ACCURATE ID

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  • The Concerns.

    Privacy and Data Security

    Missouri has long championed limited government intrusion and personal privacy, yet this policy compels residents to share medical information with multiple entities. State agencies are not equipped to handle protected medical information, and there is little transparency around how such data is stored, accessed, or retained, placing individuals at unnecessary risk.

    Inconsistent Standards and Administrative Burden

    Requiring a court judgment creates unequal outcomes across the state, as access now depends on geography, judicial discretion, and ability to access legal assistance. This results in inconsistent treatment of Missourians and places additional strain on the court system by diverting resources that were previously handled efficiently by the Department of Revenue.

  • The Impacts.

    The inability to obtain accurate identification has had tangible negative effects across Missouri:

    Employment Barriers: Mismatched IDs forces Missouri residents into informal work and reduces economic stability and tax revenue.

    Public Safety Risks: Individuals without accurate identification are more vulnerable to violence and less likely to report crimes, undermining community safety and trust.

    Housing Instability: Lack of accurate IDs remains a significant barrier to stable housing, leading to unlawful denials and increased strain on state and local resources.

  • The Solution.

    Missouri has an opportunity to reassess this policy and implement a solution that respects privacy, reduces administrative burden, and reflects the lived realities of its residents. Restoring an administrative process, such as Form 5532 or a comparable alternative, would protect personal privacy, promote economic participation, enhance public safety, and reaffirm Missouri’s longstanding commitment to limited government.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A gender marker is the “M” (male) or “F” (female) designation that appears on government-issued identification. It is used by government agencies, employers, schools, healthcare providers, and others to verify identity. 

  • For transgender and nonbinary individuals, an ID reflects their accurate gender and is critical for:

    • Safety: Reduces the risk of harassment, discrimination, or violence when presenting ID for employers, police, bars, etc.

    • Privacy: Prevents unwanted disclosure of a person’s transgender status.

    • Access: Ensures smoother interactions when applying for jobs, housing, healthcare, travel, and financial services.

    Belonging: Affirms a person’s identity and reduces daily stress and stigma.

  • Policies have changed quickly over the last two years. For almost a decade, individuals were able to use Form 5532 to change their gender marker designation. This was taken away overnight in 2024. The aim of the coalition is to bring this form back. 

    In the meantime, individuals can still change their gender marker, but it is required to have a court order (requiring medical documentation). The protocols for changing one’s gender marker changes constantly. We suggest reaching out to STL Name Change Mutual Aid for the most updated information.

  • Changing one's birth certificate pertains to the state you were born in. For instance, Illinois allows you to change the gender marker on the birth certificate without a court order. In Missouri, you must have a court order. In Tennessee, there is a court judgment that states birth certificates are not able to be changed. Where one was born changes if you can change the birth certificate. 

    One can change an ID in the state they live in. Missouri residents must follow the Missouri rules for changing the ID, regardless of where they were born. For updated Missouri gender marker change processes, please visit STL Name Change Mutual Aid.

  • Requiring proof of surgery or specific medical treatment is intrusive and when not handled properly can lead to agencies breaking HIPAA requirements. Further, documentation can impose unnecessary medical barriers and excludes individuals who have transitioned without surgery.

  • Missouri does not offer a nonbinary “X” marker on state IDs. Availability of an “X” designation varies by state. Illinois has an “X” option for residents.

  • Accurate IDs:

    • Reduce unnecessary conflict during police encounters

    • Minimize discrepancies during background checks

    • Prevent delays in emergency medical care

    • Support accurate recordkeeping

    When identification aligns with a person’s identity, everyday interactions are safer and more efficient for everyone.

  • Transgender Missourians may seek assistance from:

    • St. Louis City or County: STL Name Change Mutual Aid

    • Springfield: GLO Center

    • Balance of State: Reach out to STL Name Change Mutual Aid or Missouri State ID Access Coalition to connect you with partner resources across the state. 

  • Item description
Venn diagram comparing STL, name change, and mutual aid, with overlapping sections in pink and gray.

For the most accurate information on changing name

and gender marker, please visit stlnamechange.com

Join the campaign to ensure everyone’s MO ID matches their identity!

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