Changing the registration of gender on official documents
Do you want to change the registration of your gender designation on your official documents? If so, it must first be changed on your birth certificate. For people born in the Netherlands, this is done in the municipality where you were born. If you want a gender-neutral birth certificate, you can send a request to the district court. After the registration of your gender has been changed on your birth certificate, you can apply for a new passport, identity card or driving licence.
The Government of the Netherlands uses 2 genders: ‘man’ (male) and ‘vrouw’ (female). For people born in the Netherlands, changing the registration of your gender from ‘man’ to ‘vrouw’, and vice versa, can be done at the municipality where you were born.
It is not possible to choose gender-neutral registration at the municipality. Do you want to change the registration of your gender to gender-neutral? If so, send a request to the district court.
There are rules for changing the registration of your gender on official documents.
Medical certificate needed to change the registration of your gender
To change the registration of your gender, you will need a certificate from an expert. This may be a doctor, psychologist or psychotherapist. The certificate is a statement containing the designation ‘deskundige transgenders’ (transgender expert) (in Dutch). You do not need to have undergone an operation, hormone treatment or sterilisation.
Change to registration of gender designation for children under 16 years of age
It is not currently possible for children under 16 years of age to have the registration of their gender changed.
Gender registration change and citizenship
To change the registration of your gender in the Netherlands, you must:
- hold Dutch citizenship; or
- have resided in the Netherlands for at least 1 year, if you do not hold Dutch citizenship.
Do you want to have the registration of your gender changed by the municipality in the Netherlands where you were born? If so, you can also specify your new forename(s). The municipality where you were born will then put those names on your birth certificate.
You can have the registration of your gender changed in the municipality where you were born. That municipality will amend your birth certificate. The municipality where you were born will notify the municipality where you live of the change. The municipality where you live will then amend your data in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP).
Were you born outside the Netherlands? If so, you can submit a request to the municipality of Den Haag (The Hague).
Applying for a new passport, identity card or driving licence after changing the registration of your gender
Is your new gender registration entered in the BRP? If so, you can apply for a new passport, identity card or driving licence. You can do this with the municipality where you live. Old documents are no longer valid, and you must return them.
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Deletion or change of personal data, request
Please note: you can only change the registration of your gender if you live in the Netherlands and are registered with a municipality.
Change of registration of gender is only possible if it concerns a completed gender change.
- Copy of your valid proof of identity
- To change the registration of your gender, you will need a certificate from an expert. This may be a doctor, psychologist or psychotherapist. The certificate is a statement containing the designation 'deskundige transgenders' (transgender expert) (in Dutch)
You submit your application to the municipality.
Arrangements in writing
You must submit the application in writing. Do not forget to enclose a copy of your valid proof of identity.
Arrangements at the desk You can also arrange this at the desks in the town hall in Wijhe or in the Holstohus in Olst. Don't forget to bring your supporting documents. Please make an appointment first by telephone on +31 (0)570 568 080.
Amendment of the registration your gender on your birth certificate is free of charge. However, you do have to pay for a new identity document (passport, identity card, driving licence).
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Olst-Wijhe
Visiting addresses
Raadhuisplein 1
8131BN Wijhe
| Monday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Tuesday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Wednesday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Thursday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Friday | 09.00-12.00 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Jan Schamhartstraat 5b
8121CM Olst
| Monday | 13.30-16.30 |
| Tuesday | 13.30-16.30 |
| Wednesday | 13.30-20.00 |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 13.30-16.30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |