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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 'Gender Recognition'?

The Gender Recognition process enables transsexual people to be legally recognised in their acquired gender. Under the provisions of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, a transsexual person may submit an application to the Gender Recognition Panel. Successful applicants will receive a Gender Recognition Certificate and will, from the date of full recognition, acquire all the rights and responsibilities appropriate to a person of his or her acquired gender.

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2. What will Gender Recognition mean for me?

If you are successful in obtaining Gender Recognition, you will be legally recognised for all purposes in your acquired gender. As a result of your legal recognition, you will be able to marry someone of the opposite legal gender or to form a civil partnership with someone of the same gender. You will be able to retire and receive state pension at the age appropriate to your acquired gender. In addition, a person whose birth was registered in the United Kingdom will be able to obtain a new birth certificate showing his or her legally recognised gender. You should also be aware that various other aspects of your life may be affected if you gain Gender Recognition. More information is available in the guide below:

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3. How do I apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate?

There are two application processes. If you wish to apply, you will need to complete the relevant application form and send this to the Gender Recognition Panel along with the required evidence.There are application forms and guidance to assist you in completing your application on this website or direct from the Gender Recognition Panel at:

Gender Recognition Panel
PO Box 6987
Leicester
LE1 6ZX

Phone: 0845 355 5155 (between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday)
E-mail: GRP Enquiries

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4. How much does an application for Gender Recognition cost?

The basic fee for applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate is £140. The fee for an application is dependent on your circumstances and as a result you may not be required to pay the full, or any, fee. A full explanation of fees can be found in the document below.

Please note, we are no longer able to accept payment by credit card. Payment can continue to be made by Cheque and Postal order.

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5. What information do I need to provide in my application?

The information that you will need to provide will depend on what type of application you submit. There are two application processes available to you. The evidence you need to provide with the application form will depend on which you apply under.

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6. Can I apply for Gender Recognition if I am under 18 years of age?

Applications will only be accepted from people who are 18 years of age or over. The organisation 'Mermaids', offer support and information to children and teenagers (and their families and carers) who are trying to cope with gender identity issues. If you are under 18 years of age, you may wish to visit the Mermaids website.

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7. Can I apply for Gender Recognition if I have not had surgery for modifying sexual characteristics?

Yes. Surgery is not a prerequisite for obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate.

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8. Can I apply for Gender Recognition if I was born outside the UK or live overseas?

Yes, you can apply for Gender Recognition under the overseas applications process if you can demonstrate that you are recognised in your acquired gender in a country or territory that is on the list of approved countries and territories. If the country does not appear on this list, you may apply for Gender Recognition under the alternative application process providing you meet the criteria.

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9. Can I apply for Gender Recognition if I am married?

Yes, if you are married you are still able to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate. If you are successful in your application to the Panel, you will be issued with an interim Gender Recognition Certificate. You can use the interim certificate as a ground to annul or dissolve your marriage. Your partner will be able to register a civil partnership and retain legal status of your relationship. This is because under the laws of the UK, a marriage may only be contracted by two people of opposite genders in law.

If you would like to obtain a full Gender Recognition Certificate, you can use the interim certificate as grounds to dissolve your marriage. If you decide to end your marriage to allow one partner to gain legal recognition in their acquired gender you and your partner will be able to register a civil partnership and retain legal status of your relationship. It is at your discretion as to whether to continue with the process to obtain your full Gender Recognition Certificate. The interim certificate will be valid for a period of six months. Information on how you may be affected if you choose to proceed in obtaining gender recognition can be found in the document below:

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10. I have recently transitioned. Can I apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate?

As part of the evidence required when applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate, you will need to show that you have been living in your acquired gender for 2 years or more. If you have lived in your acquired gender for less than 2 years, you will need to wait until you are within the eligible timeframe to apply.

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11. Is help available to assist me in my application?

Yes. If you have any questions about how to apply for Gender Recognition you can contact the Gender Recognition Panel. Their contact details are:

Gender Recognition Panel
PO Box 6987
Leicester
LE1 6ZX

Phone: 0845 355 5155 (between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday)
E-mail: GRP Enquiries

Additionally, there are a number of other organisations that may be able to provide you with information about various aspects of the process of applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate. Some of these organisations can be found on the Useful Links webpage.

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12. Who will make the decision about whether my application for Gender Recognition is successful?

The Gender Recognition Panel, made up of judicially trained legal and medical members, will assess applications. The panel will sit in private and consider the documentary evidence supplied by the applicant in support of their application.

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13. What happens if my application is successful?

The Gender Recognition Panel will notify you if your application is successful. Depending on the type of application you have submitted, you may be issued with either an interim or a full Gender Recognition Certificate. Additionally some applicants may be eligible to obtain a new birth certificate. Guidance will be sent to successful applicants when they receive their Gender Recognition Certificate.

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14. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

The Gender Recognition Panel will notify you if your application is unsuccessful and will provide reasons for its decision. If you have been unsuccessful, there are a number of options available to you including the right to appeal. Guidance will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

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15. How can I be certain of my right to privacy?

All the people who handle your application for gender recognition are bound by law to respect your privacy and we will not disclose any information about your application to third parties unless it is permitted under the Act.

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16. Can I make a complaint?

Yes. Anyone who has used the facilities and services of the Gender Recognition Panel can make a complaint. You may telephone us, email the secretariat, tell a member of staff or write directly to the secretariat. Please note that we cannot consider comments or complaints about the outcomes of applications. If you are not satisfied with the decision of an application, please seek legal advice.

Guidance on making a complaint.