Monday, September 21, 2009
Transgender policy change for Ohio Drivers Licenses |
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Julie from Ohio notes:
My purpose for writing is that I’m pleased to report that the Ohio BMV has changed their policy, and will now change gender on the Ohio Drivers Licence for appropriate individuals without surgical intervention. This is particularly useful for individuals during the “Real Life Test,” as well as those transitioners who cannot or chose not to have SRS. We have been working on this for over 2 and a half years, and its finally come to fruition!
In order to change the gender, the applicant needs to fill out a form (copy attached), fax or send it to the central office of the BMV (Address and fax number is on the second page of the form). They will change the applicant’s gender in their system, and return documentation that the individual is to taken along with the current license to any local Motor Vehicle Registrar, where a replacement can be made. The entire process takes up to two weeks.
You’ll notice on the form that it requires the signature of a medical professional who will attest to the status of the applicant. We felt it was a necessary step to promote good quality care for transgendered people. As a practical matter, it also helps limit inappropriate changes. You’ll notice that in the portion where the medical professional there are two options for “Complete” or “Transitional.” If, in the Therapist’s opinion, the transitioning person may de-transition at some point, they should mark “Transitional.” The gender will revert to the prior gender in five years if a permanent status is not established. Conversely, marking “Complete” is done when the change is deemed permanent. Again, this can be marked with or without surgical intervention (though certainly, if surgery has been competed, permanency would be assumed).
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