Indiana Bans Gender Marker Changes on Driver's Licenses

New policy prevents residents from updating gender on state-issued IDs

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Indiana residents can no longer change the gender marker on their driver's licenses and other state-issued IDs. The new ban took effect yesterday, replacing a previous policy that allowed gender changes with a court order or doctor's statement.

Why it matters

The policy change is seen as a setback for transgender and non-binary Hoosiers, who say it will negatively impact their ability to have identification that accurately reflects their gender identity. Opponents argue the ban infringes on personal rights and could lead to discrimination.

The details

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles imposed the ban on gender marker changes after two rounds of public comment last year. Previously, residents could update the gender on their driver's licenses and state IDs through a court order or with a statement from a doctor.

  • The new ban on gender marker changes took effect on February 12, 2026.

The players

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The state agency that oversees driver's licenses and other forms of identification in Indiana.

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What’s next

Opponents of the new policy say they plan to challenge the ban in court, arguing it violates the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals.

The takeaway

The ban on gender marker changes on state IDs in Indiana is seen as a setback for LGBTQ+ rights, raising concerns about discrimination and the ability of transgender and non-binary residents to have identification that accurately reflects their identity.