In the UK, you are allowed to legally change your name and gender on most official documents. Read on to find out what documents are necessary if you wish to apply for changes in your passport.
The United Kingdom legally recognises the person's gender that was assigned at birth and documented on the birth certificate. The acquired or preferred gender is recognised only after you have been granted a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).
Note that you are not required to have had gender reassignment surgery, hormone therapy, or any other type of treatment in order to legally change your gender.
If you have transitioned to a new gender and wish to apply for a new British passport, you will need to provide one of the following documents:
This means that you can apply for a passport in your acquired gender even if you have not obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate or have had a gender reassignment.
If you have a full birth or adoption certificate that includes details of your parents or adopted parents in your acquired gender, you need to attach this document to your application. There is no need to provide a birth or adoption certificate in your birth gender.
Your new passport will show your name and acquired gender as indicated on your passport application. It will not make any reference to your birth gender or any previous names in your birth gender. This applies to both the passport book and the passport chip.
In addition to the above documents, you need to provide the following:
Once you have all the documents ready, you will have to book an appointment in person at one of the UK Passport Offices.
You can download the guide for applying for a passport as a transgender person here.
In the UK, there are currently only two recognised genders: male and female. This means that if you change your name as a non-binary person, your official ID will still indicate either an M or F.
If you wpuiød like to change your title as a transgender or non-binary person, you do not need a deed poll. Since titles such as Mr or Miss, as well as gender-neutral titles like Mx or Nb, are not part of your legal name, they can simply be adopted by usage.
Passport processing times may vary, but you should allow up to 10 weeks to receive your new travel document. If you need a passport urgently, you can apply for the Online Premium or One-Week Fast Track services.
If you want to renew your passport in an acquired gender, you need to fill in the application form using details relating to your acquired gender. You will need to include both your current name and any other previous names you have used in your acquired gender. However, there is no need to include any previous names in your birth gender.
When you transition from one gender to another, you may also wish to formally change your name. You can do this at any time and simply start using a new name without any legal procedure.
If you want to change the name on your passport, you will need to apply for a new 10-year passport, even if your old one is still valid.
Note, however, that there is no law requiring you to update your passport only because your name has changed. In other words, if you change your name, your passport will remain valid until its expiration date.
If you wish to change the name on your passport, you will have to show proof that you have formally changed your name. You can do this by providing the following:
If you have changed your name by deed poll, you will also need to attach to your application one of the following documents that show your new name:
You can apply for a passport in your new name online or send it by post to HM Passport Office, along with all required documentation, including your application form, photos, change of name evidence, and statutory declaration. All documents must be dated within the last three months.
For more information on how to apply for a name change, visit the UK government website.
A Gender Recognition Certificate is sufficient evidence of your change of name and gender if you wish to obtain a new passport. If you have a GRC or an interim certificate, you will not need to obtain a deed poll.
