Voter ID in Indiana

Indiana is a strict voter ID state.

You are required to show an acceptable photo ID to confirm your identity when voting in person.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

Only certain voters are eligible to vote absentee in Indiana.

You do not need a copy of your ID to vote by mail.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!


Changing Your Legal Name

You must file a formal request with your county’s court to change your name in Indiana.

You will be required to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper for a specific period of time.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to the Indiana Department of Health’s Vital Records office to amend your birth certificate.

You will need to provide a certified copy of a court order that directs the Department of Health to amend your birth record.

The state recommends that you contact the Vital Records office (call 317-233-2700) for more information.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

•••

RESOURCE

Indiana Legal Services – LGBT Project

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration at least one business day before you apply to update your name on an Indiana driver’s license or state ID card.

You need to visit a BMV branch to update your license or ID within 30 days of changing your legal name.

Bring a certified copy of your name-change court order or other documents demonstrating your name change.

•••

RESOURCE

Indiana Legal Services – LGBT Project


Updating Gender Markers

Indiana does not have a specific legal provision for updating the gender marker on birth certificates.

The Indiana Department of Health’s Vital Records office will update the gender marker on your Indiana birth certificate if you submit a certified court order directing them to amend it.

The court order must include your name, date and place of birth, and instructions to change your birth certificate’s original gender marker.

Submit a written request to amend the gender marker on your Indiana birth certificate. You will need to provide:

  • certified copy of court order to amend birth certificate
  • Birth Certificate Application form (PDF)
  • copy of a photo ID with current mailing address
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

It is also possible to update your Indiana birth certificate by appearing in person at the health department in the county where you were born. Rules and requirements vary by county.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

•••

RESOURCE

Indiana Legal Services – LGBT Project

Visit a BMV branch to update the gender marker on your Indiana driver’s license or state ID.

You will need to provide one of the following:

  • signed and dated physician’s statement using state form (PDF)
  • signed and dated physician’s statement (must be on letterhead) that includes specific language:  “(name) successfully underwent all treatment necessary to permanently change (name’s) gender from (prior gender) to (insert new gender).”
  • certified birth certificate showing an amended gender marker

•••

RESOURCE

Indiana Legal Services – LGBT Project