How do I change the sex designation on my identity documents
The first step in changing the sex designation on identity documents is to make the change on your birth record or birth certificate.
If you are 15 years of age or under, you will apply as a child and you will need:
- Written consent from yourself and of all persons with legal custody of you.
- Proof of notice to all persons with legal access to you.
- A letter signed by a physician or psychologist that supports your requested change.
If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you can apply as a child (described above) or as an adult. To apply as an adult, you will need:
- A statutory declaration, from yourself, as the adult applying for change of sex designation.
- A letter signed by a physician or psychologist that supports your requested change.
For both a child and an adult, your birth must have been registered in Ontario.
Download forms from the ServiceOntario website
Or you can call ServiceOntario and they can send you blank forms in the mail: 1-800-461-2156.
I disagree with the requirement that I need a letter signed by a physician or psychologist to support my request. Could this change?
Yes. The requirements to change the sex designation on an identity documents are constantly changing.
In 2012, Ontario became the first province in Canada to allow a sex designation change on a birth certificate without first undergoing specific surgeries.
Many human rights advocates continue to fight for other changes, such as self-identification as the only requirement to change the sex designation on identification.
As of June 2016, Ontario stopped displaying a sex designation on Health Cards.
As of March 2017, Ontario has included gender identifier of ‘X’ on Driver’s Licenses.
As of June 4, 2019, Canadian passport and immigration documents offers the choice of “X” gender identifier.
The law continues to change. You should speak to a lawyer for advice about your specific situation.
