Gender Recognition in the UK

I've been in contact with a lady in Germany via this blog and I've been asked about gender reassignment in the UK. I decided to put up a post with a couple of links that I hope explain some of the conditions and law that are encountered.
I am sorry to say I am probably not the best person to do this, but I will try.

The first link below is the Gender Recognition Act 2004

Gender Recognition Act 2004 (c. 7)

From what I understand to be legally recognised as a person who has  a change of gender, the person has to apply to The Gender Recognition Panel - GRP  for a Gender Recognition Certificate - GRC. 
The applicant has to provide evidence of  a diagnosis of persistent gender dysphoria and must show that they intend to live in their new role for the rest of their life which means the person has to live in the  gender for 2 years from the application. Details of medical treatment and relevant dates are required. Genital surgery is not a requirement, but if done details must be supplied. Once the GRC is issued  it can be used to apply for a new birth certificate. One problem with the GRC is if you are married, the marriage has to be dissolved before  a full GRC is issued. A temporary 6 month one can be issued, but from what I understand everything has to be resolved with in the 6 months or the whole process has to begin again.

Below is a link to Gender Identity Research and Education Society - GIRES

  The home page for the Gender Identity Research and Education Society

This site covers a whole lot of information. 

I have concentrated on the GRC. I hope my short summary translates okay and the sites translate as well.
To my friend Gerti in Germany I hope this gives an insight into how things work in the UK.
I apologise for any mistakes I've made.