PennDOT adds 3rd gender identity option for non-binary drivers

Pennsylvanians who identify as non-binary can now make that designation on their driver’s licenses or ID card, and anyone wishing to change that designation can do so without a physician’s or social worker’s signature.

Having only male and female as designations “was not meeting the needs of our customers,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said in announcing the changes Thursday.

“Our identity documents are critical to how we navigate the world, and having an affirming and accurate ID is critical for access to employment, health care, housing and so much more,” she said.

Tyler Titus, vice chair of the state’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, said the option to have an “X” on your ID might seem small, but it makes a world of difference.

“Having the ability to mark on my ID that my gender identity is real and valid is life-changing,” Titus said in a video statement. “It opens up so many doors and breaks down so many barriers for those of us that have to navigate systems day in and day out that unaffirm us, and it gives us space to take a step in becoming our more authentic self.”

Drivers for years have been able to change their gender designation between male and female, said Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers, but the process wasn’t streamlined. Everyone now will have the ability to self-certify their gender, be it male, female or non-binary, which will be represented with an “X” on ID cards and licenses.

Being able to self-certify is just as important as being able to identify as non-binary, said Rafael Alvarez Febo, director of the state’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs.

“Not needing a third party to tell PennDOT (your gender) is very important,” he said, noting that a state-issued ID is one of the most important identity documents most people have. “It should reflect your truth.”

Residents have had the ability for about two years to have an X for their gender, Myers said, but PennDOT’s records system meant the X was only on a license, not any other driving or identification records.

Asked whether self-certification negates the objective information on an ID card or license, Myers noted that other information such as height and eye color are also self-reported. He also said people applying for or renewing cards and licenses still have to provide documentation confirming who they are.

“It is something that is at the individual judgment of the customer,” he said. “If that’s what they report to us, that’s how we report it.”

Residents wishing to change their gender designation can fill out the designated form on PennDOT’s website and take it to any driver’s license center.

Neither a doctor nor a social service provider will be required to sign off on the change, Gramian said, but a gender designation change does have to be processed in person.