Changing your gender identity on your passport

If you want your passport issued in a gender that is different to your birth record, citizenship record or previous passport, write your preferred gender of male, female or X in the changing gender identity section of the passport application form.

You must meet all other usual passport requirements.

If you are applying for your first passport

You need to complete a new adult passport application (PDF 1.2MB).

If you are renewing your passport

You need to complete the adult passport renewal application (PDF 1.3MB).

If you want your child’s passport issued in a gender that is different to their birth record, citizenship record or previous passport, write their preferred gender of male, female or X in the changing gender identity section of the passport application form.

You also need to provide a letter from a registered counsellor or medical professional which supports this change. This letter must be on the practitioner’s official letterhead.

Your child must meet all other usual passport requirements.

If you are applying for your child’s passport

You need to complete the child passport application (PDF 1.5MB).

Although New Zealand travel systems recognise gender X, some international travel authorisation systems and e-Gates may not. You may still be asked to provide your gender information as either male or female when travelling.

You may want to check with the embassy or high commission of the countries you want to visit or transit through to ask about any entry requirements.

If you have had multiple gender or name changes, and you have previously travelled to a country under different details, you may encounter delays at border controls. It may also affect your ability to confirm your identity.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) recommends you carefully consider these implications before changing your gender details in your passport.

Where there has been more than one change in gender identity, you need to submit your previous passport with your passport application. Your previous passport will be cancelled and returned to you. DIA reserves the right to request the return of your passport or travel document at any time.