Updated Gender X Passport Guidance

January 22, 2025: In April 2022, the US Department of State (US DOS) created a gender X option for US passports.

On January 20, 2025, an executive order was issued stating:

Section 2. It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.

(d) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex.

The US DOS has updated its passport application systems. Future study abroad students applying for a passport must now select their sex at birth (M or F) as the option for "X" has been removed from the website, https://www.travel.state.gov.

Students who have already submitted a passport application and selected "X" may experience processing delays. The DOS may contact you to request additional documents or records to confirm your biological sex for your passport application.

On February 10, 2025, the DOS published a new webpage titled Sex Marker in Passports. The page clarifies:

"All passports—including those with an X marker or those listing a sex different from your sex at birth—will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy."

Additionally, the FAQ section states:

"Q: Is my passport still valid if I have an X marker or if it lists a sex other than my sex at birth?

A: Yes. Your passport will remain valid until its expiration date."

The Office of International Education encourages students or faculty members with questions regarding this updated federal guidance to contact our office at 1 (203) 392-6756 or by email at oie@southernct.edu.

Contact Information for the Department of State

We understand that our community may find this information distressing. Please remember that all SCSU Students Abroad are able to access mental health support services through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) by calling AXA Assistance 24/7 at the number on their CISI medical cards. We encourage students currently at Southern seeking support to reach out to the Sage Center and/or Counseling Services.