Social Security record cannot show X or a changed sex marker; your New York card is still valid ID.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • You do not need a court order, amended birth certificate, or doctor's letter to change your marker at the DMV.
  • If you are denied, you can appeal to the DMV Appeals Board within 60 days (form AA-33A, $10 fee).
Laws and other guides1 law, 1 other guide

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

3 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Change information on DMV photo documentsNew York State DMV, Official page. accessed
    “You can change the gender on your license or ID card online using your personal information ... $12.50 (for license or permit) or $5.00 (non-driver ID)”
  2. Governor Hochul announces new online process for New Yorkers to choose an X gender marker (August 4, 2022)Office of the Governor, Official page. accessed
  3. Legal Guide to Changing Names and Gender Markers in Erie County, NY (March 2025)University at Buffalo School of Law, Organization. accessed
    “You will not be required to provide any supporting documentation to change your gender marker.”