British Columbia now offers ‘X’ for gender option on driver’s licences, other identification cards

British Columbia now offers 'X' for gender option on driver's licences, other identification cards
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B.C. residents can now choose between M, F or X on their drivers licence, identity card, birth certificate and BC Services Card. Credit: Ministry of Citizens Service.

B.C. residents can now choose between M, F or X on their drivers licence, identity card, birth certificate and BC Services Card. Credit: Ministry of Citizens Service.

A third gender option is now available for British Columbians who are applying for a driver’s licence, birth certificate, identity card or a BC Services Card.

Applicants who do not identify as male or female can now check “X,” instead of “M” or “F.”

“Since last summer, we have been working on changes to government documents in recognition and respect of people who do not identify as male or female,” B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix said. “Including the X gender designation on key ID is an important step in this.”

The new option came into effect on Nov. 1 and is being implemented by the health, citizens’ services and attorney general ministries.

“We are taking action to move British Columbia into the 21st century when it comes to gender identity,” Minister of Citizens’ Services Jinny Sims said. “This is a step in the right direction to ensure that identity documents better reflect identity. It is the right thing to do.”

“The lack of an alternative for those who do not identify with the male or female designation has previously resulted in cases that were being considered at the Human Rights Tribunal,” B.C. Attorney General David Eby said. “This change is a step in the right direction to promote inclusivity for all people in British Columbia.”

The ministries are also exploring the next steps required to move to a non-medical model of gender identification, including reviewing the requirements for supporting documentation from health-care practitioners.

To change a gender designation on an identity document if you are born in B.C., you need to:

  • Submit a Change of Gender Designation Application form (VSA509a) along with a copy of the physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation form (VSA 510p) to the Vital Statistics Agency.
  • Upon request, the Vital Statistics Agency will issue a birth certificate that reflects the new gender marker. There is a cost associated with getting a new birth certificate.
  • Next, the person can send a copy of the new birth certificate to Health Insurance B.C. (HIBC) to allow them to update their system.
  • HIBC will send a letter when the update has been completed and direct them to an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) counter where they can have their driver’s licence updated.

If you are not born in B.C. but are now a B.C. resident, you need to

  • Submit a BC Services Card Change of Gender Designation Application form (BCSC509a), along with a copy of the physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation form (VSA 510p) to HIBC.
  • HIBC will send a letter when the update has been completed and direct them to an ICBC counter where they can have their driver’s licence updated.
  • The Vital Statistics Agency cannot change gender designations on birth certificates from other jurisdictions. Minors’ gender-change applications also require parental consent.

 

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