How to Update Your Credit Report and File for a Transgender Name Change

Do one thing: To find information about state requirements for a transgender name change, visit the ID Documents Center at https://transequality.org/documents

Navigating a Transgender Name Change  

The process to complete a transgender name change varies depending on where you live in the United States but often begins with petitioning a court in your area to make the request. 

Whether you are just embarking on a transgender or non-binary name change journey, or have been working through the process for a while, there are a variety of helpful resources available to guide you on your path. 

Update Important Documents

Before requesting a name change on financial documents – including credit reports at the three main credit reporting agencies – you will need to have other identification, such as a social security card and driver’s license, updated first. All three agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – require supporting legal documentation before they can change the name on your credit reports.

Transgender Name Change Resources

For help navigating a transgender name change, Advocates for Trans Equality (or A4TE) provides a database on its website specifically for this purpose. Once there, you can select your state from a pull-down menu for details on how to update your name and gender on state and federal IDs and records including birth certificates and driver’s licenses. The A4TE ID documents center is located online here: https://transequality.org/documents

If you don’t immediately recognize the name, that’s because it’s brand new. Advocates for Trans Equality was established in 2024 when the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund merged.

More help: Through its Transgender ID project, GLAD also provides a clearinghouse of information for those seeking more details about the name change process who live in the northeastern U.S. GLAD’s self-directed guide can be found here: https://www.glad.org/id/

Changing Social Security Records

To change your name and the sex identification on your Social Security record, you won’t need to provide medical or legal evidence of the designation, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You will need to show proof of your identity, and that could also include verifying your citizenship or immigration status. The sex identification, if shown on an evidence document you provide, notes the SSA, can be binary (meaning male or female) or non-binary (such as X). The identification does not have to match the sex identification currently on your Social Security record, or the sex identification you request.

For now, though, the SSA says its record systems require a sex designation of female or male and are not able to accommodate a non-binary or unspecified sex designation, such as X. The agency says it’s looking for ways to address this issue.

Specifically, the SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card form is used to change your name and gender marker on your social security record, according to GLAD. It’s important to note that your new card will only list your name.

Notifying Credit Reporting Bureaus

After you legally change your name, it’s a good idea to also notify the three major credit reporting bureaus of the change. Here’s how to complete the process for TransUnion. 

1. A request should be made in writing, which means you will need to mail in supporting documents, which could be the court order reflecting your name change. 
2. Included in the letter should be a request specifically asking for a transgender name change.
3. Be sure to include your address, date of birth, and Social Security number, so you can be properly identified.
4. The letter should also include the reason for your name change, according to TransUnion, so they can then suppress your birth name on your credit file, meaning it shouldn’t be shown on TransUnion credit reports in the future.

Mailing Address for TransUnion

Mail the above-described documentation to:

If you have questions about requesting a name change on your credit reports, TransUnion asks customers to call them at (800) 916-8800 for help with the process.

Double Check Your Records  

As with so many things in life, attention to detail is key. Megan Kopka, a certified financial planner and registered life planner with Apprise Wealth Management, said when changing names on legal and financial documents, be sure to maintain consistency across agencies and documentation.

“I would caution that when getting all IDs changed at once, make sure to use the same formal name at each agency,” she said. “And if there is a misspelling, fix it expeditiously.”

So after completing your name change request with the three main bureaus, request a free credit report the next month to ensure your name appears as it should. Even something as simple as your new name appearing with (or without) a middle initial could potentially delay credit-related requests.

With reporting by Casandra Andrews