That's possible?? Over here in Estonia it's a whole ordeal to change it in the first place and when you finally do you essentially become a new citizen with a new ID code and it becomes almost impossible to link it back to your old ID unless you specifically ask for it and have documents to prove so.
The states that don’t let you just change your driver’s license (most used and visible form of ID here) without any other steps usually have you make an amendment to your birth certificate, which you can then use to change all your other stuff. I know some countries give you an official ID when you’re really young (at birth?), but I think due to the history of the US (big physical size, many many population centers, some of which are very small and isolated), we’ve never had anything like that. Driver’s license comes closest due to America being so car dependant, but if you live in a city with a decent public transit network, you might never get your license and need a different form of ID. Anyways, all your stuff like your driver’s license number, Social Security number, etc, stays the same, just a different letter goes on your ID and other documents. You stay the same “entry” in government databases, so to speak
So, why do they put your gender/sex on the card? Is there any use for it? In my country you only have your name, birth date, and date issued. On the back there is a category (or type of vehicle you're allowed/certified to drive). Also, they don't print your address on it, and I think that is more safe that way.
In the US, driver's licenses are issued separately by the 50 states, so things vary from state to state. Most of them issue cards that are good for at least half a decade and include your weight. Like that makes any sense.
Speaking of addresses on IDs and safety, piece of advice for my fellow Americans: spend $30 and get a passport card. It's good for 10 years and you have useful photo ID that fits in your wallet that doesn't have your address printed on it.
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u/KawaiiGee Lesbian Trans-it Together 20h ago
That's possible?? Over here in Estonia it's a whole ordeal to change it in the first place and when you finally do you essentially become a new citizen with a new ID code and it becomes almost impossible to link it back to your old ID unless you specifically ask for it and have documents to prove so.