You need a deed poll before you can update this document.

About this planner

What is this?
This is a free, private tool that helps trans and non-binary people in the UK find out what legal steps they need to take to change their name and gender marker on official documents.

Who is it for?
Anyone living in the UK over the age of 16 who wants to update their legal documents to match their gender identity. This includes people who only want a name change, only a gender marker change, or both. There is also guidance for people from outside the UK who hold a visa or eVisa (a digital visa stored online rather than as a physical sticker). This planner is designed for adults and young people aged 16 and over, as the legal processes for those under 16 require parental consent and follow different steps.

How does it work?
You answer a short set of questions about your situation: what documents you already have, what you have already updated, and what you want to do. The planner then creates a personal step-by-step action plan for you, with clear instructions and links to official resources.

Step-by-step or checklist?
Both options produce the same plan. The step-by-step wizard shows one question at a time. This is good if you are not sure where to start. The checklist shows all questions at once. This is good if you already know your situation well. You can switch between them at any time.

Is my information safe?
Yes. Nothing you enter is ever sent to a server or stored outside your own device. Your progress is saved in your browser so you can return to it later. Press the red ⚠️ button or the Esc key at any time to instantly leave the page.

Is this legal, medical, or financial advice?
No. This planner gives general guidance only. It helps you understand the steps and paperwork needed to update your legal documents. It is not a replacement for advice from a qualified professional. Always check important steps on official GOV.UK pages before submitting any applications.

How would you like to build your action plan?

I confirm that I am aged 16 or over, or that I have the consent of a parent or guardian. I understand that this planner provides general guidance only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

Welcome back

Your plan is saved on this device.

Your action plan may be out of date

This planner has been updated since your plan was created. We recommend reviewing your answers to make sure everything is still accurate.

⚠️ Please choose an answer to move forward.

Choose the answers that apply to you, then click "Show my action plan" at the bottom.

1. The basics

Where do you live?

England or Wales Scotland Northern Ireland

What do you want to do?

Change my name and gender marker Change my name only Change my gender marker only
This option assumes your name is already correct on legal documents

Were you born in Northern Ireland?

Under the Good Friday Agreement, anyone born in Northern Ireland has the right to Irish citizenship. This opens up a different route to update your gender marker on an Irish passport, which has a different process from the UK GRC route. Yes, I was born in Northern Ireland

2. Specific choices

I would like to register with a new GP
Registering at a new practice means your new details are on file from day one.

I would like to update my birth certificate to show my new name
Scotland only, and only if your birth was registered there. This can be done without a GRC through the National Records of Scotland.I would like to record my new name on my Northern Ireland birth certificate
This creates a public record that links your old and new names. Most people prefer the privacy of a deed poll or statutory declaration instead.

I would like to update my birth certificate to show my new gender
This requires a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

I plan to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) at some point

3. Your circumstances I have a UK visa or eVisa
An eVisa is a digital visa stored online. Updating a visa or eVisa is a separate process, and the order you do things in matters. I have a valid photo ID
Even if it shows your old name. Some organisations, such as banks, may ask for updated photo ID before accepting a name change.

Employment and volunteering status

Do you currently work, or are you about to start work or volunteering?
This includes paid jobs, volunteer roles, internships, and apprenticeships. Employers and background check services have specific processes for trans people that keep your previous name private.

Yes, and they already have my updated details Yes, but I need to update my details with them No

My role needs a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
A background check for working or volunteering with vulnerable people. There is a specific route for trans people that keeps your previous name off the certificate shown to your employer.My role needs an AccessNI check
AccessNI is Northern Ireland's equivalent of the DBS. It is a background check for working or volunteering with vulnerable people. There is a specific route for trans people that keeps your previous name off the certificate shown to your employer. I am currently receiving DWP benefits
For example: Universal Credit, PIP, State Pension, or Employment Support Allowance. A change of name or gender can affect certain benefits and your State Pension age.I am currently receiving benefits from the Department for Communities (DfC)
For example: Universal Credit, PIP, or Employment Support Allowance. A change of name or gender can affect certain benefits and your State Pension age. I have qualifications to update
For example: university degrees, college certificates, exam board results, or professional memberships.

Services I need to update

Services I need to update
Select all that apply.

Banks and financial accounts Insurance policies (car, home, life, health) Council Tax Utility bills (gas, electric, water, broadband) Electoral register Landlord or letting agency Pension provider

Select all

4. Documents I already have updated Deed poll or statutory declaration (name change document)
Your answer helps us work out whether getting one should be your first step, as most other documents require one. UK visa or eVisa 🔒 NHS recordGP record and CHI number (Scotland)HSCNI health record and Health and Care Number (HCN) 🔒 HMRC and taxes 🔒 UK driving licence 🔒 Passport 🔒

Your personal action plan

How to read this plan

Difficulty: Easy Medium Hard

Cost: Free £ ££ £££

Progress (click to cycle, right-click or long-press to go back): Not started In progress Done Not needed

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