Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday (5/27) that starting June 24, 2022 New Yorkers will have the option to choose “X” as a gender marker on their driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card at all DMV offices statewide. This historic change comes right in time for Pride Month.
This change is being implemented in accordance with the State’s Gender Recognition Act which provides protections for transgender and non-binary NYers by making it easier for people to change their name, sex designation, and birth certificate to reflect their identity.
This announcement also comes as part of the major advancements in LGBTQ+ equity Governor Hochul fought for and secured in the Enacted Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget. The Budget includes $13.5 million for the Department of Health to support the LGBTQ+ community and more than doubles annual LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services funding.
Governor Hochul said, “As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, 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.”
Proud that every New Yorker can now have identification that represents who they are. This is another step in our fight to build a state that works for all.https://t.co/LcbI28r4OQ
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) May 28, 2022
“We applaud our state’s important action to ensure that these essential ID documents accurately reflect and affirm who we are. We will continue working to advance dignity and eliminate discrimination against transgender and non-binary people in New York State,” added Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial.
Those with an existing ID will have the option to change their gender marker to “X”, and those who are applying for a NYS photo ID for the first time will have the option to choose “X”. Those who do not want to visit a DMV office to change their existing ID document will have the option to change it through an online transaction beginning July 2022.