Female to Male Changing Your Name

Changing your name when transitioning from Female to Male maybe quite daunting at first, but once it’s done it makes everything seem very real. For some it is one of the first things they do when starting their transition from female to male. Don’t feel pressured into changing your name straight away if you don’t feel ready.

When it comes to picking a name, well that’s all down to you.

Changing your name is very straight forward here in the UK, you can either download a free name change template which you can fill in and then print off using either thin card or if you want the official look then ‘certificate’ stationary is available from places like W H Smiths.

If you don’t feel like printing your own then you can use an online service such as the Legal Deed-poll. That way everything is taken care of, and you only need to find someone to be a witness.

This is the best place to start when changing your name. For me this was really quite straight forward, I just rang them up and changed it over the phone. This will update your records for Income Tax, Tax Credits, Child Benefit and National Insurance contributions. You can email them with your change of details or contact them by phone on 0300 200 3300.

Pop in and see your HR department and just ask them to change your name and take along your deed poll just in case they need to see proof.

If you are in receipt of any benefits whether that be housing, council tax etc. These will need to be informed as it could affect your benefits.

Pop into your doctor’s surgery and pick up a change of name form and fill it in remember to take your deed poll with you as they will need to take a copy so they can issue you a new NHS number.

Changing your name at the bank is also straight forward, just pop in with your original birth certificate, this is purely for identification so using your driving licence should also work and your new deed poll and just ask that you need to change the name on your account.

If you already have a valid passport in your birth gender but wish to change your gender. In addition to sending back your old passport, you will need to include one of the following as part of your application:

• A birth or adoption certificate in your acquired gender
• A Gender Recognition Certificate
• A letter from your doctor or medical consultant confirming that your change of gender is likely to be permanent, and evidence of your change of name, such as a deed poll.

If you need more information check out the Government Website.