The early weeks and months after a child comes out as transgender or nonbinary (collectively, transgender) may feel overwhelming for parents and guardians as the status raises various issues. A common concern involves the request to change the child’s name and/or gender marker.

This article endeavors to explain the process for changing a minor’s name and gender marker on key identifying documents. While many schools and organizations may honor a child’s preferred name and pronouns, even when they differ from what is reflected on identifying documents, making a legal record of the change is an important step both to honor and protect the child.