New York state has begun issuing gender neutral driver's licenses that allow motorists to mark down 'X' in the category for sex.
The state Department of Motor Vehicles announced the move on Friday, touting it as a 'historic day' and saying the very first gender neutral photo IDs had been issued.
The new policy is being implemented in accordance with the State's Gender Recognition Act, which officially goes into effect on June 24.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the move, saying in a statement: 'As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.'
'Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are,' added Hochul.
'My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community,' said the governor, a Democrat.
Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said: 'Perhaps more than any other state agency, New Yorkers directly engage with their government through the DMV, so offering identity documents that are representative of all New Yorkers is a significant milestone.'
'We are thrilled to implement this new option that we know will have a positive impact on the lives of so many of our customers,' he added.
Former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the new law mandating gender neutral IDs prior to resigning in disgrace last year.
As part of the new law, New Yorkers will no longer have to publish their name change, address, birth place and birth date in a newspaper, which the previous law requires within 60 days of a name change.
They could also ask to seal sex designation papers because of the risk of violence or discrimination.
And the law precludes courts from requiring the individual to notify federal immigration authorities about their sex designation change.
