Social Security to Accept People’s Self-Identified Gender on Records
Americans may now self-select their sex on their social security number record, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Wednesday.
Under the new policy, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals may change their sex designation in SSA records without providing medical or legal documentation to prove their gender identity. Those who opt to update their sex designation will need to apply for a replacement social security number card, the agency said, which requires that documentation like a drivers license or passport be submitted to certify their identity.
An applicant’s self-identified sex designation of either male or female will be accepted even if it is different from the sex designation on their identity documents. A future policy update may include the option to self-select an “X” sex designation, the agency said Wednesday, consistent with a move from the State Department this year allowing nonbinary U.S. passport holders to apply for a gender-neutral marker.
