What You Can Change and What You Cannot
You can change the race listed on your birth certificate, driver's license, and passport in most U.S. states and at the federal level. The process is straightforward but varies by which document you need to update and which state issued it. You cannot change your race retroactively on historical records — a document issued in 1995 will still show what was recorded then — but you can update current and future documents.
The reason race appears on these documents at all is administrative: government agencies use it for census data, health records, and statistical tracking. Changing it does not affect your legal identity, citizenship, or rights. It is treated the same way as correcting a misspelled name or an outdated address.
Key Takeaways
- Birth certificates, driver's licenses, and passports can all be updated to reflect a different race designation through your state's vital records office or motor vehicles department.
- Most states require a written request and a reason for the change, but do not require legal documentation or a court order for race changes specifically.
- Processing times range from two weeks to three months depending on the document and state, and fees typically run between $10 and $50 per document.
- You will need to update your race on each document separately — changing it on your driver's license does not automatically update your birth certificate or passport.
- Some states allow you to change race by mail or online; others require you to appear in person at a vital records office or DMV.
Changing Your Race on Your Birth Certificate
Your birth certificate is issued by the state where you were born, and each state has its own process for amendments. You contact the vital records office in that state — not your current state of residence — and request a race change. Most states call this an "amendment" or "correction" to your birth certificate.
You will need to provide your full name at birth, your date of birth, your parents' names, and the reason for the change. Most states do not require you to explain why you are changing your race; a straightforward statement like "to correct the recorded information" is sufficient. Some states ask you to sign an affidavit (a sworn statement) confirming the change. A few states require a letter from a doctor or other official, but this is uncommon for race changes.
The fee ranges from $10 to $50, and processing takes two to eight weeks depending on the state. You can usually request this by mail, email, or in person. Contact your state's vital records office directly — search "[your state] vital records office" to find the correct address and current procedures, as these change periodically.
Changing Your Race on Your Driver's License or ID Card
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency handles driver's license updates. You can usually change your race when you renew your license, or you can request an amendment to your current license without renewing it.
Visit your local DMV office with your current license and a completed process form (available on your state's DMV website). You will be asked to confirm the new race designation. Most states do not require documentation for this change — your word is sufficient. Some states allow you to make the change online through their DMV portal if you have a digital ID or account set up.
Processing is usually when ready if you are in person, or two to three weeks if you request it by mail. The fee is typically $0 to $25 depending on whether you are renewing at the same time. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Changing Your Race on Your Passport
The U.S. State Department issues passports and handles race changes through the same office that processes passport applications and renewals. You can request a race change on Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (for a renewal), both available at travel.state.gov.
If you are explore for a new passport or renewing one that has expired, you can straightforward list the new race on the form. If your passport is still valid and you only want to change the race, you can submit Form DS-82 by mail with your current passport, a new photo, and the fee. The State Department does not require an explanation or supporting documents for race changes.
Processing takes four to six weeks for routine service, or two to three weeks for expedited service (which costs extra). You can also explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency if you need it faster. The standard fee is $130 for a new passport book; expedited service adds $60.
What Documents You Do Not Need
You do not need a court order, a lawyer, or a doctor's letter to change your race on most documents. Some states used to require these, but the trend across the country has moved toward treating race changes as straightforward administrative corrections, similar to fixing a misspelled name.
If a state or agency tells you that you need a court order or legal documentation to change your race, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact your state's ACLU office or civil rights division. Requirements vary, and some offices may be explore outdated policies. Knowing what your state actually requires can save you time and money.
Updating Multiple Documents at Once
Each document is maintained by a different agency, so you must update them separately. A common sequence is to start with your birth certificate (since it is the foundational document), then update your driver's license, then your passport. This order is not required, but it can make the process smoother because some agencies ask to see your birth certificate as proof of identity.
You do not have to update all of them. If you only need your driver's license to reflect the change, you can update only that. However, if you travel internationally or explore for government benefits, having your passport and birth certificate match your current identity is useful to avoid confusion or delays.
Costs and Timeline
| Document | Typical Fee | Processing Time | Where to Request |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $10–$50 | 2–8 weeks | State vital records office |
| Driver's License | $0–$25 | when ready (in person) or 2–3 weeks (by mail) | State DMV |
| Passport | $130–$190 | 2–6 weeks | U.S. State Department |
Total cost for all three documents typically ranges from $150 to $265, depending on your state and whether you choose expedited processing. If you are already renewing your driver's license or passport for other reasons, you can make the race change at the same time without additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to explain why I am changing my race?
Most states do not require an explanation. A straightforward statement like "to correct the recorded information" is sufficient. Some states ask you to sign an affidavit confirming the change, but they do not ask you to justify it. If an office asks for a detailed explanation, you can ask whether it is required or optional.
Will changing my race affect my citizenship or legal status?
No. Race is a demographic category used for record-keeping and statistics. Changing it does not affect your citizenship, immigration status, benefits, or legal rights. It is treated the same as correcting any other factual error on a document.
Can I change my race on documents issued before I was an adult?
Yes. You can amend your birth certificate at any age. If you were a minor when your driver's license or passport was issued, you can still request a change now. There is no age limit on when you can make this request.
What if I was born outside the United States?
If you were born outside the U.S., you cannot change your race on a foreign birth certificate through U.S. agencies. However, you can change it on your U.S. passport and driver's license. If you need to update your foreign birth certificate, you will need to contact the vital records office in the country where you were born.
How do I know which state's vital records office to contact?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born, not where you currently live. Search "[state name] vital records office" online, or visit the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics website, which lists contact information for all state vital records offices.