Washington, DC

Washington, DC, does not have a voter ID law.

Registered voters do not need to provide an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

All active registered DC voters will be mailed a ballot for the 2022 elections.

A copy of your ID is not required to vote by mail, with the exception of some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

You must file a formal application with the DC Superior Court to change your name in Washington, DC.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive at least five (5) certified copies of the Order for Name Change of an Adult which can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to DC’s Department of Health to update your birth certificate.

To apply for an updated DC birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• Amendment to Birth Record (PDF)
• copy of Primary valid and unexpired photo ID and two forms of additional ID
• original or certified copy of name-change court order
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change your name on a DC driver license or ID non-driver card.

Visit a DMV Service Center to update the name on your DC driver license or non-driver ID card.

You will need to provide acceptable documentation demonstrating your legal name change and any current ID issued by Washington, DC.

Submit a request to DC’s Department of Health to update your birth certificate.

To apply for an updated DC birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• completed Birth Certificate Gender Designation Application Form (PDF)
• signed Statement of Licensed Healthcare Provider (PDF) certifying you have undergone “treatment appropriate” for gender transition or that you have an intersex condition
• copy of unexpired government-issued photo ID
• original or certified name-change court order (if applicable)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Washington, DC, allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their DC driver license and non-driver ID. No medical certification or documentation is required.

You will be able to self-designate a gender marker when you apply for a new or replacement DC driver license or non-driver ID card.