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A Supplementary Resource to “Identity Document Guidance for Transgender, Nonbinary, Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex People”

In the wake of recent federal policy changes, many transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and intersex (TGNCNBI) people are asking: What practical steps can I take to protect myself, minimize risks, and prepare for what’s ahead?

This guide offers practical strategies for travel, documentation, and safety planning in 2025. Whether you’re renewing a passport, preparing for a trip, or deciding how and when to update your documents, this resource is here to support your decisions—with tools to help you stay informed, prepared, and empowered.

Note: This document is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Consult an attorney licensed in your state for guidance tailored to your circumstances.

[This page was last updated July 2025]

Navigating Travel and Documentation in 2025

Current Recommendations

  • Valid passports are still usable: Even those with X markers or corrected gender markers remain valid through expiration.
  • Carry certified copies of supporting documents: For name changes, bring proof when traveling.
  • Use state-issued IDs for domestic travel: REAL ID-compliant licenses may be more accurate and safer.

Travel Safety and Preparation Tips

TGNCNBI travelers have long faced disproportionate scrutiny. These conditions may worsen under the current policy. To minimize risk:

  • Check entry rules for your destination: Some countries may have stricter rules or refuse to accept X passports.
  • Match your ticket to your ID: Book using the exact name and sex listed on the ID you’ll present.
  • Use your REAL ID for domestic flights: If you haven’t been able to update your passport, consider using a more updated ID for domestic travel.
  • Bring backup ID: Carry a second form of ID and certified name change/order documents.
  • Ensure your photo is current: TSA may question IDs that no longer resemble your appearance.
  • Expect screening variability: You can request a same-gender pat-down or private screening with a witness of the traveler’s choosing.
  • Prepare for document delays: Passports and supporting documents may be mailed separately.

Additional Considerations

  • Global Entry and TSA PreCheck: Enrollment with mismatched documents may prevent program participation and create other issues.
  • Enhanced Driver’s Licenses: Available in select states, these allow land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
  • Passport Cards: A lower-cost alternative for land/sea crossings and domestic ID use.
  • Changing gender markers on birth certificates: Remains governed by state law. The Gender Order does not affect these rules.

Final Thoughts

Navigating identity documentation and travel as a transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, or intersex person in 2025 can feel overwhelming—but you are not alone. This guide is meant to offer tools, not obligations—use what is helpful and relevant to your personal situation—it is not a one size fits all.

Stay informed, take the precautions that feel right for your circumstances, and lean on your support networks when you need to. Legal challenges are underway, and we’ll continue updating our resources as the landscape changes.

Your identity is valid. Your safety matters. You matter.

For a fuller picture of your rights, risks, and options, read this guide alongside our primary resource, Identity Document Guidance for Transgender, Nonbinary, Gender-Nonconforming, and Intersex People.

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