Deed poll guide.
What a deed poll is, when you might want one, and how it works with your GHC records. A deed poll is not required to start or continue treatment with us.
What a deed poll is
The legal way to change your name in the UK.
A deed poll is a legal document declaring that you've abandoned your old name and adopted a new one. Once signed and witnessed, you can use it to update your passport, driving licence, NHS records, GP, bank, employer, and most other services.
It's not the same as a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), which is a separate legal process for changing the gender on your birth certificate. You can have one without the other.
Deed polls are not required for medical treatment. We see patients under their preferred name as a matter of course, with no paperwork needed.
Working with our records
How a deed poll updates your GHC records.
Without a deed poll
We use your preferred name in all interactions and clinical letters. Your legal name remains on file for prescription compliance and ID matching, but we don't use it day-to-day.
With a deed poll
Email a scan to info@thegenderhormoneclinic.com. We'll remove dead names from active records, update your prescriptions, and use your legal name everywhere.
Photo ID at appointments
Bring whatever ID you have: passport, driving licence, blue badge. Expired or in a previous name is fine. If you've changed name legally, bring your deed poll proof too.
How to get a deed poll
Two routes, both straightforward.
Free / DIY
Unenrolled deed poll
You can write your own deed poll using a standard template, sign it, and have two witnesses (over 18, not family) co-sign. Most banks, GPs, and employers accept this. Templates are available free of charge through trans organisations including genderkit.org.uk.
£42 / Government route
Enrolled deed poll
For £42 you can enrol your deed poll with the Royal Courts of Justice. It's the same legal effect as the unenrolled version, but it goes on the public record, which a few institutions (rarely) require.
A note on Gender Recognition Certificates
We can't sign GRC support letters.
GRC applications require a letter from a GMC-registered doctor specialising in gender dysphoria. As a nurse-led service, our letters are not accepted by the Gender Recognition Panel.
For a GRC application, contact your diagnosing psychiatrist or your GP. Templates and guidance are at genderkit.org.uk/article/obtaining-a-grc/.
Need to update your records?
Existing patients can update their details through the existing-patient form. New patients, please send us an enquiry.