SPRINGFIELD – Accurate gender identification is essential for daily life, yet, for many transgender individuals, barriers remain. To strengthen privacy protections, State Senator Laura Ellman championed a new law to codify Illinois’ existing policy, allowing gender marker updates on IDs through self-attestation.
“An ID should never put someone in a vulnerable position,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This ensures people can safely and accurately reflect who they are.”
According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly one-third of transgender people have faced harassment or denial of service when IDs did not match their identity.
To protect existing policy while reinforcing privacy safeguards, the law will reinforce current Illinois Secretary of State practices, update outdated language and prohibit disclosure of gender designation forms without a court order.
“Driver’s licenses are more than a piece of plastic we carry in our wallets; they are the key to participating in nearly every aspect of the modern world,” said Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). “Whether driving your car or opening a new bank account, it’s important that one’s ID reflects how they view themselves. This change would ensure that non-binary individuals in Illinois can live as their true selves, even as states across the country and even the federal government continue to attack LGBTQ+ rights.”
House Bill 5095 was signed into law Sunday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
