Deed Poll

Changing my name was the best thing I have ever done for myself. The freedom and the weight off your shoulders is overwhelming.
It's safe to say that getting a deed poll was not a difficult decision for me.
Keeping old name:

• Completely avoiding using ID
• Constant worry that people will know/find out
• Old name on registers
• If somebody argues that it's not your name, you have no backup

Changing name:

• Able to use ID
• Not worrying so much that people know
• New name of registers
• If somebody argues that it's not your name... well, it is.
• If you are required to have been living 'in role' for a year, it's solid proof that you have done so
• Confidence boost
  

I definitely recommend changing your name as soon as possible if you're trans. It makes you feel so much more comfortable and even if you're not 100% sure then it may be worth doing to confirm who you feel that you really are.

fab