In First Year, Nearly 2,500 People Chose Non-Binary Gender Marker
Gender "X" Marker is One of Multiple Ways New York State Has Expanded Protections for Transgender and Non-Binary People Across the State
As Pride Month begins, Governor Kathy Hochul is marking one year since the Gender "X" marker became available to New Yorkers on their state-issued IDs. On May 27, 2022 Governor Hochul announced that New Yorkers would have the option to choose "X" as a gender marker on their driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID cards. Since the program's implementation, 2,476 New Yorkers have selected a gender option that conforms with their identity.
"I am so proud that in the past year thousands of New Yorkers have received documentation that affirms who they are," Governor Hochul said. "As states around the country consider legislation designed to attack and demonize the LGBTQIA+ community, I want New Yorkers to know that I am committed to keeping our state a place where all people, regardless of their gender identity or expression, can belong and thrive."
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "One of the moments I treasure most from my time as Commissioner is the day I handed out the first Gender 'X' licenses and IDs to New Yorkers. It made the people who received them so happy to finally be able to have identity documents that correctly reflected who they are."
New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria L. Imperial said, "New York State was the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and continues to lead the way in promoting dignity and equality for all. This administration will continue to advance the rights of transgender and non-binary New Yorkers in all aspects of life in our State."
New York State Deputy Chief Diversity Officer Priya Nair said, "As a non-binary New Yorker, I am proud to have updated my New York State-issued ID with an X gender marker, along with thousands of other New Yorkers. Each time that I use my updated driver license in daily life, it reminds me that I'm grateful to live in a place that affirms me for who I am. As other states introduce hateful legislation targeting transgender people, it's more important than ever that New York continues to advance equity for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities."
This change was implemented in accordance with the State's Gender Recognition Act. This landmark legislation provides expanded protections for transgender and non-binary New Yorkers through this change at the DMV and by making it easier for people to change their names, change their gender designation and change their birth certificates to reflect their identity.
In August 2022, DMV enhanced the program by enabling New Yorkers who have an existing driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID to change the gender marker on their photo ID from "M" or "F" to "X" through a simple online transaction. New Yorkers can go to the DMV website to change their gender marker to "X", making it faster and easier to get an identity document that accurately represents who they are.
Those who are applying for a NYS photo ID for the first time have the option to choose "X" by completing the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (MV-44). They must visit a DMV office to submit their application and have their photo taken.
For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov, or follow the DMV conversation online at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.