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Sex Markers in Passports
Learn about sex markers in U.S. passports.
The White House issued Executive Order 14168 "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" on January 20, 2025.
Under the executive order, we no longer issue U.S. passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad with an X marker. We only issue a passport with an M or F sex marker that matches your biological sex at birth.
On November 6, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the preliminary injunction issued in June 2025 by the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts in Orr v. Trump. As a result, we are only issuing passports reflecting sex at birth and will not honor attestations requesting a preferred sex marker.
If you submit a passport application requesting an X marker or requesting a sex marker that differs from the sex marker at your birth, you may experience delays getting your passport. You may receive a letter or email requesting more information. We will issue you a new passport that matches your biological sex at birth, based on your supporting documents and our records about your previous passports.
Passport validity and international travel
All passports will remain valid until they expire, are replaced by the applicant, or until we invalidate them under federal regulations.
U.S. passports are proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. They can be used for travel abroad. Please refer to U.S. Customs and Border Protection if you have questions about returning to the United States with your travel document. Some destinations may restrict your travel if your passport contains an X marker. Review the travel advisory and detailed information for your destination to learn more.
How to replace your passport
If your passport currently lists a sex other than your sex at birth, you may apply to replace your passport with a new one.
If the passport was issued less than 1 year ago, you may replace it by mail using Form DS-5504. You will need a new photo if the passport was issued more than 6 months ago. You will not have to pay passport fees unless you are requesting the $60 expedited service.
If the passport was issued more than 1 year ago, you may be eligible to renew using Form DS-82. If you are not eligible to renew, you can apply in person using Form DS-11. You will need to pay all passport fees.
Birth documentation and additional requirements
If your birth certificate does not have information about your sex, you can still apply for a passport or replace your passport. If we need more information from you, we will contact you after you apply. We will request that you submit certain documents and records to help us establish your biological sex for your new passport.