Changing identification documents
Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people often face the burden of having to change their legal identification documents. Having ID that correctly reflects an individual’s name and gender is not comply a matter an accuracy; it is a matter of dignity. The lack of proper ID can pose barriers and create stigma when accessing education, medical care, receiving mental health services, applying for social assistance, securing housing and employment, opening a bank account, voting, and travelling.
The process to change legal identity documents is costly, time consuming, and bureaucratic. If you were born in and currently live in Ontario, this can include several forms and steps, including: changing the name on your birth certificate, changing the gender marker on your birth certificate, using the changes to your birth certificate to change all your other identification, such as on your driver’s licence, health card, and social security number. The process can quickly get more complicated, costly, and time consuming if you were born outside of Ontario or Canada.
The Queer Justice Project, in partnership with Compass Community Health, runs a pro bono Hamilton Trans ID Clinic (Clinic). The Clinic provides free assistance, including commissioning services, and some financial support to cover the application fees and other costs associated with changing legal identity documents.
The Clinic typically operates monthly, on the third Thursday of every month, from about 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Clinic schedules both in-person and virtual appointments and accepts limited walk-ins. The Clinic typically operates out of the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, located at Suite 203 – 100 Main Street East, Hamilton, ON. Clients can expect to meet with a Clinic team that is composed of at least one legal professional and one peer supporter.
To schedule confirm Clinic dates and to schedule an appointment, please contact us here, or call 905-527-4572.
Helpful Resources
Making Gender and Name Changes on Identity Documents: A Legal Resource for Two-Spirit, Nonbinary and Trans Communities: a downloadable guide produced by METRAC, with funding provided by the Law Foundation of Ontario, which helps two-spirit, non-binary, and trans communities understand how they can change their gender and name on legal documents and what they can do if they feel their name and gender aren’t being respected. https://metrac.org/content/user_files/2022/04/Changing-ID-Legal-Resource-D5-Nov-24.pdf
Does your trans child want to legally change their name or gender marker?: a downloadable guide produced by METRAC, which includes frequently asked questions, for parents and guardians of trans children seeking legal name and gender marker changes. https://metrac.org/content/user_files/2022/11/METRAC-Trans-Parent-Resource.pdf
Common Answers about Name and Gender Marker Changes for Trans Youth: a downloadable guide produced by METRAC, which includes frequently asked questions for trans youth seeking interested in changing their deadname of gender marker. https://metrac.org/content/user_files/2022/11/FAQ-name-and-gender-marker-changes-for-trans-youth.pdf
Service Ontario, Change of Name: how to change a first, middle or last name in Ontario: Service Ontario’s guide to name changes for both adults and children in Ontario with links to the applicable forms. https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-name
Service Ontario, Change the sex designation on your government IDs: Service Ontario’s guide to sex designation changes on your driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card. https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-sex-designation-your-government-ids
Service Ontario, Changing your sex designation on your birth registration and birth certificate: Service Ontario’s guide to gender marker changes on Ontario birth certificates for both adults and children with links to the applicable forms. https://www.ontario.ca/page/changing-your-sex-designation-your-birth-registration-and-birth-certificate
Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), How do I change the sex or gender identifier on my application or document?: IRCC’s guide to gender marker changes on documents such as work and study permits, refugee claims, permanent resident cards, citizenship applications, and Canadian passports with links to the applicable forms. https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1253&top=32
Indigenous Services Canada, Change the information on your secure status card: Indigenous Services Canada information on gender marker changes to secure status cards. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1695840683920/1695840721105