Ohio restricts gender-marker changes on state IDs

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has abruptly ended a longstanding process that allowed transgender residents to update the gender marker on their driver’s licenses or state identification cards. Previously, individuals could use a professionally certified form—supported by doctors, therapists, or other licensed professionals—to request a marker change directly through the BMV.

Under the new policy, the sex listed on an Ohio ID must now correspond with the information found on an underlying document, such as a birth certificate or passport. This change was implemented without a public announcement or a transition period.

Advocacy groups, including Equality Ohio and TransOhio, have criticized the move, stating it creates significant bureaucratic barriers. Because access to amending birth certificates varies by county due to inconsistent probate court rulings, critics argue the new requirement may prevent many transgender Ohioans from obtaining identification that reflects their gender identity.