The health ministry is considering removing gender designation boxes from mental disability certificates as early as 2014 in consideration of people with gender identity disorder, sources said.

Some people with GID are among the 635,000 or so holders of mental disability certificates, which entitle them to tax deductions and discount fares. The exact number of people who have received the certificates is not known.

According to a group representing people with GID, many are reluctant to present the certificates because it will expose their registered gender.

An estimated 46,000 people have GID in Japan.

The group, formally known as the General Incorporated Association Japan People with Gender Identity Disorder, has requested the government also remove gender boxes in passports, health insurance cards and other official certificates.