Name Change Before Or After Surgery

[Guest Graywolf]

I would like to change my name legally, though my mom says I should wait until I have surgery and can change my name and gender marker at the same time. The state I currently live in will not change the sex on your license unless you have had surgery. She says she doesn't want my male name to be associated at all with the female name and thinks it would be easier for my records and stuff to not get mixed up with the wrong gender or name.

I know that she wasn't even married to a guy, but put his last name on hers on a document and she sometimes gets mail with his last name on it or even with her maiden name. So she makes a good point, I can totally see a good reason to do that, and she has had some experience when it comes to the name area. However changing my name legally now would avoid a lot of hassles when it comes to a point when you have to use or put your legal name.

So what do you think? Those of you that have changed your name before changing your sex marker, have you had any problems like these or other ones? For those of you that changed your name and gender marker at the same time, did you find it easier and did people get your information not as mixed up?

[Guest]

Mom may be right. My state is a little different so I can't speak for your state. I will say this, there is probably way more documents, accounts and information that will have to be changed.

Name, SSA gender marker, new DL with new gender marker are a given. A USA federal passport card, a passport book, or both is a good idea, at least until all fifty states are on the same page. Passport book is required if you plan to travel out of the country, card only is ok if not.

If you have questions on what I have said feel free to PM me. Hug. JodyAnn

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

I changed my name 5 years ago before I was even full-time and it created a lot of awkward moments.

A LOT of awkward moments.