Passports Lose “X” Gender Marker as State Department Rolls Back Option

The U.S. government is eliminating the “X” gender marker on passports, forcing nonbinary, intersex, and trans people to choose between “M” or “F.” This reversal is part of a broader push by the Trump Administration to erase legal recognition for gender diversity, with far-reaching consequences for travel, identity, and civil rights.

What’s Changing?

• Existing passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) with an “X” marker remain valid until they expire.
• Those who received an “X” passport in the past year can request a free replacement with “M” or “F.”
• New applications requesting an “X” will default to male or female based on other legal documents.
• If official records don’t match, the application may be suspended for additional review.

Why This Matters for Business and Travel

For employers, global mobility professionals, and frequent travelers, this shift creates additional bureaucratic hurdles. Passports are a critical form of identification, and mismatches between gender markers on IDs can lead to travel disruptions, increased scrutiny at borders, and even denial of entry in certain countries.

Companies committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be aware of how these changes impact employees, clients, and colleagues. International business travel should be seamless, not a source of stress for those who no longer have accurate documentation.

The Bigger Picture

This is not just a paperwork issue. The removal of the “X” marker is a deliberate rollback of rights. It follows other policy shifts banning trans people from serving openly in the military, restricting transition-related healthcare, and barring trans women from competing in women’s sports. These moves send a clear message: identity recognition is now a political battleground.

If this change were truly insignificant, why undo it? The fact that the administration took action to remove an option that harmed no one speaks volumes.

What Comes Next?

The ACLU has already filed a lawsuit against the State Department, arguing that the policy is discriminatory and violates constitutional rights to privacy, free speech, and travel. Advocacy efforts will likely continue, but for now, affected individuals must navigate these barriers in real time.

How Businesses and Leaders Can Respond

• Support Employees: If your organization has employees who are affected, be proactive in offering resources and assistance.
• Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Companies that engage in global hiring and business travel should be vocal about the need for policies that respect all identities.
• Stay Informed: Legal challenges and policy changes may continue, impacting documentation requirements in the future.

At its core, this issue is about dignity, autonomy, and the ability to move through the world without unnecessary obstacles. Removing a harmless option out of political spite should concern us all—especially those who believe in fairness, inclusion, and human rights.

Would love to hear from others: How do you think this change will impact business, travel, and DEI initiatives?