Mercer County Clerk Informs Public of Recent U.S. Passport Gender Marker Policy Changes
Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello advises that the U.S. Department of State is now offering a form for non-binary individuals to receive an “X” gender marker on their passports, a new legal development since the retraction of the “X” gender marker in late January 2025, by Presidential Executive Order.
If an individual utilizes the “X” gender marker form, they must either confirm that they have a sex that is different from that on their birth certificate or confirm a “diagnosis” of gender dysphoria.
Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello acknowledges the challenges this may pose for community members who identify as non-binary and have already been issued a gender-specific passport. If a non-binary individual obtained a passport while the directive was instituted and wishes to be issued a new passport with the “X” gender marker, they must restart the application process. The Clerk’s office is prepared to assist individuals who request the form, as it is not automatically offered alongside the application.
Please note that the “X” gender marker remains unavailable on the passport application (DS-11), like it was previously between 2022 and 2025. Also, it will take longer to receive a passport with an “X” gender marker. While routine service is generally 4–6 weeks, utilizing the “X” gender marker form extends routine service to 6–8 weeks, taking two weeks longer for those who choose this option.
In June 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued to block the executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which forbade the “X” gender marker on all passports. On June 27, 2025, Federal Judge Julia Kobick ruled in favor of the ACLU, stating that inclusive markers on passports do not result in constitutional injury, internationally or otherwise. Consequently, the gender markers have been reinstated.
In other passport news, the cost of a passport via priority express overnight mail has increased by 69 cents due to a federal postal directive.
For further questions regarding Mercer County passports, call the County Clerk’s Passport Office at 609-989-6473. For further information regarding the policy changes, please contact the U.S. Department of State or visit www.state.gov.
The Mercer County Clerk’s Office remains committed to assisting all Mercer residents with their passport needs. The Clerk’s office provides passport services in two locations on a regular basis: in Trenton and at the Mercer County Connection Office in Hamilton. In Hamilton, services are by appointment only due to a significant increase in demand for passports. The hours and locations are listed below.
Mercer County Connection Passport Service Hours
957 Highway 33, Hamilton, NJ 08690
Open: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday & Thursday)
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Saturday)
Trenton Office Hours
209 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Open: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
8:00 AM – 6:45 PM (Wednesday)
Please visit Mercer County Passport Appointments to schedule an appointment in Hamilton or call the main office in Trenton at 609-989-6473. Applicants are encouraged to review the required documentation before their appointment to ensure a smooth process.
