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Driver’s license and state ID in Virginia

Change detected, under review. An official source this page relies on changed recently. Part of this page may be out of date until we review it.

  • Page changed: Change address, name or sex designation (2026-10-12) · #295
  • Page changed: Transaction, change sex designation (2026-10-12) · #292
  • Page changed: Code of Virginia § 46.2-323 (2026-09-28) · #78
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

Virginia lets you choose male (M), female (F), or non-binary (X) on your driver's license or ID with no doctor's letter or court order. You can often make the change online; it is processed as a replacement card ($20 for a driver's license).

Main cost
$20
Apply
Online or 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 2020, Virginia law (Va. Code §§ 46.2-323 and 46.2-345) says applicants "shall be permitted to choose between male, female, or non-binary" on the license or ID application. The DMV states that certification from a healthcare provider is not required. You simply select your marker.

You can change the marker online (if eligible), or any time you apply for, renew, or replace a license, learner's permit, ID card, or driver privilege card. Changing your name is separate: it requires an original court order (or marriage or divorce document) and an in-person visit.

Steps

  1. Try the online sex designation change[2][3]

    Use the DMV's online "Change Sex Designation" transaction if you are only changing the marker on your current card. It is processed as a replacement and you pay the replacement fee. If the system says you are not eligible, do it in person.

    Cost
    $20 replacement driver's license (including marker or name change)

  2. Or visit a DMV customer service center[1][4]

    Make an appointment, bring your current license or ID and DL 1P (or your online confirmation email). For a name change, bring the original certified court order; copies are not accepted. Select F, M, or X on the application. You will get a new photo.

    Form
    DL 1P
    Cost
    $20 replacement driver's license (including marker or name change)

  3. Receive your new card by mail[4]

    The card is mailed to the address on file; the Postal Service will not forward it, so update your address first.

Costs and fee waivers

No fee waiver is available for this step.[3][1]

No general fee waiver was found on the DMV fee chart. DMV runs a no-cost credentials program for youth experiencing homelessness; ask DMV whether you qualify.

WhatCostNotes
Replacement driver's license (including marker or name change)[3]$20
Photo ID card[3]$10-$16The fee chart lists ID cards at $2 per year of validity (minimum $10, maximum $16); ask DMV what a replacement ID costs.

More detail

Forms1 form: DL 1P

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

DL 1PDriver's License and Identification Card ApplicationSometimes required: Needed for an in-person change (name change, or a marker change you cannot do online).

Needed for an in-person change (name change, or a marker change you cannot do online). You can also start the application online.

How to fill it out

  • Check "Replacement License or Identification Card" and "I am surrendering my current license or ID card".
  • Full legal name exactly as on your court order if you are changing your name; put your former name in the "If your name has changed" box.
  • Sex (check one): Female, Male, or Non-Binary. No other document is needed for this box.
  • Answer the medical questions and sign.

Open DL 1P[4][1]

RequirementsWhere you live, timeline
Where you live
You must hold or be applying for a Virginia driver's license, learner's permit, ID card, or driver privilege card.[1][5]
How long it takes

Same day online or at the office; the card arrives by mail.

After you finishUpdate Social Security first if you are also changing your name.

Update Social Security first if you are also changing your name. If you choose X, note that US passports and Social Security records currently cannot show X or a changed sex marker; your Virginia card remains valid for REAL ID purposes, voting, and TSA screening.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • You do not need a court order, a doctor's letter, or an amended birth certificate to change the marker at DMV.
  • If staff ask for medical documentation, point to the DMV page stating "Certification from a healthcare provider is not required."
Laws and other guides2 laws, 1 other guide

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

5 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Change address, name or sex designationVirginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “Sex designation indicators are displayed on your DMV credential as male (M), female (F) or non-binary (X). Certification from a healthcare provider is not required.”
  2. Transaction, change sex designationVirginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “This transaction is considered a driver's license or ID card replacement and WILL incur a fee”
  3. DMV fee chart (DMV 201, 08/10/2026)Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “Replacement driver's, motorcycle or CDL license $20.00”
  4. Form DL 1P, Driver's License and Identification Card Application (07/01/2025)Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Form. accessed
    “SEX (check one) FEMALE MALE NON-BINARY”
  5. Code of Virginia § 46.2-323Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System, Law. accessed
    “Applicants shall be permitted to choose between "male," "female," or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the driver's license application form.”