FAQ: Gender-Neutral IDs
What is a gender-neutral ID?
A gender-neutral ID displays an alternate marker that is not an “M” (male) or “F” (female) to fill the sex or gender field of the ID. The gender-neutral marker is typically an “X” marker which stands for “Undisclosed” or “Other.”
Why are gender-neutral IDs important?
Many people have a gender identity that is not male or female and may use terms like “non-binary” to describe their gender identity. A gender-neutral ID allows them to display a more accurate gender marker on their ID. A gender-neutral ID also allows people of any gender to have increased privacy around gender on their state ID.
Do I have to identify as non-binary to get a gender-neutral ID?
No. People of any gender may choose not to disclose their gender on their ID by opting for a gender-neutral marker.
If I am a transgender man or transgender woman, do I have to get a gender-neutral ID?
No. The gender-neutral option “X” is in addition to the options of “M” or “F.” A transgender woman can still change the gender marker on her ID to “F” and a transgender man can still have “M” on his ID.
Do I need a provider to certify my request for a gender-neutral ID?
No. Current states with gender-neutral options allow all applicants to determine the gender marker that is most appropriate for them and no longer require documentation from a medical or mental health provider. This allows people who may have limited access to medical providers to get appropriate ID, and also allows people who seek to have an “X” gender marker for privacy reasons to do so.
What if my gender-neutral ID does not match the gender marker on my other IDs and documents?
If you have different gender markers listed on various IDs or records, it may cause confusion or raise eyebrows when interacting with officials or applying for services. However, legally speaking, it is not a problem to have records and IDs with different gender markers, and officials should still be able to verify your identity.
Can I use my gender-neutral ID to travel and go through TSA or airport security?
TSA does not yet have an official policy on how they process IDs with gender neutral markers, despite the fact that various other countries issue IDs with “X” designations. Airlines are required to collect name and gender information and submit it to TSA before each flight, and airlines currently only have M or F options. It is ideal to bring an ID to fly that has a gender marker that matches the gender you submitted to the airline. However, if you don't have an ID with a gender marker that matches what you submitted to the airline you can likely still get through security, though you may receive additional scrutiny or questioning.
Will my ID be compliant with federal and international laws?
Yes. The REAL ID Act requires states to list a gender on licenses, but the Department of Homeland Security explicitly states that they “leave the determination of gender up to the States […].” An X gender marker is consistent with the practice of the International Civil Aviation Association (ICAO), an agency of the United Nations, which uses an internationally-recognized passport format that allows for M, F, or X gender markers.