The United States (U.S) State Department announced that it has ceased issuing passports with a gender-neutral ‘X’ designation, following an executive order from President Donald Trump that restricts government recognition of transgender identities.
A spokesperson for the department confirmed this decision on the evening of Friday, January 24.
“In line with that Order, the Department’s issuance of US passports will reflect the individual’s biological sex as defined in the Executive Order,” the spokesperson said.
This decision rolls back the policy implemented during former President Joe Biden’s administration, leaving many individuals uncertain about the status of their pending applications and previously issued passports.
“The department is no longer issuing US passports with X markers and has suspended processing of all applications seeking a different sex marker than that defined by the terms in the Executive Order,” the spokesperson added.
“Guidance regarding previously issued X sex marker passports is forthcoming, with updates to be posted on the department’s travel website.
Shortly after taking office on January 20, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to only recognize male or female sex markers, declaring that a person’s sex is fixed and unalterable.
This move is part of a broader effort to undo policies from the previous administration, including those aimed at advancing racial equity and protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
In October 2021, the State Department issued its first passport with a gender-neutral X marker, following a legal battle fought by an intersex individual from Colorado, as reported by AFP.
The department began processing X passports regularly in early 2022.
While the exact number of X passports issued or requested has not been disclosed, a study by UCLA Law School’s Williams Institute estimated that more than 16,000 people may apply for one annually.
Throughout his campaign, Trump often criticized transgender policies, particularly regarding women’s sports and medical treatment for minors, as part of his broader opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
On January 20, Trump ordered an immediate halt to federal DEI initiatives, anti-discrimination policies, and the official recognition of transgender identities.
These actions have sparked strong opposition from advocacy groups and are expected to face legal challenges.
Although the federal government has eliminated the X option, many states continue to allow gender-neutral designations on driver’s licenses.
Additionally, countries such as Australia, Canada, and Germany also offer identification with an X gender marker.
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