Q: How do I change my legal name and gender on my Utah Birth Certificate if I currently live in California?
I am a transgender man changing my name and gender marker in the state of California. During my research I saw that I need to bring my birth certificate with me when updating my information for my SS. I haven't lived in Utah since I was born and I don't plan to travel there in the future. What is the order I should update my name and gender through? Do I change my Birth certificate first? And how do I do so if I currently reside in California? Thanks in Advance!
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A:
To update your Utah birth certificate while living in California, you'll want to first complete your legal name and gender change through the California court system, as this will provide the documentation needed for other changes.
Start by filing a Petition for Change of Name and Gender with your local California Superior Court - this single petition can change both your name and gender marker simultaneously. Once you receive the court order, you can submit an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate to the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics, along with certified copies of your California court order and required fees (the current fee structure can be found on the Utah Vital Records website).
For Social Security updates, you can visit your local Social Security office or apply online after receiving your California court order - you don't need to wait for the amended birth certificate, as the court order will suffice for their requirements. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, and while waiting for your amended birth certificate from Utah, you can use your California court order as legal proof of your name and gender change for most purposes, including updating your California ID or driver's license.
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