On the occasion of Pride Month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New Yorkers will have the option to choose “X” as a gender marker on their driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver identification card at all Department of Motor Vehicles offices throughout the state.
This historic measure was decided in accordance with the State’s Gender Recognition Law and will take effect on 24 of June. This landmark legislation provides greater protections for transgender and non-binary New Yorkers through this change to the DMV and by making it easier for individuals to change their names, gender designation, and birth certificates to reflect their identity.
“As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month (during the month of June), I am pleased to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community” Governor Hochul said.
“Every person, regardless of the identity or expression of her gender, she deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are. My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love, and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community,” added the official in a statement.
Those who have a driver’s license, An existing non-driver permit or ID will have the option to change the gender marker on their photo ID from “M” or “F” to “X,” and those who apply for one. The first time NYS photo ID will have the option to choose “X”. This can be done by completing the Non-Driver Permit, Driver’s License or Identification Card Application (MV-44).
There is another option to those who do not wish to visit a DMV office to change their existing identification document will have the option to change their gender designation through an online transaction beginning July 2022.
Mark JF Schroeder, commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, regarding the measure mentioned: “Perhaps more than any other agency New Yorkers interact directly with their government through the DMV, so offering identity documents that are representative of all New Yorkers is important. We are delighted to implement this new option that we know will have a positive impact on the lives of many of our customers”.