CHICAGO, Ill. (WJPF) — A new state law makes it easier for Illinoisans to change the gender listed on their birth certificate.

HB0009 took effect July 1, 2023 and allows people to change the gender on their birth certificate by signing a statement affirming their gender identity or intersex condition. Until now, transgender and intersex Illinoisans seeking to change the gender on their birth certificate were required to provide certification from a health care professional that the individual had undergone gender reassignment surgery or other clinical treatment. 

“Our trans, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and intersex neighbors deserve to have documentation that affirms their identity without having to jump over dozens of bureaucratic hurdles. After all, this is the Land of Lincoln and Obama—and here, we welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community as they are,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

To request a gender change, individuals must submit a signed and notarized affidavit of correction, a copy of their current ID, and a $15 fee for processing to the IDPH Division of Vital Records. For information about how to make changes to an Illinois birth certificate, including making corrections, changing the gender, and changing gender with a name change, go to the IDPH Birth Records page on the department’s website.