# Ohio BMV gender marker policy changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ohio-bmv-gender-marker-policy-changes > Updated: 2026-08-23T04:04:48.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has ended a long-standing practice that allowed transgender residents to update the gender marker on driver’s licenses or state identification cards via a medical or mental health provider’s declaration form. Under the new policy, the sex listed on an Ohio ID must now match an underlying document, such as a passport or birth certificate. This change follows a budget signed in June by Governor Mike DeWine and was implemented without a public announcement or transition period. Advocacy groups, including Equality Ohio and TransOhio, have criticized the shift, noting that the requirement to update birth certificates creates significant bureaucratic barriers. Critics point out that because access to amending birth certificates varies by county due to inconsistent probate court rulings, the new mandate may prevent many residents from obtaining identification that reflects their gender identity. Dwayne Steward of Equality Ohio also expressed concerns regarding a lack of transparency in the process. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Ohio restricts gender-marker changes on state IDs Ohio has discontinued a process allowing transgender residents to update gender markers on state IDs via professional certification, now requiring markers to match birth certificates or passports. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-restricts-gender-marker-changes-on-state-ids ### 2026-08-19: Ohio BMV ends acceptance of medical forms for gender marker changes Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will no longer accept medical provider forms to change gender markers on IDs, instead requiring updated birth certificates or passports. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-bmv-ends-acceptance-of-medical-forms-for-gender-marker-changes --- Cite as: Ohio BMV gender marker policy changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ohio-bmv-gender-marker-policy-changes