How to register with a GP

How to register with a GP

Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery to access NHS services. It’s free to register.

There is more information here about registering with a GP surgery on the NHS website.

You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.

How it works

Most people need to register with a surgery close to where they live.

You can use the Find a GP service to look for a surgery.

In the search results you can see:

• If a GP surgery is currently accepting patients
• Reception opening times
• Reviews of the surgery.

Once you’ve chosen a surgery, you’ll need to fill in a registration form. These are usually available on:

• The NHS App
• The GP surgery’s website
• The GP surgery’s profile page on the NHS website (Find a GP)

You can also get a paper form from the surgery.

It’s also possible to register with a GP surgery outside your local area.

Do I need ID or proof of address?

No, you do not need ID, an NHS number or proof of address to register.

Some GP surgeries ask for supporting documentation as it can:

• Help the surgery find your medical records or transfer them from your current GP
• Confirm that you live in the surgery’s area (or “practice boundary”) if they do not accept patients from outside this area

If you do not have a permanent address you can still register using a temporary address or the address of the GP surgery.

Can a GP surgery refuse to register me?

A GP surgery can refuse to register you if:

• They’re not accepting new patients
• You live outside their area and they only accept patients inside this area
• You have been removed from that surgery before.

If a GP surgery refuses to register you, they must write to you within 14 days explaining why.