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When to apply to the Gender Recognition Panel (GRP)

The GRP reviews applications from transsexual people who want to legally change their gender.
 
To legally change your gender you must be at least 18 years of age. You must also have lived in your new gender for two years or changed your gender legally in another country.

What happens if you legally change your gender?

If you are successful in your application to change your gender, you will legally have the rights and responsibilities of your new gender. This may affect some aspects of your life, for example your pension and benefit entitlements or your marriage.

If you are married or in a civil partnership and legally change your gender, you will be issued with an ‘interim’ Gender Recognition Certificate. You will need to end your marriage or civil partnership before you can get a full Gender Recognition Certificate.

For more information, download the leaflet ‘Guidance for married people or those in civil partnerships’.

• Guidance on benefits and pensions (PDF, 192kb) Opens new window

• Guidance for married people or those in civil partnerships (PDF, 150kb) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

How to apply to the Gender Recognition Panel

To apply to legally change your gender you will need to fill out an ‘Application for a Gender Recognition Certificate’ form.
 
In your application you will need to show that you:

• have or have had gender dysphoria (a feeling that you’re trapped in the body that’s the wrong sex)
• have lived fully for the last two years in your new gender
• wish to live permanently in your new gender

• Application for a Gender Recognition Certificate form (PDF, 57kb) Opens new window

• Guidance on completing an application form (PDF, 221kb) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Application fees

There is a fee to pay with your application to legally change your gender. The amount you pay will depend on your income and any benefits you may receive. The maximum fee is £140.
 
You will need to read the ‘Fees for applying to the Gender Recognition Panel’ document below to work out how much you need to pay.
 
If you are going to pay less than the full fee, you have to include evidence with your application that explains why.
 
Your completed form must be signed and posted with the application fee (if you need to pay) to the below address:
 
GRP
PO Box 9300
Leicester
LE1 8DJ

If your gender has been legally recognised in another country

If your gender has been legally recognised in another country, you may need to use a different application form to apply.
 
If the country is in the GRP’s approved list below, you must apply using the overseas application form. If not, you will need to apply using the standard application form.

• List of approved countries and territories Opens new window

• Overseas application form Opens new window

• Guidance on completing an overseas application form (PDF, 1.1MB) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

How the application process works

The judicial members of the GRP will consider your application form and evidence and decide whether your application has been successful or not. The steps on how decisions are made are shown below.

Step one: the GRP’s office will confirm they have received your application.

Step two: payment of the application fees will be taken (if you need to pay).

Step three: the judicial members of the panel may ask for more information or evidence. This is called ‘issuing directions’. The GRP’s office will write to you and tell you what else they need.

Step four: the judicial members of the panel will decide whether your application is successful or not.

If a full Gender Recognition Certificate is issued, the panel will tell the General Registrars Office and HM Revenue & Customs about your gender change. It will also send you a Gender Recognition Certificate.

If you are unsuccessful, the judicial members of the panel will give their reasons. The GRP’s office will write to you telling you the reasons for the decision.

If you do not agree with the decision

If you have been unsuccessful in your application, you have the right to appeal. The panel will explain how to appeal if your application is unsuccessful.