How to register with a GP

Registering with a GP surgery is your gateway to accessing NHS healthcare in the UK. The good news: it is completely free, you do not need proof of address or immigration status, and the process is straightforward whether you apply online or in person.

Why you need to register with a GP

Your GP is your first point of contact for most health concerns in the NHS. GPs can diagnose and treat common illnesses, prescribe medication, offer health advice, and refer you to specialists or hospitals when needed. You can register with a GP whether you are a student, a worker on a visa, an asylum seeker, or even if you are living in the UK without settled status. Primary care at a GP surgery is free for everyone in England, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

Finding a GP surgery near you

Start by searching for surgeries in your area using the NHS Find a GP tool on the NHS website. You can search by postcode or your current location. Most people register with a surgery close to where they live, but you are not required to do so. Some GP surgeries accept patients who live further away, known as out-of-area registration. However, if you register outside your local area, you may not have access to home visits or some out-of-hours services.

When browsing surgeries, check whether they are accepting new patients. You can also look at other practical details like opening hours, whether they offer online appointment booking, evening or weekend appointments, and the services they provide. Some surgeries offer additional services such as contraception clinics, minor surgery, or dedicated mental health support.

What you need to provide when registering

Basic information only

According to NHS guidance, you only need to provide basic information when registering: your name, date of birth, and current address. You do not need to show ID, proof of address, proof of immigration status, or have an NHS number. If you already have an NHS number from a previous registration, it can help the surgery find your medical records more quickly, but it is not required.

Why surgeries sometimes ask for documents

Some GP surgeries may still ask you for documents like a passport, utility bill, or tenancy agreement. This is not a legal requirement for registration. Surgeries may request these documents for practical reasons, such as confirming you live within their catchment area or helping to locate your previous medical records. If you do not have these documents, you can still register. The surgery cannot refuse you solely because you lack ID or proof of address.

Registering children or someone you care for

If you are registering a child under 16, you will need to fill in a separate form and may be asked to provide the child's birth certificate or personal child health record, often called the red book. For children who are adopted or staying with relatives, additional documentation may be requested. You can also register someone you care for, whether you are a paid carer, unpaid family carer, or foster carer. The surgery will ask for your details as well as the details of the person you are registering.

How to register

Online registration

Many GP surgeries now offer online registration through the NHS website or their own practice website. The online form typically takes around 15 minutes to complete for each person. You will need to provide your basic personal details, and if you have moved from another practice, you can include details of your previous GP so your records can be transferred. You should hear back within five days, though it may take longer if the surgery is busy. If you already have the NHS App and are registered with a GP, you can use it to switch to a new surgery without needing to inform your current one.

Paper registration

If you prefer or if online registration is not available, you can register in person or by post using a paper form. The standard paper registration form is now known as the PRF1, which replaced the older GMS1 form in late 2024. You can download the form from the NHS website or pick one up from the surgery. Fill it in and return it to the surgery reception. Some surgeries may allow you to complete the form on the spot during your visit.

Temporary registration

If you are staying in an area temporarily, such as for work or study, or if you are visiting from abroad, you can register as a temporary patient for up to three months. You will need to fill in a temporary services form, available from the surgery. After three months, you can reapply as a temporary patient or switch to permanent registration. If you are only in the area for up to 14 days and need urgent medical care, you can receive immediate and necessary treatment from any GP surgery without registering.

After you register

Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive a letter in the post. If this is your first time registering with an NHS GP, your letter will include your NHS number, a unique 10-digit identifier that stays with you for life. Keep this number safe, as you may need it for hospital appointments, prescriptions, and accessing NHS services online. You can now book appointments by phone, online, or through the NHS App, depending on what your surgery offers. Many surgeries also offer a new patient health check with a practice nurse to establish your medical history and discuss any ongoing health concerns.

How referrals to specialists work

GPs act as gatekeepers to specialist NHS services. If your GP believes you need further investigation, specialist treatment, or tests that cannot be provided in the surgery, they will refer you to a hospital consultant or specialist service. This is done through the NHS e-Referral Service, a digital platform that lets you choose which hospital or clinic you would like to attend for your first outpatient appointment.

The referral process

When your GP decides a referral is necessary, they will send your details electronically to the specialist service. You will then receive a referral letter, usually within two weeks or sooner if urgent, by text message, email, or post. The letter will include a unique booking reference number and password, and instructions on how to arrange your appointment. You can book online via the NHS e-Referral Service or by phone. In some cases, the hospital may contact you directly with a proposed appointment time.

Your right to choose

For most specialist referrals, you have the legal right to choose which hospital you go to and which consultant-led team treats you. Your GP should discuss your options with you, including waiting times and the services available at different hospitals. The NHS Constitution for England guarantees that you should be seen by a specialist within 18 weeks of your GP referring you, though in practice waiting times vary by specialty and region.

What if you disagree with your GP

You are entitled to request a referral for specialist treatment, but the final decision rests with your GP based on what they consider clinically necessary. If your GP declines to refer you and you believe you need specialist care, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor. You can also discuss your concerns further with your GP or ask to see a different GP within the same practice.

Common questions and practical tips

Can I change my GP surgery later?

Yes. You can change your GP surgery at any time, and you do not need to give a reason. Simply register with your new surgery, and they will automatically inform your old surgery and arrange to transfer your medical records. You do not need to notify your current surgery yourself.

What if I need medical help before I am registered?

If you need urgent care and are not yet registered with a GP, call NHS 111 for advice. You can also visit an NHS walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre without an appointment or registration. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.

Will the NHS share my information with the Home Office?

GP practices do not share your personal information with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes. However, if you receive hospital treatment costing more than 500 pounds and it remains unpaid for over two months, the hospital may share non-medical details such as your name and address with the Home Office. This does not apply to GP services, which remain free and confidential for everyone.