International Safety and Security is sharing an update from the U.S. Department of State regarding United States passports. We are providing this information to keep university travelers informed and remind you of resources available through International Safety and Security.
The Department of State has released updated information related to the Sex Marker in United States Passports, sometimes referred to as X-Gender Passports. Travelers are encouraged to review the full announcement, including Frequently Asked Questions, on the Department of State's website.
The updated guidance reads:
The White House issued Executive Order 14168: "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" in January 2025. After the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts’ ruling in June 2025 in Orr v. Trump, we are extending preliminary relief for two classes of individuals:
- Certain individuals seeking a passport in M or F, and
- Certain individuals seeking a passport in X.
If you are a class member, you are eligible to receive a passport with your sex marker of choice (M, F, or X) if:
- You do not have a valid passport,
- You need to renew your current passport before it expires within one year,
- You need to change your passport, so the sex printed on the passport matches your selected gender identity, or to reflect a name change, or
- You need to apply for a new passport because your current passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.
International Safety and Security is committed to supporting all university travelers before, during, and after travel. We are available to consult with students, faculty and staff regarding travel to specific destinations and any personal considerations. Our website, safetyabroad.illinois.edu, also includes helpful tips and trusted resources for preparing for travel.
If you have any questions about your own unique circumstances, please do not hesitate to email us at safetyabroad@illinois.edu.
Sincerely,
International Safety and Security