July 7, 23

NEWS / Illinois allows transgender individuals to change gender on birth certificates

The State of Illinois has allowed transgender individuals to self-declare the gender listed on their birth certificates. No documentation from physicians is necessary. Previously legislation required individuals seeking to change the gender on their birth certificates to present certification from a doctor confirming that an individual had undergone reassignment surgery or other clinical treatments. “I couldn’t’ be happier that we are making it easier for Illinoisans to change the gender listed on their birth certificate,” Governor JB Pritzker was quoted by WGN9 Evening News as saying, “Our trans, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and intersex neighbors deserve to have documentation that affirms their identity without having to jump over dozens of bureaucratic hurdles. After all, this is the Land of Lincoln and Obama—and here, we welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community as they are.” Individuals can request a gender change by submitting a signed and notarized affidavit of correction, a copy of their current driver’s license or state, and a money order or check to cover the processing fee.