A new gender option for State Identification cards, driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses will be offered starting Wednesday, the state Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
Those seeking to apply, renew, or obtain a duplicate credential can now choose “X” or “Not Specified” in the gender category instead of the binary “M” (Male) or “F” (Female).
The ability to modify these credentials was authorized by Act 148, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019.
“We appreciate the work of LGBT advocates, law makers, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to make this happen,” said DOT Deputy Director Ed Sniffen. “Thanks to the coordination and cooperation of our partners we are able to recognize transgender and other individuals while keeping our REAL ID compliant status.”
There is no additional documentation requirement necessary when selecting the new gender “X” designation when applying for a new, renewal or duplicate driver’s license or state identification card.
The department added that all driver’s license, State ID, and instructional permit holders in good standing with credentials that expired between March 16 through Tuesday, may continue to legally drive the same licensed class of motor vehicle (e.g., cars, motorcycles, mopeds, etc.) until Sept. 30.