Document Changes
Reproduced with the kind permission of Pamela Sexton
This guide relates to the United Kingdom. Apologies, but I
don't know enough about the rest of the world to write accurately .You've transitioned, or you are about to transition. What
documents can you change?
In theory you should be able to change all documents except for a birth
certificate or Marriage Certificate. Stop Press
- The UK government has stated, in late 2002, that it will introduce
legislation for transsexual people to have new birth certificates and
heterosexual marriage. They will not, however, allow change to National
Insurance Numbers which could cause problems for people rejoining a former
employer. In the UK it's Quite easy to change most documents providing that
you first obtain two documents that you need to help you.
Change of Name Document
In the UK, you are legally allowed to call yourself by any
name that you wish providing you don't change your name for Fraudulent reasons.
However, without getting a document with your new name, you may find it
difficult to change other documents. Not having a change of name document may
also mean problems with obtaining a mortgage or certain types of credit in the
future.
A Deed Poll is a legal document where an oath is sworn before
a judge and both old name and new name are quoted. It is the most expensive of
the two documents that can be obtained for a change of name, but if you are low
paid or unemployed, legal aid is available for this type of document. This means
that you can get this document for free.
The Other document is a Statutory Declaration. This is
similar to a Deed Poll but cheaper in cost. The oath is sworn before a solicitor
rather than a judge.
Once you have legally changed your name, it is illegal to
continue to use your former name. Therefore, it is not recommended that you
change your name until you are ready to start using it. You must not sign your
old name and you must change other documents as quickly as possible.
Medical Status
For most of your documents to be changed you will need a
letter from your Doctor or Psychiatrist of your Gender Identity status. You can
change your name on some documents without this document but a passport would
have on the wrong sex without it. That could lead to a situation where a
passport would say Miss Jane Smith, and sex as male.
Passport
To change or apply for a new passport is simple enough. You
need the letter from your doctor/psychiatrist and your change of name document.
You need to send the originals so registered mail might be best. Photocopies are
not acceptable. You also need somebody who knows you well and knows of your
gender identity status to sign your photograph and your application form. A good
person would be your doctor. It has been reported that some passport offices may
only issue a one year special passport so it is important to make a request for
a ten year one to avoid this happening. At quiet times of the year, you should
have a new passport within two weeks. If you have any queries then your passport
office will be pleased to assist. They have dealt with many transsexuals before
and really are quite used to it. It is worth noting that a passport is the best
form of identification for employment after a birth certificate.
Driving Licence
For all documentation, other than a passport, a photocopy of
both Medical and name change documents (refered to as 'the documents' from now
on) will do. A driving licence is no exception. Fill in all the relevant details
and send it, and the documents to the DVLC, address at the bottom of the form.
It should be noted that male and female driving licences have different
numerical codes. A female will have a 5 in their code if born between January
and September, or a 6 if born between October and December. It is useful to
write a covering letter asking that this code be changed. It could be awkward
presenting a driving licence to a police oficer or Insurance Company with a code
for the opposite sex. As of the year 2000, a Birth Certificate or passport is
needed with other documentation.
NHS Card
A National Health Card is needed to change doctor, or may be
asked for any time that treatment is sought from any NHS establishment. Your NHS
Number may also be asked for in some areas of employment.
In some cases your family doctor may make the changes for you
but sometimes they may not. If your doctor is one of those who won't then you'll
have to do it yourself. If you have your current medical card you need to return
it along with the documents to your local Family Health Service Authority or
Health Authority (address in the phone book). Send a covering letter and you
should have a new card within a few weeks. Check your card carefully. It has
been known for Health Authorities to return a new card as Mr. Jane Smith for
example.
Insurance
Insurance Policies are a little more complicated than other
documents. Not only do you need to change your name and title on policies but
you MUST inform the insurance company that you are transsexual. It is worth
asking to see a Manager when you do this. If you don't inform them, some
companies may say that your policy is invalid if you need to make a claim
because you withheld medical details. Not all insurance companies insist on
disclosure but it is advisable to tell so that they can't use it as an excuse in
the future.
Educational and Professional Certificates
The level of success with changing certificates to a new name
varies. GCSE, 'O' and 'A' level certificates are normally covered but some will
deny that they will change names. They usually have a policy of changing names
in the case of transsexualism. You will need to enclose the documents and the
fee that they charge per certificate. Universities and Professional Bodies may
not have the same policies and it will depend on the institution. Some bodies
refuse to make any changes so it is worth appealing and putting your case in
person. If that fails, it is possible that you may be able to make a challenge
in court for sex-discrimination but this has not been tested yet. For further
advice contact Press For Change.
Cheque Books and Guarantee Cards
Cheque Books and Bank Guarantee Cards just need the documents
and a visit to see you Bank Manager or Financial Advisor. New books and cards
will usually be issued very quickly.
Miscellaneous
If you pay Rent or Council Tax or any other bills, it is
important that you remember to inform the relevant people. You don't really need
the letter from your GP/Psychiatrist here but it's worth sending them anyway.
You may call yourself by any name you choose but British Administrators are
often unable to think for themselves so a copy of the name change document is
advisable.
Your car registration documents and Title Deeds for your home
will also need to be changed. If you sign on, you will need to inform your local
job-centre but may ask to see a supervisor, and you can ask to be placed on a
sensitive claim so that nobody below the level of supervisor may access more
than the basic details of your claim.
Copyright of Pamela
Sexton, 2005.
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