Changing your name as a transgender person

If you are transgender, you can legally change your name in Northern Ireland.

You do this with a deed poll, a legal document that changes your name.

Who can change their name

You can change your name by deed poll if you are 16 or over and live in Northern Ireland.

If you are 16 or 17, you do not need permission from your parents.

If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must apply for a child deed poll on your behalf. Everyone with parental responsibility for you must agree to the change.

When to change your name

You can change your name at any stage, including before, during or after social transition.

You do not need to have started medical transition or have a Gender Recognition Certificate. You do not need permission from a doctor or anyone else.

Choosing your new name

You can change your first name, middle names or surname, or all of them. Your new name does not need to relate to your current name.

There are only a few restrictions. Find out more about names you cannot use.

Signing your deed poll

You need to sign your deed poll in front of 2 witnesses, who then sign it too.

Your witnesses must be 18 or over and know you personally. They cannot be close relatives or live at the same address as you.

Your witnesses do not need to know why you are changing your name.

Privacy

A deed poll is a private document. It does not create a public record linking your previous name to your new one.

When you tell an organisation about your new name, it should use your new name on all future letters and documents. Your previous name may stay in its historical records.

If you still get letters in your previous name after updating your details, contact the organisation and ask it to correct its records.

Your title

You do not need a deed poll to change your title, such as Mr, Ms or Mx. Your title is not part of your legal name, and most organisations will update it when you ask.

Health records

You can update your name with your GP practice by showing them your deed poll.

Your Health and Care Number stays the same when you change your name, so your medical history stays linked to you.

Your passport

To change the name on your passport, you will need your deed poll and evidence that you are using your new name. Find out more about updating your passport.

If you also want to change the gender on your passport, you will need a letter from a doctor or medical consultant confirming that your change of gender is likely to be permanent. You do not need a Gender Recognition Certificate.

Gender Recognition Certificates

A Gender Recognition Certificate is separate from changing your name. You do not need one to change your name by deed poll.

Changing your name and updating your documents can help show that you are living in your acquired gender if you apply for a certificate later.

Your birth certificate does not change when you change your name by deed poll. If you get a Gender Recognition Certificate, you can apply for a new birth certificate.

Apply for a deed poll

It costs £25 to apply for a deed poll with the NI Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.