A gender recognition certificate is an important document that enables individuals to have their affirmed gender legally recognized by the UK government. Obtaining this certificate is relatively straightforward if you follow the correct steps.
Before we delve into the details of the process, it’s essential to understand what the certificate is and why it is significant for individuals seeking it.
What Is a Gender Recognition Certificate?
A gender recognition certificate (GRC) is a legal document that enables individuals to have their affirmed gender legally recognized. This recognition aligns with a person’s gender identity and expression rather than the sex assigned to them at birth.
A GRC validates the gender identity of transgender individuals and grants them the legal right to be acknowledged as members of their acquired gender in all aspects of life.
With a gender recognition certificate, you can go on to:
- Update your birth/adoption certificate with your preferred and now legal gender (if it was registered in the UK)
- Get married or enter into a civil partnership in your affirmed gender
- Update an existing marriage or civil partnership certificate (if it was registered in the UK)
- Have your affirmed gender on your death certificate
Do I Need a Gender Recognition Certificate?
A gender recognition certificate (GRC) is not required for all transgender individuals in the UK. However, it is a legal option for those who want their acquired gender to be officially recognized by the government. Deciding to obtain a GRC is a personal choice that depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
However, obtaining a GRC is necessary if you want to update your legal identification documents—such as your birth certificate, driver’s licence, and passport—to reflect your acquired gender.
The Gender Recognition Certificate Process
So, now we know what it is and why individuals obtain one, here is our step-by-step guide on the gender recognition certificate process:
- Ensure you meet the criteria
- Complete the application form
- Submit any required documents
- Review and wait for the decision
1. Ensure You Meet the Criteria
The first step is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). Specifically, you must be over 18 years old, have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria in the UK, intend to live permanently in your affirmed gender, and have been living in that gender for at least 2 years. You are still eligible to apply even if you have not undergone any gender-affirming surgeries or treatments or if you do not plan to do so.
If you do not have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, you may still be able to apply for the certificate if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You had been living in your affirmed gender for at least 6 years before those dates, and you have evidence of that
- You have had gender affirmation surgery
- You currently live in England, Wales or Scotland
2. Complete the Application Form
Once you have confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can obtain and complete the application form. This form is available on the official UK government website or through the Gender Recognition Panel (GRP). When filling out the form, provide your personal and contact details.
Additionally, you must pay the £5 application fee using a debit or credit card, as this fee is required to process your application.
3. Submit Any Required Documents
During the application process, you will need to submit several supporting documents. This includes a medical report from a registered medical practitioner or psychologist confirming your diagnosis of gender dysphoria and detailing your transition process. Additionally, you must provide an original or certified copy of your full birth or adoption certificate.
You must also prepare a statutory declaration to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). A statutory declaration is a formal statement affirming that something is accurate to the best of your knowledge, and it must be signed in the presence of a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or notary public. You can find guidance and examples of statutory declarations for applicants on the UK Government website.
4. Review and Wait for the decision
You can now submit your completed application form, supporting documents, a statutory declaration, and the application fee to the Gender Recognition Panel (GRP).
The GRP will review your application, considering the evidence and documentation you have provided. You will receive written notification of the GRP’s decision.
If your application is approved, a Gender Recognition Certificate will be issued, officially recognizing your acquired gender.
How We Can Help
At Harrington Family Law, our trusted team of solicitors are here to help with your statutory declaration. We will ensure that you have the correct statutory declaration paperwork for your circumstances, witness your declaration and sign your form, leaving you free to proceed with your Gender Recognition Certificate application.
You will need an appointment for us to witness your statutory declaration. Please get in touch with us today to arrange. You must bring along your completed forms, but you mustn’t sign them until we witness them. There is a small £24.00 charge for statutory declarations.