A new online process will allow New Yorkers with a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver’s identification card to choose “X” as a gender marker without visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles office.
New Yorkers can go to the DMV website to %7Cdec8107f271f4ad3a40608da7580106d%7Cf46cb8ea79004d108ceb80e8c1c81ee7%7C0%7C0%7C637951490306145700%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XNuC7P1tGtrfkqDmfkHkX82lgha7YDe+tX9fV7Fh8mQ=&reserved=0">change their gender marker to "X", making it faster and easier to get an identity document that accurately represents who they are.

“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,” Governor Hochul said in a release, announcing the new process. “In New York, we are taking action to help ensure every person feels welcomed, represented, and free to live their truth, regardless of their gender identity or expression.”

Those who are applying for an ID for the first time can also choose “X” as a gender marker when they visit the DMV to complete the application process. This can be done by completing the %7Cdec8107f271f4ad3a40608da7580106d%7Cf46cb8ea79004d108ceb80e8c1c81ee7%7C0%7C0%7C637951490306145700%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OSiR/gEU4U6wBYA8sAq+FhyOrZpsPqYd+FY9B4NGdaw=&reserved=0">Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card(MV-44).

“We are thrilled that our customers now can go online to privately and simply amend their license or ID to reflect who they are without fear of judgment,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder in the release. “One small letter can have a monumental impact on a person’s life and it is our privilege to give non-binary New Yorkers that opportunity.”

This year’s state budget includes legislation requiring state agencies to provide an option for individuals to mark their gender or sex as a non-binary “X” on all state forms that collect gender or sex information. Agencies are also required to include that information in data collection. The enacted budget also enables transgender New Yorkers to change their names or gender designations on marriage certificates without leaving their dead names on them.