Select type of ID: (over 19)

  • Updating Provincial ID Cards
  • Updating Birth Certificate

Updating Provincial ID Cards

If you have already updated your birth certificate, submit a copy of your updated birth certificate, by mail, to Health Insurance BC instead. 

To update your gender marker on any BC ID cards without an updated birth certificate, you must complete the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Adult) and submit the following, by mail, to to Health Insurance BC:

  1. a copy of the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Adult); and
  2. a copy of the Physician’s or Psychologist’s Confirmation of Change of Gender Designation

Once you receive a confirmation letter from Health Insurance BC, take the following to an ICBC Driver Licensing Office to get new identification issued:

  1. The original (preferred) or copy of the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Adult);
  2. The original (preferred) or copy of the Physician’s or Psychologist’s Confirmation of Change of Gender Designation;
  3. One piece of primary identification (see link for accepted identification)
  4. One piece of secondary identification (see link for accepted identification)

If you are also changing your name at this time, bring either a Certificate of Name Change or foundational document reflecting your new name (e.g. birth certificate or citizenship certificate) to ensure your identification can be updated to reflect the correct name and gender marker.

Back to Home Page

Updating Birth Certificate

Note: As of January 10, 2022, adults and people 12 and older will no longer require a physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation of change of gender designation.

To update your gender marker on a British Columbia birth certificate, complete the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Adult) and submit it, by mail, to Vital Statistics BC. The following must be included with your application:

  1. the original copy of the Physician’s or Psychologist’s Confirmation of Change of Gender Designation; and
  2. any previously issued birth certificates in your possession;
  3. the required fees.

Please note that you are updating your gender marker at this time, be sure not to order a new birth certificate until you have received your Change of Name Certificate to ensure that the birth certificate you reflects the correct name and gender marker.

To update the gender marker on your birth certificate from another province/territory, please see Justice Trans for more information.

Move on to the steps for changing Federal documents, if desired.  Remember, name and gender markers can be changed at the same time. You should consider this approach if you want to streamline the process and minimize potential fees. 

Note on required fees:

Individuals who earn less than $20,000 per year are eligible to waive the application fee for a Change of Name certificate from Vital Statistics. If you qualify for the fee waiver, include a copy of your previous year’s tax return along with a letter requesting that change of name fee be waived in your application package.

Back to Home Page