Note: I am not an attorney, and none of this can constitute as Official Legal advice, the information on this website may be subject to change, if you find any inaccuracies, please contact me at info@identitymich.com
Instructions
You've indicated that you have a felony offense on record, unfortunately this may delay or prevent you from changing your Legal Name. I would highly reccomend you to talk to a lawyer or local LGBTQ center (if available) to discuss your options. This is jurisdiction dependent, I have heard of some judges not preventing anyone, but we live in a very scary time right now.
You've indicated that you have a misdemeanor offense on record, this should not cause many problems, but it depends on the judge and county. I would recommend talking with the judicial/family court or someone who's previously gone through this process in your County.
Name Change
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Print and fill out Non-Publication and Ex-Parte Request Petition for Name Change form PC51c
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Print and fill out Request Petition for Name Change form PC51
Ensure when filling out PC-51 to include your previous family court case, or on any on-going court cases
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On page 3, fill reason for not wanting to publish. Michigan Legal Help suggests "Public notice of this proceeding would reveal to the public that I am a transgender person. Transgender individuals often face pervasive discrimination in multiple parts of their lives, including in employment and housing. Data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey shows that nationally, 19% of transgender people reported being fired, not hired, or denied a promotion in the past year because they were transgender. 23% indicated they experienced housing discrimination in the past year (2015 U.S. Transgender Survey). I request that you keep this name change proceedings confidential to avoid public disclosure of transgender status which I fear, and the data shows, would likely result in me experiencing discrimination and harassment." Note that this it is not a guarantee and ultimately it is up to the judge and if they feel like being a jerk.
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File with the Family Court you are a current resident in. If unsure where the Family Court is located, call them or County Clerk
If Publication Fee waived, the court is required to pay the publication fee (this is a recent change of ruling, so the judge may not know about this)
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Once received letter in mail approving Petition for Name Change (1-2 weeks typically), call Family Court to set court date. This can vary largely depending on County, can range from 1 week to 4 months. At this point, you should get your background check and publication as soon as possible to ensure enough time.
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Ensure that publication occurs at least 2 weeks before the Court date, if not they will delay the court hearing.
Driver's License
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Set appointment with local Secretary of State, this can be done online
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Bring 1 copy of Court Order verifying name change
Birth Certificate
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Fill out Application to Change or Correct Michigan Birth Certificate
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Include 1 copy of Court Order in envelope
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Include SCANNED COPY of Driver's License or State ID in envelope. They WILL NOT return any original copies of documents, including an original ID document and a Court Order
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Include processing fee in envelope: $50 for regular, $75 for RUSH shipping
If affordable, RUSH shipping is highly recommended. Vital Records is notoriously not good at this process (they lost the 2nd page of my STAPLED Court Order). Having RUSH shipping can DRASTICALLY lower slow downs (can be up to 4 months if regular shipping)
Social Security Card
As of
January of 2025, it is currently unclear if Gender Marker change is possible for any Federal Documents. Before attempting, I would recommend calling your
local Social Security Office and asking.
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Fill out Application to Change or Correct Social Security Card
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Include your Birth Certificate (to verify your age), and a scanned copy of your Driver's License (to verify your identity)
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Include 1 copy of Court Order in envelope, they will return it
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Mail it to your nearest Social Security Office, they were by far the easiest company to deal with for me, they got back within a week
Passport
Unfortunately, with President Trump's recent list of anti-trans Executive Orders it is not possible to update any existing Passports. If you are applying for a new Passport and have changed your Gender Marker on all other documents, there may be a loophole, but take precaution.
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Print and fill out Form DS-11
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Print and fill out Form DS-82
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Print and fill out Form DS-5504
You will need to go in person to a Local Acceptance Facility. Include the following with your forms:
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Original or certified court order showing name change (must be less than one year old)
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Passport Fees: $130 Passport Book Fee, $30 Passport Card Fee, $35 Execution Fee
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A recent Passport photo
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Proof of US Citizenship
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Proof of Identity, valid Photo ID (Driver's License or State ID)
What to include by Mail:
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Your most recent Passport
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Original or certified court order showing name change (must be less than one year old)
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A recent Passport photo
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Include SCANNED COPY of Driver's License or State ID in envelope. They WILL NOT return any original copies of documents, including an original ID document and a Court Order
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Include processing fee in envelope: $50 for regular, $75 for RUSH shipping
If affordable, RUSH shipping is highly recommended. Vital Records is notoriously not good at this process (they lost the 2nd page of my STAPLED Court Order). Having RUSH shipping can DRASTICALLY lower slow downs (can be up to 4 months if regular shipping)