How it works

How to get your Gender Recognition Certificate

A simple 3-step process — register, apply, receive. UK residents can add a legal deed poll for name change. No interviews. No waiting lists. No gatekeeping.

Jump to: The 3 steps · What you receive · Digital registry · What you need · Timeline · Questions

Application → Certificate illustration
Overview

Getting your certificate (and deed poll, if you need one)

The process is straightforward: you create an account, complete a short application with your chosen name and self-identified gender, and we produce your certificate within 5 working days.

If you’re a UK resident and want to legally change your name, you can add a deed poll to your order. It’s prepared and dispatched alongside your certificate — one transaction, one package.

There are no medical requirements, no approval panels, and no need to explain yourself. This is self-identification. Your gender is yours to define — we simply document it.

In short

  • Register your account
  • Apply in your chosen name & gender
  • Receive printed + digital documents
  • Permanent registry reference for authenticity
  • UK deed poll available for legal name change
The process

Three steps. Clear outcomes.

Designed to be quick to start, respectful throughout, and useful long after you receive it.

1

Register your account

Create your account with an email address and password, then upload proof of identity so we can verify you’re the person applying.

  • Valid email address
  • Secure password
  • Proof of identity (ID / passport)

Your details are handled securely and in line with UK GDPR.

2

Complete your application

Fill in your chosen name (the name you want on your certificate) and your self-identified gender, then confirm a simple declaration.

  • No medical evidence
  • No “history” questions
  • No approval panel

UK residents: add a deed poll

If you need a legal name change under UK law, you can add a deed poll during checkout. It’s produced alongside your certificate with no extra time added.

3

Receive your documents

We process most applications within 5 working days. Your documents are posted in plain, discreet packaging, and digital copies are available in your account.

  • Printed documents by post
  • Digital PDFs in your account
  • Registry-backed reference number

That’s it — no interviews, no waiting lists, no gatekeeping.

Your documents

What you receive

A complete package designed for practical, everyday use.

Certificate + digital copy illustration

📜 Printed certificate

A professionally produced certificate including your chosen name, self-identified gender, unique reference number, and date of issue.

💾 Digital certificate (PDF)

A secure PDF available from your account whenever you need it — useful for emailing organisations or keeping digital records.

🔢 Unique reference number

A single reference that links your printed certificate, digital copy, and registry entry for verification and long-term continuity.

🗂️ Digital registry entry

A permanent record that supports authenticity checks and helps with replacements if documents are lost or damaged.

UK residents: legal deed poll (optional add-on)

If you add a deed poll, you’ll receive a printed deed poll and a digital PDF copy, with instructions for signing and witnessing (two witnesses, 18+, not immediate family).

Digital registry

How the registry works

A secure, permanent record designed for verification and long-term continuity.

What’s stored

The registry stores only the details that appear on the certificate:

  • Chosen name
  • Self-identified gender
  • Unique reference number
  • Date of issue

What’s not stored

  • Previous legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Additional personal details

Verification

Verification is done using your unique reference number. You control who you share it with — if someone doesn’t have the reference, they can’t verify the entry.

  • Instant online check
  • Confirms the certificate was issued by us
  • Confirms the details match
  • Confirms the issue date

Registry subscription

Access is included for your first year. If you choose not to renew, your entry remains permanent — you simply won’t be able to access/verify it online until you renew again.

Requirements

What you need to apply

Clear, minimal requirements — focused on identity verification, not gatekeeping.

Proof of identity

A valid government-issued ID or passport (used only to verify you are who you say you are).

Email address

For account creation, updates, and secure access to your digital documents.

Declaration

A simple confirmation that your chosen name and gender reflect your identity, and that you understand the certificate is for personal use.

What you don’t need

  • Medical evidence, diagnosis, or letters
  • Proof of transition
  • Witness statements for the certificate
  • Approval from any third party

UK deed poll (if you add one)

  • Your current legal name (for the deed poll wording)
  • Your new chosen name
  • Two witnesses (18+, not immediate family) to sign after you receive it
Timeline

What to expect

A clear sequence from registration to dispatch.

Registration

~5 minutes — create your account and verify your email.

Application

~10–15 minutes — chosen name, gender, declaration (add deed poll if needed).

Processing

Up to 5 working days — verification, production, and dispatch.

Delivery estimates

  • UK: typically 3–5 working days after dispatch
  • International: typically 7–10 working days after dispatch

You’ll receive email updates at each stage, and you can check status from your account dashboard.

Questions

Common questions about the process

If you’re unsure about anything, these are the usual sticking points.

Can I update my certificate later if my name or gender changes?
What if I make a mistake on my application?
Do I need a deed poll if I’m only changing gender documentation?
Can I order a deed poll later?
Is my information kept private?

Important information

Your Gender Recognition Certificate is a formal record of your self-identified gender for personal use. It is not a government-issued identity document and does not replace official gender recognition processes where they exist.

For UK residents, a deed poll is a legal document for changing your name under UK law. It does not change your gender marker on official documents — that depends on the rules in your country and the organisation you’re updating.

Legal recognition and acceptance vary by country and by organisation. We provide information (including regional guidance), not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer →

Ready to start?

Registration takes minutes — and most certificates are processed within 5 working days. If you need a UK deed poll for legal name change, you can add it during checkout.