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Legal change of gender marker

What this indicator measures

Shows whether there is a legal procedure to change the gender marker on identity documents, and what it requires: a simple declaration, a court decision, a medical diagnosis, surgery, or surgery with sterilization.

How to read this?

The lighter the requirement (simple declaration), the more accessible the procedure; “Not possible” means no procedure exists.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Legal change of gender marker: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Possible by simple declaration : 22 ; Possible by court decision : 7 ; Possible with a medical diagnosis : 24 ; Possible with surgery : 7 ; Possible with surgery and sterilization : 4 ; Possible, conditions not specified : 3 ; Not legally possible : 125 ; Varies by region : 2.

Why this indicator matters

Being able to match identity documents to one's lived gender has concrete effects on daily life. Comparing procedures shows what each law requires, from a simple declaration to medical conditions.

What makes this indicator vary

Rules change with debates on gender identity, court decisions and international commitments. Some countries have eased their requirements, others maintain them or have no procedure at all.

Reading precautions

The indicator uses the main condition set by law, not delays, costs or administrative practices. Some procedures exist only through case law. The law may have changed since the last update.

Legal change of gender marker

Possible by simple declaration (22)

Possible by court decision (7)

Possible with a medical diagnosis (24)

Possible with surgery (7)

Possible with surgery and sterilization (4)

Possible, conditions not specified (3)

Not legally possible (125)

Varies by region (2)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Legal change of gender marker" data come from?

It comes from Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “by simple declaration” mean?

The person can change their gender marker by making an administrative request, without a medical opinion, surgery or a judge's decision. It is the lightest requirement in the classification.

Why are some conditions medical?

Some laws require a diagnosis or a procedure before documents can be changed. This indicator only describes these conditions as written, without judging them.

Source and update

Source : Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : LGBTQ+ rights