Military families lose option to change gender on ID cards

The Defense Department removed the process for military retirees, dependents, and contractors to change their gender on official ID cards. These individuals can no longer update their gender marker in the military's eligibility system.

The military's eligibility system, DEERS, holds official records for millions of service members and their families. This rule means a specific group of people can no longer update their gender identity in that system. It directly implements a January 2025 Executive Order.