Gender and name change: UK passport applications

• Posted by Hannah Ceridwen Eluned Cavendish-Grosvenor February 18, 2016 Filed in Society Girl's Personal Blogs 1,193 views
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  UK PASSPORTS: CHANGE OF NAME AND GENDER: Firstly, obtain your application form from your local Post Office; and, finally, do take it back when completed for them to check and send. This incurs an extra cost of about six or seven pounds; but, guarantees it is acceptable, ensuring there are no unneccessary delays.

   

  The easy part is a new photograph of yourself, and a copy of your Deed of Change of Name. Under English and Welsh law you can call yourself whatever you want; and, indeed, several names all at the same time. I can never understand why the late Scottish General Medical Practitioner, Dr Donald Duck, did not change his. There are free sites available on the internet to facilitate your name change. There is no need to pay an intermediary (no matter what they may allege) to do it, as 'certified extra copies' are no more legal here than a photocopy of the original.

   

  Not so easy is the new name and gender certification. It is, however, sufficient for your General Medical Practitioner to provide a short letter to accompany the other documentation. Frequently, they have no previous experience of Trans-genger individuals. It is therefore a good idea to show them the format that ' one of your friends' used successfully (here I thank the lovely Beckie for her advice).

   

  PROPOSED GP LETTER:

   

  [Address of Practice]

   

  [Date]

   

  To whom it may concern.

   

  This is to confirm that my patient, previously known as [insert previous name], is currently undergoing genger reassignment; and, as part of this process, has changed their name, by Deed of Change of Name to [insert new name], and requests that their gender marker should be changed to [insert female or male]. This change is intended and expected to be permanent.

   

  Your assistance in facilitating and making the relevant changes to your records; and, in preserving full confidentiality, will be appreciated.

   

  Yours Faithfully,

   

  Dr [insert doctor's name] 

   

  P.S.: For me, the really hard part was queuing at the Altrincham Post Office, completing the application form legibly, and keeping strictly and entirely within each box. I wrote (on the back of my hand) to remember to sign in my new chosen name, again completely within the box I await the new document with bated breath and eager anticipation.