Updating your legal name or gender marker on your New Hampshire IDs and birth certificate can feel confusing at first. This page provides clear step-by-step instructions to help you through the process. Whether you are completing a name change in New Hampshire or updating the gender marker on your ID, the Transgender ID Project offers guidance that makes each requirement easier to understand. This resource is designed for transgender people living in New Hampshire who want to navigate these updates with confidence and access the information they need in one place.

How to Change Your Name and Gender Marker in New Hampshire

In most cases you do not need to work with a lawyer to update your name or gender marker on ID documents and can typically update these documents fairly easily on your own. The New Hampshire Quick Reference Guide has the information and materials you need to get started.

ID Project Guide button

Updating your federal ID documents

You can skip directly to our federal resources here:

Youtube video

Understanding Your Rights in New Hampshire

Updating your ID documents is one important step, but it’s part of a broader picture of legal protections available to transgender people in New Hampshire. Here are some resources to help you understand your rights.

Know Your Rights: New Hampshire law protects transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The New Hampshire Know Your Rights page offers a full overview of these legal protections and how they apply to your daily life, providing important context for what your rights are once your documents are updated.

Transgender Rights: The legal ability to update your name and gender marker in New Hampshire exists because of years of advocacy work. GLAD Law has been at the forefront of advancing transgender rights through litigation, legislation, and public advocacy, creating the legal conditions that make these ID changes possible. Learn more about that work and how GLAD Law continues to defend and expand transgender rights across New England and nationally.

Public Accommodations: Having accurate ID documents matter beyond identification. They help reduce the risk of discrimination when accessing public services, health care, housing, and other accommodations. New Hampshire prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in public places. Learn more about these protections and what to do if you experience discrimination.

Recent Legislation Affecting Transgender Rights in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has protected transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations since 2018, when HB 1319 amended RSA 354-A to add gender identity to the state’s list of protected characteristics. In 2019, HB 669 became law, allowing an X gender marker on driver’s licenses and state IDs, which took effect January 1, 2020. In August 2021, after a university student and their advocates, including GLAD Law, raised the issue, the Division of Motor Vehicles removed its requirement for a health care provider’s certification. Residents can now choose F, M, or X without medical documentation.

Recent legislative sessions have brought repeated efforts to roll back these protections. In 2026, lawmakers introduced HB 1165, which would have removed the X marker from state IDs, and HB 1564, which would have eliminated gender identity as a protected class in non-discrimination laws. Neither became law. Governor Ayotte also vetoed SB 552 in June 2026 and HB 1442 in July 2026, both of which would have allowed transgender people to be excluded from restrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams that match their gender identity.

While these protections remain in place, transgender youth still face barriers to gender-affirming health care. HB 377, signed in August 2025, bans medical care for transgender youth.

Appendix A – Blank Forms

Here are links to the forms outlined in the New Hampshire Quick Reference Guide:

Name Change

Social Security

Passport

New Hampshire ID

Birth Certificate

Additional Forms

Appendix B – Sample Forms

Here are links to sample filled out forms outlined in the New Hampshire Quick Reference Guide:

Name Change

Social Security

Passport

New Hampshire ID

Additional Resources

  • ID Documents Center: Advocates for Transgender Equality’s resources hub for name and gender marker change information.
  • GLAD Law Answers: GLAD Law’s free and confidential legal Infoline can provide you with legal resources, information, assistance, and referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Your Name and Gender Marker in New Hampshire

How do I obtain a legal name change in New Hampshire?

To obtain a legal name change, you file a petition with the Circuit Court in the county where you live. Adults need to complete and submit the following:

  • Petition for Change of Name (NHJB-2175-FPE), the primary petition form requesting a legal name change
  • Confidential Information Sheet (NHJB-2878-DFPE), a supporting form required alongside the petition
  • A valid form of photo ID

Electronic filing is required for most filers unless you request and receive an exemption. New Hampshire does not require you to publish your name change in a newspaper, and most requests are granted without a hearing.

How much does it cost to file a name change petition in New Hampshire, and how long does it take?

The filing fee is $170. If you cannot afford it, you can file a motion asking the court to reduce or waive the fee. You can typically expect to hear back from the court within about 45 days of filing. Once your name change is approved, request several certified copies of the order, since you’ll need them to update your other ID documents.

How do I change the name and gender marker on my New Hampshire driver’s license or state ID?

For a name change, you must first update your name with the Social Security Administration. Then make an in-person appointment with the DMV and bring a Record Change Request (DSMV 30), a certified copy of your court-ordered name change, proof of identity, your current license or ID, and two proofs of New Hampshire residency. You’ll need to update your license within 30 days of receiving your name change certificate.

For a gender marker change, make an in-person DMV appointment and submit an Application for Driver’s License (DSMV 450) indicating the correct marker (F, M, or X). No medical documentation or court order is required. The fee is $3.

Does New Hampshire allow an X gender marker?

Yes. New Hampshire allows an X gender marker on driver’s licenses and state IDs, and no medical documentation is required. Keep in mind that under current federal policy, U.S. passports are not being issued with an X marker. Visit our passport resource for the latest information.

Can minors change their name or gender marker in New Hampshire?

Yes. For a legal name change, a parent or guardian files the Petition for Change of Name on the minor’s behalf. All known legal parents must consent, either by joining the petition or signing the Consent to Minor Name Change (NHJB-2322-FPE). Minors 14 and older must also sign the consent form. The court decides based on the best interests of the child.

To change the gender marker on a minor’s birth certificate, a court order is required. The New Hampshire Quick Reference Guide includes a sample Motion for Change of Gender for Minors to help with this process.

If I was born in New Hampshire, how do I change the gender marker on my birth certificate?

New Hampshire requires a court order to change the gender marker on a birth certificate. The New Hampshire Quick Reference Guide walks you through requesting this order using an Equity Petition (NHJB-2128-P) and includes a sample physician letter. Once you have the order, submit an Application for Correcting or Completing a Certificate of Birth (Form VSCr) to the clerk of the city or town where you were born, along with a certified copy of the court order, a copy of your photo ID, and a $10 amendment fee (certified copies are $15 each). The application must be notarized. When the gender marker is changed, a new birth certificate is issued with no notation of the change.

Still have questions?

If you run into trouble or have questions, fill out the Transgender ID Project support form or contact GLAD Law Answers.

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Because every situation is different, the information here cannot replace personalized advice from a qualified lawyer. Laws change frequently, and GLAD Law does not guarantee that the information on this page is current or complete. For legal advice or referrals, please contact GLAD Law Answers.