Some individuals choose to change their name or gender marker legally. The below information details the process and documents needed to change your legal name and gender marker in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island now allows one to “self attest” in changing their gender marker on identity documents, including an option for gender marker X.
Rhode Island – Adults (probate court)
Follow the steps here to change your name and/or gender marker in Rhode Island: https://www.transvoteri.com/id-documents.
Rhode Island – Minors (family court)
Massachusetts
Visit Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
MTPC’s Identity Document Assistance Network (IDA Network) provides guidance, support and financial assistance for trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive people living in New England who are seeking to update their legal name and/or gender on federal and state documents. Not everyone needs an attorney’s assistance in this process, but it can still be very overwhelming and complicated so we’re here to help! While MTPC does not currently provide legal representation or legal counsel, we will refer you to an appropriate legal resource if necessary.
Two of the forms must have the petitioner’s signature notarized: Petition to Change Name of Adult (CJP-27) or Minor (CJP-30) and the Physician’s Statement in Support of Amendment of a Birth Certificate Following Medical Intervention in Purpose of Sex Reassignment.
For minors, you will also need the following:
- Both the child and parents’ signatures must be notarized on the Petition to Change Name Form, if the child is 12 or older
- You will need to complete the Affidavit Disclosing Care or Custody Proceedings form
- You will need to complete the Assent to Petition to Change the Name of Minor (essentially a form signed by the parent saying they approve of the name change).
- Lastly, minors under age 12 do not need to complete a CARI and WMS Release Request form.
Other States
Check out Trans Equality for step by step processes.
Other Resources
Know Your Rights
GLAD’s “Know Your Rights” Rhode Island page
GLAD Transgender ID Project: https://www.glad.org/id/
Queer RI 