Trans Resource Navigator

Driver’s license and state ID in Vermont

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

Vermont lets you choose male, female, or X (listed as "Other" on the form) on your driver's license or non-driver ID with no doctor's letter, court order, or other proof. You can make the change online, by mail, or in person.

Main cost
$24, can be waived
Apply
Online, by mail, 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

The Vermont DMV treats gender as a self-designated descriptor, like eye color or height: you pick the marker you want on the application and no documentation is required. Three options are available: F, M, and X.

Changing your name is different. You must go in person with a certified copy of your court order, and you must update your name with Social Security first, because the DMV checks your name against SSA records before issuing a card in the new name. Vermont law requires you to tell the DMV about a name change within 30 days.

Steps

  1. Change the gender marker online, by mail, or in person[1][3]

    • Online: go to mydmv.vermont.gov and choose "Renew/Replace My License/ID." You will need your name, date of birth, license or ID number, and two forms of identification.
    • By mail: send form VL-021 (or VL-017 for an ID) with the fee to Vermont DMV, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001.
    • In person: fill out the form and schedule an appointment at a DMV office.
    Cost
    $24 driver's license replacement (REAL ID or non-REAL ID); $24 non-driver ID replacement

  2. For a name change, update Social Security first[2]

    Apply at Social Security with your certified court order. The DMV verifies your name with SSA online and cannot issue a card in the new name until SSA's records are updated.

  3. Change your name in person at the DMV[2][6]

    Bring your current card, a certified copy of your court order (it must show your prior name, new name, and date of birth and carry the court's seal), and form VL-021 or VL-017. You can change your gender marker at the same visit. You leave with a temporary card and the new one comes by mail.

    Cost
    $24 driver's license replacement (REAL ID or non-REAL ID); $24 non-driver ID replacement

Costs and fee waivers

Can’t afford it? You may not have to pay.[3][7]

There is no general waiver, but reduced fees apply if you receive SSI or SSDI (license replacement $10, non-driver ID replacement $5). Fees are also waived for some young people under 23 leaving foster care.

WhatCostNotes
Driver's license replacement (REAL ID or non-REAL ID)[3]$24$60 for an Enhanced Driver's License. $10 if you receive SSI or SSDI or have a qualifying disability (from July 1, 2026).
Non-driver ID replacement[3]$24$5 if you receive SSI or SSD (bring proof).

More detail

Forms2 forms: VL-021, VL-017

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

VL-021License/Permit Application (also used for name, address, and gender changes)Sometimes required: For a driver's license or permit, if you apply by mail or in person.

How to fill it out

  • Check the box for the gender you want: Female, Male, or Other (Other is shown as X on the card).
  • If you are also changing your name, write your new legal name and bring your certified court order and updated Social Security record.
  • No letter or other proof is needed for the gender box.

Open VL-021[4][1][6]

VL-017Non-Driver ID ApplicationSometimes required: For a non-driver ID card.

How to fill it out

Check Male, Female, or Other in the Gender field. A parent or guardian signs if you are under 18.

Open VL-017[5]

RequirementsWhere you live, age, timeline
Where you live
You must hold or be applying for a Vermont driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID.[1][5]
Age
Any age. A parent or guardian signs non-driver ID applications for applicants under 18.
How long it takes

You get a temporary card right away (online or in person); the permanent card arrives by mail.

After you finishYour Vermont license is valid for REAL ID, flying, and voting with any marker.

Your Vermont license is valid for REAL ID, flying, and voting with any marker. Be aware that the US passport and Social Security record currently cannot show X or a changed sex marker; that is a federal policy and does not affect your Vermont card.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • You do not need to change your name to change your marker, or the other way around.
  • If you have a non-REAL ID card, the DMV says you must provide all required identity documents again when you request a replacement.
Laws and other guides1 law, 2 other guides

Laws and rules

  • 23 V.S.A. § 205: Duty to notify the DMV of a change of name or address within 30 days

Other trusted guides

Sources

7 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. How do I change the gender on my license/ID?Vermont DMV, Official page. accessed
    “Online: Go to mydmv.vermont.gov, click the 'Renew/Replace My License/ID' button ... In-person: Complete the License Application (form #VL-021) ... By Mail: Complete the License Application (form #VL-021) and mail with any required fees”
  2. Driver's License, Name ChangeVermont DMV, Official page. accessed
    “You must apply in person in order to have your name changed on your license or non-driver ID card. ... Before a license or ID can be issued in the new name, SSA records must be updated.”
  3. Driver's License FeesVermont DMV, Official page. accessed
    “Real ID 4 years: $62.00 new, $24.00 replacement. Non-Driver ID: $29.00, replacement $24.00. Non-Driver ID (SSI Reduced Fee): $10.00, replacement $5.00.”
  4. Form VL-021, License/Permit ApplicationVermont DMV, Form. accessed
    “Gender: Female / Male / Other”
  5. Form VL-017, Non-Driver ID ApplicationVermont DMV, Form. accessed
    “Gender: Male / Female / Other ... Signature of Parent or Guardian (if the applicant is under 18)”
  6. Name and Gender Marker Changes in VermontVTLawHelp.org, Organization. accessed
    “To change the gender marker on your ID, the DMV does not ask for any documentation. ... Vermont now allows three gender marker options on state IDs: Male ("M"), Female ("F"), or Other ("X").”
  7. Act 66 of 2025 (S.123), miscellaneous changes to laws related to motor vehicles, act summaryVermont Office of Legislative Counsel, Law. accessed
    “This act waives certain fees related to learner's permits, operator's licenses, and nondriver identification cards for individuals under 23 years of age who are transitioning out of the State foster care system”