If you are aged 18 or over, you can apply to the Minister for Social Protection on your own behalf to change your gender. You do not need to apply to court.
Information on applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate and revised birth certificate >
Court applications concerning gender recognition
You need to apply to the Circuit Court for certain matters related to gender recognition. The main situations are set out below.
Apply for an exemption if you’re under 18
If you are aged 16 or 17, you may have your preferred gender legally recognised. In this situation, your parent or guardian can apply to the Circuit Court to exempt you from the age restriction and must apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate on your behalf.
Your parent or guardian must also submit documentation from your medical practitioner, and a psychiatrist or endocrinologist, to support the application.
The Circuit Court Rules set out the process that must be followed.
Circuit Court forms required include:
- Form 37P – Notice of Motion
- Form 37Q – Grounding Affidavit
- Form 37S – Certificate of Medical Practitioner
- Form 37T – Certificate of Endocrinologist or Psychiatrist
If you are under 16 you cannot have your preferred gender legally recognised.
Applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate can be complicated. Your parent or guardian may wish to get legal advice. More information on legal advice and representation >
Support services may also be able to help. More information on support services >
Reverse your decision if you’re under 18
If you are aged 16 or 17, hold a Gender Recognition Certificate and want to revert to your original gender, your parent or guardian can apply to the Circuit Court to reverse your decision.
Your parent or guardian must also submit documentation from your medical practitioner, and a psychiatrist or endocrinologist, to support the application.
The Circuit Court Rules set out the process that must be followed.
Circuit Court forms required include:
- Form 37P – Notice of Motion
- Form 37Q – Grounding Affidavit
- Form 37U – Certificate of Medical Practitioner
- Form 37V – Certificate of Endocrinologist or Psychiatrist
Applying to revoke your Gender Recognition Certificate can be complicated. Your parent or guardian may wish to get legal advice. More information on legal advice and representation >
Support services may also be able to help. More information on support services >
Appeal a decision of the Minister
You can appeal specific gender recognition decisions made by the Minister, whatever your age. If you are aged 18 or over, you can appeal to the Circuit Court on your own behalf. If you are aged 16 or 17, your parent or guardian must apply to the Circuit Court for you.
Decisions that can be appealed include:
- Refusal to grant a Gender Recognition Certificate
- Decision to revoke a Gender Recognition Certificate
- Refusal to revoke a Gender Recognition Certificate
- Refusal to fix a clerical error or error of fact on a Gender Recognition Certificate
Appeals must be made within 90 days of the Minister’s decision, or the notice being given to you. However, a judge may allow more time if there is good and sufficient reason.
The Circuit Court Rules on statutory appeals set out the process that must be followed.
Circuit Court forms required include:
Appealing a decision of the Minister can be complicated. You might want to get legal advice. More information on legal advice and representation >
Support services may also be able to help. More information on support services >
