Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 543-2025, establishing a formal process by which individuals in the Virgin Islands may request a change to the gender marker on their official government-issued identification documents.
The Executive Order directs executive branch agencies—including the Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles—to amend gender designations on official documents upon request, ensuring that Virgin Islanders can obtain identification that accurately reflects their identity.
“Virgin Islanders have reached out to our administration seeking a way to have their documents reflect who they truly are,” Governor Bryan said. “This Executive Order provides a fair and compassionate process where none existed before. It ensures that our government recognizes and respects the lived realities of all our residents.”
Currently, no law or administrative process existed to guide such changes. While the Bryan-Roach Administration previously submitted legislation to the 36th Legislature proposing a process that required a court order, the measure was not advanced beyond its initial hearing. To address this gap, Governor Bryan acted through Executive Order to establish a clear and practical path forward.
Under the new process:
- An individual aged 18 or older—or a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor—may request a change of gender marker in writing from the issuing agency.
- The request must be accompanied by a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, from a licensed healthcare provider who has treated or evaluated the individual, confirming that the individual has an intersex condition and that a gender designation change is appropriate.
- Alternatively, a judicial order from the Virgin Islands or another jurisdiction granting a gender change designation may be submitted in lieu of a healthcare provider’s statement.
Once approved, the relevant executive department will amend the individual’s identification documents accordingly. The revised documents will use the term “gender” rather than “sex” for the designation.
Governor Bryan noted that this action aligns the Virgin Islands with at least 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, which have adopted administrative procedures for amending gender designations on birth certificates, and more than 30 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C., which have similar processes for driver’s licenses.
“Our administration remains committed to fairness, dignity, and respect for every Virgin Islander,” Governor Bryan added. “This Executive Order brings the Virgin Islands in line with modern standards of inclusion and ensures that all residents have access to accurate and affirming government identification.”
For more information or to request a gender marker amendment, residents may contact the Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
The Bryan-Roach administration remains committed to building resilient infrastructure and advancing the territory’s recovery while promoting transparency, restoring trust in government and stabilizing the economy.
For more information, visit transparency.vi.gov, follow @governmenthouseusvi on Facebook, X and YouTube, and @govhouseusvi on Instagram.
St. Croix Source
Legislature Corner
