Transgender people can change their name by deed poll in the same way as anyone else. The process is straightforward, and you do not need to provide a reason for your name change.

A deed poll allows you to change your first name, middle name, surname, or any combination of these. You can also change your title at the same time.

When to Change Your Name

You can change your name at any point.

Many trans people change their name:

Before beginning social transition
During social transition
After social transition
At the same time as updating other documents

There is no requirement to have started medical transition, undergone any medical procedures, or obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate before changing your name.

You do not need permission from a doctor, therapist, or any medical professional to change your name by deed poll.

What You Can Change

You can change your name to almost any name you choose.

Your new name:

Can be any first name and surname you prefer
Can include a change of title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Mx, or no title)
Does not need to relate to your birth name
Does not need approval from anyone

See restrictions on names for full details on what names are allowed.

The Application Process

The process for transgender people is identical to the process for anyone else changing their name.

You will need to:

Apply for your deed poll with your current legal name and your chosen new name
Sign the deed poll in front of two witnesses
Use the deed poll to update your documents

Your witnesses must be over 18, not related to you, and not living at your address. They do not need to know why you are changing your name.

Updating Your Documents

Once you have your deed poll, you can use it to update your official documents. This includes your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, NHS records, and with other organisations that hold your details.

Most organisations will update their records quickly once you provide your deed poll. You do not need to explain why you changed your name.

Find out who to inform after changing your name for guidance on updating each organisation.

Privacy and Deadnaming

Your deed poll does not create a public record linking your old name to your new name. An unenrolled deed poll keeps your name change private.

When you update documents with organisations, they will update their systems to show your new name. Your old name will generally remain in their historical records, but it should not appear on new correspondence or documents.

Some organisations handle this better than others. Banks and government departments typically update their systems completely. If you continue to receive mail with your old name after updating your details, contact the organisation to ask them to correct their records.

Medical Records and the NHS

You can update your name with your GP by providing your deed poll. The NHS will update your records to show your new name.

Your NHS number stays the same when you change your name. This ensures your medical history follows you, which is important for continuity of care.

If you are accessing gender identity services or hormone treatment, having your name changed on your medical records can help ensure all correspondence uses your correct name.

Birth Certificates

Your birth certificate does not change when you change your name by deed poll. This applies to everyone who changes their name, not just transgender people.

Your birth certificate is a historical record of your birth. It will continue to show the name you were given at birth.

This does not affect your ability to use your new name. Updated documents like your passport and driving licence will show your new name, and these are what you use as proof of identity in daily life.

If you obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate in the future, you can apply for a new birth certificate showing your acquired gender. At that point, you can also have the name on your birth certificate changed if you wish. However, a Gender Recognition Certificate is not required to change your name by deed poll.

Gender Recognition Certificates

A Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is separate from changing your name. You do not need a GRC to change your name by deed poll.

If you have been issued a GRC, this is sufficient evidence of your name change. You do not need a deed poll as well.

Changing your name by deed poll is often an important step before applying for a GRC, as it helps demonstrate you are living in your acquired gender.

Changing Your Gender Marker on Documents

You can update your passport to show your new name using your deed poll.

If you also want to change the gender marker on your passport, the Passport Office will need to see:

Your deed poll showing your new name
Medical evidence that your gender change is likely to be permanent

The medical evidence can be a letter from your GP, consultant, or a chartered psychologist practicing in gender dysphoria.

You do not need a GRC to change your gender marker on your passport. You also do not need to have had any medical procedures or surgery.

Changing your passport or other documents to show your new gender does not give legal recognition to your gender change. Only a GRC provides legal gender recognition. However, updated documents do provide evidence to the Gender Recognition Panel that you are living in your acquired gender.

Changing Your Title

If you want to change your title (for example, from Mr to Mrs or from Miss to Mx), you do not normally need a deed poll for this alone.

You can inform organisations of your new title directly. Most organisations will update their records when you tell them your new title.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

Your privacy is important. An unenrolled deed poll keeps your name change private and is accepted by all UK organisations.

Deedly provides deed polls that allow you to change your name quickly and securely, with your personal information protected throughout the process.

Apply Now

Changing Your Name as a Transgender Person