Gender Recognition Act 2004

If you’ve only just started changing your name etc. you are no where near ready to apply for a GRC. A GRC is in no way the first step of transition, it’s arguably on of the last (if we ignore the length of time we wait on the nhs for things!)  

Why do you want a GRC? All it does is update your birth certificate (which isn’t required in day-to-day life or to update ID) or with HMRC (which nobody would see) or on a marriage certificate. 

I’m pretty sure you’re crossing wires here with your goals and somehow mixed up a diagnosis with a GRC or similar. 

okay perfect. thank you

the answer generally is its not really needed, right up until the exact moment where it very much is needed.

most situations where you having a GRC would be very important are ones that you generally dont have 2 years prior notice.

So its good to prepare for it, even if you're not sure if you're going to get one right away, just spend a bit of time learning and understanding how to get one, and be gathering the 2 years of evidence documentation as you go etc etc. Just get into the habit of putting all transition documentation stuff and medical records you get into a folder somewhere and every once in a while grab a bill or letter from the council or whatever with your name and title on it and shove that in there too.

So you basically just need one solid item from the 2 year ago mark to prove that's when you start transitioning. Everything else is allowed to be more recent (over a range). For most people, a deed poll is clear accepted example for the oldest thing. I haven't heard many examples of people submitting something else with a deed poll less than 2 years old.

I'm not saying it's out of the question, but you need something strong to prove you were living as male from 2 years ago- something written coming out to people, anywhere you used your chosen name (even if not legal), any letters. Just some kind of written proof. They might reject it anyway due to not being strong enough evidence, but if you think you can find something then you don't lose anything by giving it a go.

I have a GRC, but it's also worth saying, it really didn't change anything. 'Legally stealth' doesn't mean much, most places accept your passport for everything, very few require your birth certificate. Jobs fall into this category- even before my grc, no where I've worked knew I was trans because they just required my passport. I mainly did it because it means a lot to me in terms of marriage and adoption, being legally a husband and a father. But if you're not at that stage in life, it doesn't affect much, if anything at all.