Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a non-strict voter ID state.

You need to confirm your identity with an acceptable ID when you vote in your precinct for the first time.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

Any registered Pennsylvania voter can vote by mail.

You need to provide ID information or a copy of acceptable ID when you apply for your ballot.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

You must file a formal request with your county’s Court of Common Pleas to change your name in Pennsylvania. Some counties require name change applicants to use the forms provided by their county’s court, so check with your local court clerk or Prothonotary’s office to make sure you’re following the proper filing procedures.

You will be required to publish notice of the court hearing for your name change in two newspapers for a specific period of time. This requirement can be waived (and court records sealed) for your safety.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Health to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Pennsylvania birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• notarized birth certificate correction form (PDF)
• certified copy of name-change court order
• copy of current government-issued photo ID; otherwise, two current documents that verify your name and current address
• payment of applicable fee(s)

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

Visit a Pennsylvania Driver License Center and provide a certified copy of your name-change court order.

Submit a request to Pennsylvania’s Division of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

You will need to provide a physician’s statement (on letterhead) confirming that you have received “appropriate” medical care for your gender transition.

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

• notarized birth certificate correction form (PDF)
• letter from the attending physician who is providing the appropriate clinical treatment for your gender transition (Example PDF)
• copy of current government-issued photo ID or two current documents that verify your name and current address
• payment of applicable fee(s)

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

Pennsylvania allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their state-issued ID. No medical certification is required.

To update the gender marker on your state-issued ID, visit a Pennsylvania Driver License Center and submit:

• completed Request for Gender Change form (PDF)
• application for ID (PDF)
• certified copy of name-change court order (if applicable)