New Hampshire’s Division of Motor Vehicle’s has simplified the process of correcting one’s gender marker on a driver’s license or state ID. Now, they’re no longer requiring a health care provider to certify the applicant is under “change of gender” care in order to receive a nonbinary gender marker on their ID.
According to a press release from the Boston-based GLAD (GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders):
New Hampshire now joins 17 other states, including every neighboring New England state, as well as New York City and the District of Columbia, in providing a straightforward process for residents to designate the gender marker – X, F, or M – that reflects their identity.
The change, which was rolled out on the DMV website on August 2, came about thanks to a Granite State university student whose experience designating an X gender marker highlighted the unnecessary barrier presented by the medical requirement.
“My client, Rho, simply wanted a New Hampshire state ID that accurately reflects their nonbinary gender,” said Attorney Andru Volinsky of 160 Law, PLLC, who represented Rho as they navigated the process.
“Being asked for a signature from a medical provider didn’t make sense and added unnecessary stress to what should have been a straightforward process. The requirement also penalizes individuals with less access to medical resources, exacerbating an already inequitable situation. I was glad to be able to assist Rho in advocating for this change that will allow them and other nonbinary residents in New Hampshire to have accurate identification,” Volinsky said.
