UK Passport photographs while still in transition. A little help please :-)

[Julia-Madrid]

Hi y'all

I have only recently started my transition, but in two months I shall be going full time - the date is already planned in my company.  The problem is that I hold a UK passport but am transitioning in Spain.  Therefore I will not be able to do a legal recognition of gender change for almost two years, yet I now look nothing like my passport photo.   And I travel a lot for work.

Question:  for the UK Home Office, does anyone have a definite answer to this:  can I apply for a new UK passport with a female photo, while keeping my name and gender unchanged?

Any help would be very gratefully received.  Tea and cake will be provided 

Hugs
Julia

[Joan]

I would think that however you choose to present in the photo wouldn't matter.  As long as the photo and the person match.  Kind of like not having a beard in the photo and growing one after.

I feel where you're coming from completely on the frustration of not being able to easily change gender when living overseas

[Julia-Madrid]

Thanks Joan - I suspect this is the case but I am awaiting an overdue reply from the Home Office.

The problem is compounded by my current passport photo - for some reason the photo and then the rendering of it in the document make me look terribly different from how I am now, just with long hair and a bit of makeup. 

And in 2 months I will get my FFS done.  That will make it, er, better and worse

Compare my avatar with this image - what do you think?

[ErinWDK]

Compare my avatar with this image - what do you think?

It takes some looking, but the picture does indeed seem to show the same person - or at the very least her brother.  The trouble is this leaves things up the the "discretion" of all sorts of immigration authorities.

I hope you can get a new picture!


Erin

[Monkeymel]

I have lived in switzeand for 12 years and did my passport name photo and gender together without problems. First was deedpoll - then letter from my doctor stating that I live full time and will be permanent - and a covering letter.

If just changing the photo you will need someone to sign that it is a likeness of you - solicitor or Notariat. It really is worth reading all the online documentation. Wink

[Julia-Madrid]

It really is worth reading all the online documentation. Wink

ALL the online documentation, Mel?     Maybe you know where to look in the haystack, my kick at it earlier didn't turn up anything sharp and pointy 

But thanks!  This is probably a good start!

[Monkeymel]

I should also mention- four days after transitioning I flew from Zurich to Koln, hired a car and returned all on my old passport. Then flew from Zurich to Singapore and Bali - got visa and returned - all with old photo and old name. Still won't forget the bulging eyes of the Bali security guard / yes that's me - big grin. I've changed a bit. A huh. I get a new passport soon. A huh... Only issue was in Singapore where the guard needed authorization from his superior. Oh and all airline hosts/ hostess asking me "ma'am have you swapped seats?"... Erm are you looking for Mr ... "Big grin I've changed a bit"...

I did have to cancel a trip to Dubai because there it is illegal...

I don't have the exact guideline number in memory but on passport website there are a couple of links for applying for a passport overseas, then if you are transgender and overseas and finally a third link to a document which states that you can change name gender and photo but need one of a) gender certificate b) written proof that you have been living full time and are permanent c) GID clinic details...

[Julia-Madrid]

Hiya Mel

Yeah, I am trying to avoid some of the embarrassment; heaven knows that we have enough of it while transitioning! 

The mechanics of the name and gender change documentation are pretty clear on the Home Office website.  But, if you've recently looked at the very detailed guideline document they have for photos, you'll kind-of see why I was asking about the photo issue.

Anyhow,  I think the notary thing will be acceptable to them.

Cheers
J

[Monkeymel]

Just try. A covering letter really helps - and a neutral-ish photo. In worst case they ask for more evidence. I still dislike my new passport photo - the lighting in the booths is terrible. But the main thing is for the eyes nose and ear proportions to be correct - biogeometries. That should not change too much after FFS (I've never done it).

For most Western European countries it won't be a big deal - USA depends on the border guard and Arabia would be tough.

Good luck and fingers crossed. It is a nerve wracking time waiting for the new passport and one jubilation when it arrives

[Lisa55]

You may just have to get your photo counter signed as per section 10 of the guide, on the basis you cant be identified from your old photo.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/309596/Guidance_notes_4_14.pdf

With some info on counter signatories. 

or if your want to change more than your photo there is a transgender guide also

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/251703/Applying_for_a_passport_additional_information.PDF

This also indicates that the minimum requirement for change of gender on your passport is a letter of intent to live in your acquired gender from your doctor.

PS I have no actual experience of the process other than reading the docs whilst doing my renewal and thinking "one day, maybe"

[Julia-Madrid]

Thanks girls for all your advice!!!

Hugs
Julia

[Beverly]

You do not need a GRC to change a UK passport. A letter from a GP stating that you have begun a medical transition should be enough. If I recall correctly you have some surgery a while ago and that could be used to support your application. This will ensure the SEX field on the passport is set to 'F'

If you have NOT changed your name via a recognised method (Deed poll / Statutory Declaration) then the passport office is going to use your existing legal name. If you have changed by it DP/SD then they will have to update your passport to show it but they will not change your gender marker without supporting medical documents.

You are obliged to change your photo if your appearance has significantly changed.

PS I have no actual experience of the process other than reading the docs whilst doing my renewal and thinking "one day, maybe"

I did mine a few months ago. It was very straightforward and the above advice should still be current because it is what I was told then.

[Julia-Madrid]

Thanks - I will see if our in-house medic will be willing to help me with this letter.

Monday morning hugs to all of ya!
Julia