Mercer County Clerk Announces Policy Change On Passport Gender Markers

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – Mercer County Clerk recently informed the public about the federal policy change in the passport gender markers.

The United States Department of State has stopped issuing new passports with the marker ‘X’, which denotes unspecified or other gender identities. The marker was available to non-binary individuals who do not strictly identify as male or female.

The DoS ceased issuing these passports on Jan. 20 and all applications submitted with an "X" gender marker have been placed on hold by the Federal Government, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello said.

“On February 11, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio further instructed State Department staff to assign a male or female sex designation to transgender passport applicants already submitted. If sufficient evidence of biological sex at birth is not provided, applications will be suspended until appropriate documentation is submitted,” Covello’s office said.

The County Clerk has asked individuals currently holding passports with an "X" gender marker, to contact the U.S. Department of State for guidance on obtaining a new passport with a male or female designation.

Covello acknowledged the challenges this policy shift may cause to community members who have already applied through one of her Office’s two locations for a passport.

“While our Office does not have the authority to override these federally mandated changes, we stand in solidarity with those affected and regret any inconvenience caused. This action, which began via a Presidential Executive Order, is beyond our jurisdiction,” Covello said.

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