Trans people can obtain accurate passports again. Here’s how

July 17, 2025

The State Department is currently processing passport applications for transgender Americans to update their gender markers, following a June 17 court order in response to an ACLU lawsuit. This temporary relief allows trans people to obtain accurate passports after being blocked from doing so for most of the year. LGBTQ+ civil rights groups are urging transgender individuals to update their passports quickly, as the government has requested the injunction be dissolved.

Who is affected

Transgender and nonbinary Americans
People whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth
Those holding passports with outdated gender markers or names
Individuals whose passports expire within one year
Those seeking 'X' gender markers on their passports

What action is being taken

The State Department is processing transgender passport applications with accurate gender markers as of July 2
The ACLU has published detailed guidance for navigating the application process
LGBTQ+ civil rights groups are urging affected individuals to update their passports quickly
The State Department is tracking attestation forms submitted by transgender applicants
The government is actively fighting to dissolve the court injunction allowing these passport updates

Why it matters

For most of 2024, trans people have been blocked from obtaining passports matching their gender identity
This has caused travel fears and bureaucratic difficulties for many transgender Americans
The current relief provides a limited-time window for trans people to obtain accurate identification
Accurate passports are essential for international travel and identification purposes
The Trump administration has prioritized rolling back transgender rights

What's next

The government has asked the judge to dissolve the injunction allowing trans people to update their passports
Advocates expect the State Department to continue fighting against transgender passport rights
The agency has threatened to potentially revoke and replace passports if a higher court rules in its favor

Read full article from source: The 19th