Colorado Department of Revenue to allow gender marker changes on driver’s licenses
In a landmark decision, the Colorado Department of Revenue has announced that it will now allow individuals to change the gender marker on their driver’s licenses without requiring a court order or proof of medical treatment.
The move comes after years of advocacy by the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, who have been pushing for greater recognition and inclusivity for transgender and non-binary individuals. Under the new policy, individuals will be able to self-attest to their gender identity and request a new driver’s license with the corresponding gender marker.
“We are proud to announce this important change that will make it easier for transgender and non-binary individuals to have their identities recognized and respected,” said Barbara Brohl, the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue. “We believe that everyone should have the right to be who they are and to have that reflected in their official documents.”
The process for changing the gender marker on a driver’s license will be simple and straightforward. Individuals will be able to fill out a form online or in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office. They will need to provide some basic information, such as their current driver’s license number and their preferred gender marker. There will be no additional fees associated with the gender marker change.
Once the form is completed and submitted, individuals will receive a new driver’s license with their updated gender marker within a few weeks. The old driver’s license will be invalidated, and individuals will be required to surrender it when they receive their new license.
“This is a huge step forward for transgender and non-binary individuals in Colorado,” said Alex Myers, a transgender activist and author. “Being able to have a driver’s license that accurately reflects who you are is incredibly important. It’s a matter of safety and dignity.”
The decision to allow gender marker changes on driver’s licenses in Colorado follows similar policy changes in other states, such as California, Oregon, and Washington. These changes have been met with widespread support and praise from LGBTQ+ advocates, who see them as an important step towards greater equality and acceptance.
“We applaud the Colorado Department of Revenue for taking this important step towards greater inclusivity and recognition for transgender and non-binary individuals,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD, a LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. “We hope that other states will follow Colorado’s lead and make it easier for individuals to have their gender identities recognized in official documents.”
While the new policy is a significant step forward, advocates acknowledge that there is still work to be done to ensure full equality for transgender and non-binary individuals. They point to issues such as discrimination, healthcare access, and legal protections as areas where progress is still needed.
“We must continue to push for greater acceptance and understanding of transgender and non-binary individuals in all areas of society,” said Myers. “Having the right gender marker on a driver’s license is a great start, but it’s just the beginning. We must keep fighting for full equality and rights for all LGBTQ+ individuals.”
Overall, the decision by the Colorado Department of Revenue to allow gender marker changes on driver’s licenses is a significant step towards greater recognition and inclusivity for transgender and non-binary individuals in the state. It represents a victory for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, who have been working tirelessly to promote equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
