On January 14, 2022, the Government of British Columbia announced a change in the process for people aged 12 and older to change the gender designation on provincial ID documents. 

This change is an important step towards respecting the rights of Two-Spirit, trans and gender diverse people in B.C.  It will also make the application process easier for people by removing the barrier of needing to obtain confirmation from a physician or psychologist. 

Here is a summary of the change: 

• Two-spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people 12 and older in British Columbia are able to change gender designations on the BC Services Card, B.C. driver's licence, BCID card and B.C. birth certificate without the confirmation of a physician or psychologist.
• Adults (19 or older) wanting to change their gender designations will be required to complete an Application for Change of Gender Designation, which includes a self-declaration.
• People under 19 will also need to complete the Application for Change of Gender Designation and provide proof of parent and/or guardian support.
• Children age 11 and younger will still be required to submit a physician's or psychologist's confirmation of change of gender designation. 

For a step-by-step guide to changing gender designations on ID documents, visit Trans Care BC's Updating ID Guide or the two backgrounders presented by the Government of British Columbia's news release. 

Trans Care BC acknowledges that the barrier of medical validation remains for those under 12 and are working with the government and other key stakeholders to support the removal of this barrier.

If you have questions, contact the Trans Care BC Care Team by emailing transcareteam@phsa.ca.