Non-Binary New Yorkers Can Soon Choose Gender X On State IDs

NEW YORK CITY — X marks the spot of progress.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that New Yorkers who do not identify as male or female will be able to choose X as a gender on state-issued IDs as soon as June 24.

"Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are," Hochul said.

"As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change."

The new gender identification option will appear on New York State driver licenses, learner permits and non-driver ID cards, Hochul said.

New Yorkers who wish to upgrade existing IDs can request the change on the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card, and will be able to do so online starting in July.

The upgrade comes as part of the New York's Gender Recognition Act, which expands protections for transgender and non-binary New Yorkers, according to the Governor's office.

The Act includes legislation to better facilitate New Yorkers who wish to legally change their names, sex designation and birth certificates.

The legislation also arrives after Sander Saba, a non-binary New York lawyer who found themselves unable to request an accurate driver's license, sued the state to request the change, court records show.

Saba agreed to drop the case upon the passage of the Gender Recognition Act in an agreement reached with the Attorney General's office in 2021, Reuters reported at the time.

"Every person should be able to access identity documents that reflect who they truly are without having to validate their personhood in court," Saba said in a statement released Friday.

"It's my sincere hope that, as we move ahead, other transgender and non-binary New Yorkers will be able to live their lives with the respect and dignity they deserve in every facet of their lives."

Lawmakers from agencies spanning from the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Division of Human Rights celebrated the new gender designation as a step in the right direction for New York.

"Offering identity documents that are representative of all New Yorkers is a significant milestone," said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said.

"We applaud our state's important action to ensure that these essential ID documents accurately reflect and affirm who we are," added Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial.

"We will continue working to advance dignity and eliminate discrimination against transgender and non-binary people in New York State."