You must attach approval from the relevant authority to change a record of sex or name, if you are a:
- Young person in custody or serving a custodial sentence
- Prisoner
- Parolee
- Offender as defined in the table below.
It is an offence to apply without this approval.
Change a record of sex
1. Adult applications
| Category of applicant | Relevant authority | 
|---|---|
| A young person in a youth justice facility | Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety | 
| A prisoner | Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety | 
| On parole | Adult Parole Board | 
| An offender subject to a supervision order or interim-supervision order under the Serious Offenders Act 2018 | Post Sentence Authority | 
| A registrable offender within the meaning of the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 | Chief Commissioner of Police | 
2. Child applications
If your child is a young person in a youth justice facility, you must attach approval from the Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
Change a name
1. Adult applications
| Category of applicant | Relevant authority | 
|---|---|
| A young person serving a custodial sentence in a youth residential centre or youth justice centre | Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety | 
| A prisoner | Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety | 
| On parole | Adult Parole Board | 
| An offender subject to a supervision order or interim-supervision order under the Serious Offenders Act 2018 | Post Sentence Authority | 
| A registrable offender within the meaning of the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 | Chief Commissioner of Police | 
2. Child applications
| Category of applicant | Relevant authority | 
|---|---|
| A young person serving a custodial sentence in a youth residential centre or youth justice centre | Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety | 
| Child’s parent is: 
 | Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety | 
Updated

