What is an X in the passport and how does the application process work?
Wilt u een X in uw paspoort? Wij begeleiden u zorgvuldig bij het volledige juridische traject – van eerste advies tot de uitspraak.
Simmelink Advocaten was betrokken bij meerdere rechterlijke uitspraken waarbij een X-registratie is toegewezen. Daardoor weten wij wat rechters belangrijk vinden en hoe een verzoek overtuigend moet worden onderbouwd.
If you wish to apply for an X designation—a change in the gender marker on your birth certificate—we will assist you from start to finish. This registration as “unspecified” gender allows your official documents, such as your passport, ID card, and driver’s license, to align with your gender identity.
- Involved in significant rulings regarding X in the passport
- Experienced in Complex Family Law Matters
- Personalized Approach, Tailored to Your Situation
Would you like to know how we can provide assistance?
An X-application fundamentally concerns the amendment of the gender designation in the birth certificate to “undetermined.” This gender registration serves as the foundation for official documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and identity cards. The X-registration is legally available for individuals who do not (or no longer) identify as male or female, such as non-binary or intersex persons.
What does an X in your passport signify?
An “X” in your passport indicates a registration as “gender unspecified.” This term is deliberately chosen in birth certificates, passports, and judicial decisions because it allows for personal interpretation without imposing any judgment.
For many individuals who do not identify as male or female—such as non-binary or intersex persons—this represents an important form of recognition.
The change is effected through a gender alteration procedure in the court. Upon approval, your birth certificate will be amended by the civil registrar. Subsequently, you can apply for a passport or identity card with the designation “X”.
In Nederland bestaat er (nog) geen expliciete wettelijke regeling voor X-registratie. De rechter behandelt de aanvraag als een civiele verzoekschriftprocedure op basis van het Wetboek van Burgerlijke Rechtsvordering. In de praktijk past de rechtbank daarbij vaak Articles 1:28 through 1:28c of the Civil Code toe. Deze bepalingen zijn oorspronkelijk bedoeld voor geslachtswijziging van man naar vrouw (of andersom), maar vormen ook de juridische basis voor een X-verzoek.
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply for an X designation if you do not identify as male or female for an extended period, or if you consider yourself gender-diverse, such as identifying outside the binary system. The court will assess whether your request is serious and well-founded. A medical process or expert statement is generally not required. The likelihood of success is highest if the petition is meticulously reasoned, aligns with previous court decisions, and considers current case law. We are here to assist you with this process.
What are the costs of an X application?
De kosten voor het aanvragen van een X in uw paspoort bedragen €1,050.00. Dit bedrag bestaat uit:
- €331 court fee (court costs)
- €719 legal preparation and assistance
- No additional attorney fees, unless the court schedules a hearing.
If the court schedules a hearing, we will charge additional fees for the extra time investment. We will clearly inform you of this in advance.
Combining First Name Change with X Application
Wilt u simultaneously change your first nameCertainly. Here is the translation of the Dutch legal text:
“That is possible.”
For a separate change of first name, we charge€950.00However, in the event of asimultaneous applicationwe can efficiently combine the proceedings. As a result, you will pay for both together€1,050.00, in plaats van twee aparte trajecten van €950,- en €1.050,-.
Possibility of Subsidized Legal Aid
If your income and assets fall below certain thresholds, you may be eligible for legal aid through the Legal Aid Board. In such cases, different financial conditions apply:
- Court Fees: €91,-
- Personal Contribution:between€420 and €900depending on your income.
If you would like to know what your personal contribution would be, you can review this information yourself.via the website of the Legal Aid Board. - No additional attorney fees
Our Approach
At Simmelink Advocaten, we operate based on three core principles:
- Zorgvuldig.
Wij nemen de tijd voor een volledig beeld van uw situatie. - Persoonlijk.
U heeft altijd direct contact met een advocaat. - Deskundig.
Wij kennen de rechterlijke lijn en onderbouwen uw verzoek juridisch en helder.
We understand that applying for X-status is a personal and sometimes sensitive step. You are not required to prove anything to us—we are here to listen, offer guidance, and support you without judgment.
You have the option to choose: by phone, via video call, or in person at our office.
An initial consultation does not obligate you to anything. It primarily provides you with clarity and peace of mind regarding your situation.
Step-by-Step Guide: The Process of Your Application
Whether you are certain of your decision or still have questions about the implications, you do not have to navigate this alone. Our discussions provide space for your story, concerns, and desires.
- Initial Consultation and Preliminary Advice
- Preparation and Collection of Data
- Drafting the Petition
- Filing with the court
- Hearing (if necessary)
Our Experience: We Pioneered the Initial X Rulings
In the Netherlands, the recognition of X as a gender designation has been established through judicial decisions. There is currently no statutory provision that explicitly allows for this possibility. Consequently, each case is assessed on an individual basis and in consideration of previous court rulings.
In recent years, the Dutch judiciary has granted several requests for registration of gender as “undetermined.” In each case, the individual interest of the applicant, the right to self-identification, and the absence of legal impediments were considered. As a result, these judicial decisions effectively form the foundation for non-binary registration in the Netherlands.
Simmelink Advocaten has represented clients in several proceedings where the court granted the request to change the gender designation to “X.” These cases have contributed to establishing the legal framework currently evident in case law. Below, you will find a selection of rulings in which we were involved, accompanied by a brief explanation for each case.
- The Hague District Court, judgment dated April 8, 2025.
ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2025:7393
Granting of Request for Change of Gender to “X” - District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, December 6, 2023
ECLI:NL:RBZWB:2023:8562
Change of Gender to X and First Name Amendment - District Court of Noord-Holland, January 10, 2023
ECLI:NL:RBNHO:2023:103
Request for change of gender registration for a non-binary person granted. An expert statement is deemed unnecessary as the request is sufficiently substantiated by the documents submitted and the statements made during the hearing. - District Court of Midden-Nederland, judgment dated September 1, 2022
ECLI:NL:RBMNE:2022:3565
Granting of the request to amend the gender on the birth certificate to ‘X’. The petitioner is non-binary. - Court of Appeal Arnhem-Leeuwarden, Judgment of 15 September 2022
ECLI:NL:GHARL:2022:8003
The court grants the request to amend the birth certificate to ‘X’ by analogously applying Articles 1:28 through 1:28c of the Dutch Civil Code. - Court of Appeal Arnhem-Leeuwarden, Judgment dated August 4, 2022
ECLI:NL:GHARL:2022:6917
The court grants the request to amend the birth certificate to “X.” The individual interests of the gender-fluid person outweigh the public interest in maintaining the current legal framework.
What does this mean for your application?
Having actively contributed to this legal framework, we understand the key considerations of courts and tribunals. We meticulously substantiate each request, aligning with established legal precedents. This approach enhances the likelihood of approval without necessitating that your request be “standard.”
Can I also change my first name?
Yes, that is possible. Many clients opt to process the change of first name simultaneously with the application for an X-registration. This is legally permissible and efficient. We provide guidance on the sequence, coordinate both requests, and ensure a proper legal basis.
Change Your First Name
What Clients Say About Our Approach
In legal matters, the focus extends beyond mere laws and regulations. Our clients choose Simmelink for our meticulous guidance, strategic advice, and personalized attention. Discover how they have experienced our collaboration.
Handled promptly, expertly, and with respectCertainly! Please provide the Dutch legal text you would like translated into English.
A Law Firm with Substance and Integrity
Tailored Solutions, Not a Standard Process
Our Attorneys
At Simmelink Advocaten, you collaborate with attorneys who specialize in family law, international family law, and inheritance law. We combine legal expertise with a committed approach, understanding that no two cases are alike.
Your interests are our priority. Therefore, we listen attentively, collaborate with you, and provide solutions tailored to your situation. Our attorneys offer clear advice, guide you as needed, and ensure a professional resolution of your case, with a focus on discretion and calm.
Our attorneys are approachable, respond promptly, and keep you continuously informed about the progress of your case.
Carla Simmelink
Attorney
Valerie Lingg
Advocaat
Eva Zaunbrecher – Bosschlo
Attorney at law
Sanny Jurkovich
Attorney at law
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the change to an X is legally valid for an indefinite period. If, in the future, you wish to be registered again as “male” or “female,” you will need to submit a new application to the court.
Not always. In some cases, the application is assessed based on the submitted documents. If a hearing is held, we will provide you with careful guidance and support throughout the process.
Not all countries recognize X as an official gender registration. This may have implications during border controls or legal proceedings abroad. We provide advice based on your individual circumstances.
Yes, we do that often. Learn more about theChanging Your First NameOf course! Please provide the Dutch legal text you would like translated into English.
Certainly. Here is the professional translation of the provided Dutch legal text: Yes. If the court grants the request for X-status, your birth certificate will be amended accordingly. This amendment is carried out by the civil registrar based on the court’s decision. Only after this process can you apply for a new passport or identity card with “X” indicated as the gender designation.
Please contact us
We are available from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the phone number +31 (0)30 – 3078732.
