The U.S. has broadened its passport identification options for gender.

As of June 30, U.S. passport holders identifying as nonbinary, intersex, or gender-nonconforming can now officially choose their identity on their passports, according to an announcement from the Department of State.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken stated that applicants will no longer need medical documentation during the passport application process if their self-identified gender does not match the gender on other identity documents.

"The Department is working toward introducing a gender marker for nonbinary, intersex, and gender non-conforming applicants for passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)," Blinken explained, highlighting that this is a "technologically complex process" that will require time.

Currently, U.S. passports only offer male (M) and female (F) options, but a third option marked as X will now be available for gender-neutral individuals. This change aligns the U.S. with over six other countries, including Canada, which have already implemented similar policies, as reported by the New York Times.

The department's choice recognizes the 20 states and Washington, D.C. that permit residents to select M, F, or X on their driver's licenses, including states like Arkansas, Minnesota, California, and regions such as the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, among others.