What a deed poll does#
A deed poll is the document that changes your name, for anyone aged 16 or over, and GOV.UK's guidance asks for nothing beyond the deed itself: no reason, no medical letter, no certificate. You sign it in your old and new names in front of your witnesses, and from that day the new name is yours. It changes forenames and surname; it does not record a gender and does not change a title.
What a Gender Recognition Certificate does#
GOV.UK says a certificate legally recognises your affirmed gender, and that having one means you can update your birth or adoption certificate if it was registered in the UK, marry or form a civil partnership in your affirmed gender, update your marriage or civil partnership certificate, and have your affirmed gender on your death certificate. It does not change your legal status as a parent.
Getting one is a longer process. On the main route GOV.UK asks for two medical reports from UK-registered practitioners, at least one covering any gender affirmation treatment you have had or plan, and evidence that you have lived in your affirmed gender for the last two years; there is a separate overseas route for people already recognised abroad. GOV.UK also says to include copies of the documents that show when you changed your name, including enrolled or unenrolled deed polls and statutory declarations. So the deed poll is part of the evidence for the certificate, not an alternative to it.
What you do not need a certificate for#
GOV.UK lists it plainly: you do not need a Gender Recognition Certificate to update your driving licence, your passport, your medical records, your employment records or your bank account. Those are updated with a deed poll for the name and, for the passport's gender marker, a doctor's letter or the certificate. Changing your name when you transition goes organisation by organisation.
Non-binary people#
GOV.UK says non-binary genders are not legally recognised in the UK and that you can only apply to be recognised as male or female. That limits the certificate, not the deed poll: a deed poll records whatever name you choose, and organisations record it. Titles such as Mx are handled organisation by organisation; Mx and other gender-neutral titles explains.
