How to Change Your Gender and Name on Your Passport Without a Gender Recognition Certificate: A 5-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you looking to change your gender marker and name on your passport but unsure about the process? With the help of Mishcon de Reya LLP, we’ve put together this simple 5-step guide. The best part? You don’t need a Gender Recognition Certificate to do it!

Whether you’re updating your name or your gender marker, follow these steps to navigate the process with ease.

Step 1 – Change Your Name via Deed Poll

A deed poll is a legal document that proves you’ve changed your name. It allows you to change any part of your name, including adding or removing names or changing spelling.
How to Get a Deed Poll
There are two types of deed polls you can get. Check with your bank or GP first to see which type they will accept as proof of your new name:

Unenrolled Deed Poll
You can create an unenrolled deed poll yourself if you’re over 16. This is often the quicker option.

Enrolled Deed Poll
An enrolled deed poll involves submitting your new name to public record. You can apply for this through the Royal Courts of Justice. As of now, the cost is £49.32.
You can find full information about the deed poll process here.

Step 2 – Update Your Name with Your GP

Once you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to update your medical records with your GP. This step is essential because you’ll need a letter from your doctor to apply for your new passport.

What the Doctor’s Letter Should Include:

Confirmation that the doctor or medical consultant knows you well enough to make a diagnosis.
A statement that you are registered at the practice in your new name.
An assertion that in their medical opinion, your transition is likely to be permanent.

Step 3 – Provide Official Evidence of Your New Name

To complete your passport application, you’ll need to provide official evidence that you’re using your new name. This could include:

A recent payslip
A letter from your local council or utility provider
Make sure the documents are dated within the last few months before submitting your passport application.

Step 4 – Apply for Your New Passport

Now that you’ve gathered your documents, it’s time to apply for a new passport.

For Those Who Already Have a British Passport;
You can apply to renew your passport online or by post. Visit the passport renewal page for details.

First-Time Applicants
If you don’t have a British passport yet, apply for your first passport using this link.

In both cases, ensure that you select the correct gender marker when completing the form.

Step 5 – Wait for Your New Passport

Once your application is submitted, the wait begins. Processing times typically range around three weeks, but they may vary. You can find updated processing times here.

Important Notes:

Changing the gender marker on your passport does not provide legal recognition of your gender change. It’s purely for passport purposes.
Your gender will not automatically be updated on other documents such as your birth certificate. That’s a separate legal process.
We hope this guide makes the process clearer! Please share it with anyone who might need help navigating these steps. Special thanks to Mishcon de Reya LLP for their assistance in putting together this resource.

If you have more questions about the legal aspects of changing your name or gender on official documents, feel free to contact us for more advice! Share this guide with anyone else who might find it helpful.