Updated Gender X Passport Guidance
January 22, 2025: In April 2022, the US Department of State (US DOS) created a gender X option for US passports.
On January 20, 2025, an executive order was issued stating:
Section 2. It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.
(d) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex.
The US DOS has updated its passport application systems. Future study abroad students applying for a passport must now select their sex at birth (M or F) as the option for "X" has been removed from the website, travel.state.gov.
Students who have already submitted a passport application and selected "X" may experience processing delays. The DOS may contact you to request additional documents or records to confirm your biological sex for your passport application.
On February 10, 2025, the DOS published a new webpage titled Sex Marker in Passports. The page clarifies:
"All passports—including those with an X marker or those listing a sex different from your sex at birth—will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy."
Additionally, the FAQ section states:"Q: Is my passport still valid if I have an X marker or if it lists a sex other than my sex at birth?
A: Yes. Your passport will remain valid until its expiration date."
UCEAP will communicate directly with known X passport holders who are currently abroad for winter and spring programs.
We understand that our community may find this information distressing. Please remember that all UCEAP Students Abroad are able to access 20 mental health sessions online with Lyra Health. Reach out to our International Health, Safety, and Crisis Management if you need assistance using this resource. We encourage students currently on a UC campus to reach out to their LGBTQI+ Resource center and/or Counseling and Psychological Services.