DEED POLL - UK

[CannibalPrince]

Hey guys! Im very very confused to how the deed poll works, there's stuff about witnesses, some say you have to pay others say you don't. I would like the less hassle one. i'm looking up and around but it's all saying different things, I'd rather ask the trans community since some of you have gone through it. I just not sure which one to go with etc. My brain is a muddle.
also my therapist said I can't change my gender until two years! but can I make my name MR and have M on my passport? my therapist said I can do but i'm confused with that. 

[Leila]

Deed polls can be made for next to no money. You can go to various websites and get a template deed poll to edit and print off. You may want to use fancy paper and perhaps a seal to make it look more official.

Statutory declarations are a slightly different kettle of fish, and may be what you are confusing with deed polls, they can be got from solicitors or justice of the peace for a small fee. They carry more weight than a deed poll and some organisations may want to see a statutory declaration over a deed poll.

Your honorific title should not need to be included in the deed poll and can excluded if you wish.

For a UK passport gender marker change you will also need a letter from your GP or gender therapist along with your deed poll or statutory declaration to say that you are transitioning and any changes as a result are likely to be permanent.

You will have to wait two years after changing your name and at that point start officially use it to mark the start of two years before you can submit an application to the Gender Recognition Panel to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). With the GRC you can exchange that for an amended UK birth cerficate with your preferred gender marker.

[RachelH]

For my deed poll I got a friend who is a qualified teacher to witness it.  I've only needed deed polls and my GP's letter to change my name, title and gender marker on every piece of id I have: passport, driving licence, professional certificates/log book, banks etc. 

The only statutory declaration that I've need was the declaration of truth when completing my gender recognition certificate application, if you go to a solicitor the standard charge is £5.  Obviously after I have this I will have a new birth certificate and everything legal will be in my current name and the deed polls will no longer be needed as I progress with all the relevant government id in place.

I recommend you go to one of the websites, the deed polls they provide are nicely written, you can ask for 10 + of them (i recommend 5-10, no more is required). Then just send them out with your name change letters and GP's letter; also not one place has kept the originals and they always send them back to you.

[Alex2020T]

I'll be changing my name by deed poll early next year.

Here is what the UK Govt says:

https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/overview

I'll likely use this service (there's a free to call Advice Helpline):

http://www.thelegaldeedpollservice.org.uk/

I hope this is of some help to you,  but mind I haven't actually used the service yet. Best wishes.