On February 11, 2025, the State Department clarified updated actions related to gender markers on passports, as a result of the Executive Order “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”
Key Changes
- The State Department will no longer issue U.S. passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs) with a gender “X” marker. Passports will be issued with only an M or F sex marker that match the customer’s biological sex at birth.
- Individuals who submit a passport application requesting an “X” marker or requesting a sex marker that differs from the sex marker at birth, may experience delays getting their passport. They may receive a letter or email requesting more information.
What to Expect
- All passports – including those with an “X” marker or those listing a sex different from the sex at birth – will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy.
- The State Department has issued an online form filler to fill out and print a passport form which lists “Sex.” Applicants may use all forms available on the State Department website, including ones that expired before 2025.
- The State Department is currently working to update its forms and will post the new versions as soon as they are available.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.