TLACT Passport Fund 2025

The time to help trans, non-binary, and intersex Texans afford a legal ID that shows who they are is now. 

Due to Texas DPS and Vital Statistics policy changes which have remained in place since August 2024, a passport may be the only form of valid photo ID a trans, non-binary, or intersex Texan can obtain with the accurate name and gender they navigate the world with listed on it. The Trump administration immediately changed U.S. passport policies on January 20, 2025 to make this impossible.

In February 2025, after trans, non-binary, and intersex passport applicants were denied passports or given passports with the incorrect sex/gender on them pursuant to these policies, the ACLU filed a lawsuit - Orr v. Trump. In June 2025, the ACLU was able to secure a tremendous victory in that case that impacts all trans, non-binary, and intersex people - an order requiring the Department of State (department that issues passports) to essentially go back to the pre-January 20, 2025 policies - allowing people to select the sex/gender they want on their passport - M, F, or X - even if that does not match their birth certificate and/or photo ID/driver's license. The Department of State began complying with this order on July 2, 2025. This huge victory provides vital, but likely temporary, relief. Accordingly, the ACLU, and other advocates are encouraging trans, non-binary, and intersex people to get a passport, renew their passport, or make any needed updates to their existing passport as soon as possible. 

Policy changes and legal challenges have made the passport process confusing for trans, non-binary, and intersex people. Trans Legal Aid Clinic of Texas ("TLACT") is providing our community with the latest information about these changes and practical steps to get an accurate passport. But the murky policy waters are just one hurdle. Another huge hurdle is cost. At about $250 in fees when expedited, passports are one of the most expensive ID documents, particularly for trans people, who are significantly more likely to be living in poverty and discriminatorily subject to underemployment, unemployment, and lower wages - issues that are compounded by lack of access to accurate ID documents. 

TLACT would like to support trans, non-binary, and intersex people born or living in Texas by providing them with the money they need to clear the cost hurdle and get an accurate passport now, before future policy changes may make it impossible again. Help us make getting a passport feasible for trans, non-binary, and intersex people born or living in Texas. This need has never been greater and we need your support to meet it.