How GP registration works
Each GP practice sets its own registration process. There is no single national system — which means there is no one form to fill in or one phone number to call. What you do depends on the practice.
In practice, the process usually goes like this: find a practice that is accepting new patients, contact them (usually via their website or by visiting reception), complete their registration form, and wait to be confirmed as a registered patient. Most practices confirm registration within a few days. Some take a little longer, especially at busy times.
Find a practice accepting new patients using the NHS find-a-GP tool: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
What you need to register
Practices typically ask for your name, date of birth, address, and contact details. Some also ask for your NHS number, though this is not mandatory — the practice can find it for you.
Some practices ask for a form of ID or proof of address, but this varies. It is not a universal requirement. If you do not have the documents a practice requests, ask whether alternatives are acceptable. You should not be refused registration solely because you lack a specific form of ID.
Important: you do not need to provide proof of immigration status to register with a GP. NHS England's guidance is clear that GP practices should not ask for this as a condition of registration.
You do not need to prove your immigration status to register with a GP
GP registration is a right for anyone ordinarily resident in England. Practices should not require proof of nationality, visa status, or immigration documents as a condition of accepting you. If you are asked for this, you can refer the practice to NHS England's guidance.
When you move to a new area
If you move house, check whether your new address falls within your current GP practice's catchment area. Most practices define an area they will register patients from. If your new address is outside that area, you will generally need to register with a new practice.
You can stay registered at your old practice temporarily while you find a new one, but you will not be able to access home visits or some services if you live far away. Register locally as soon as you can after moving.
When you register with a new practice, they will request your medical records from your previous GP. This transfer happens automatically between practices. It can take a few weeks. In the meantime, your new practice can still treat you — they will ask about your relevant history directly.
What to do if no local practice is accepting new patients
In some areas — particularly cities with high housing turnover or areas with staffing pressures — finding a GP accepting new patients can be genuinely difficult. This is real and HMRC advice to "just register with a local GP" understates the problem.
Here is what to do.
Try out-of-area registration first. GP practices can register patients who live outside their official catchment area if they choose to. You will not be entitled to home visits if you live far away, but for most people that is not a priority. Contact practices beyond your immediate area and ask if they are accepting patients from outside their catchment.
If you have been refused by three practices: you can ask NHS England to assign you to a practice. This is the process most people do not know exists. Contact NHS England by phone or through their online request form and explain you have been unable to register. NHS England will assign you to a practice that has capacity. It may not be your nearest, but it gives you access to GP services while you continue looking.
Contact NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/
Meanwhile: you can still access urgent care without being registered with a GP. NHS 111, A&E, and Urgent Treatment Centres do not require GP registration. Pharmacists can also help with minor conditions via the Pharmacy First scheme.
Temporary registration
If you need to see a GP urgently before your registration is complete — or if you are away from home for more than 24 hours and need medical care — you can ask for a temporary registration at a local practice.
Temporary registration lasts up to 3 months and gives you the same access to urgent GP services as a permanent patient. The practice will not have your full medical history, so give them as much relevant information as you can.
Children and GP registration
Children can be registered with a GP by a parent or guardian. The process is the same as for adults: find a practice accepting new patients, complete the registration form on the child's behalf. If you are registering with a new practice yourself after moving, register your children at the same time — they do not automatically follow.
Children do not need their own NHS number to register, though they will be assigned one if they do not already have it.
Plain guides to NHS access and services — practical information when you need it.
Common questions about GP registration
Do I need an NHS number to register with a GP?▾
No. Having your NHS number makes the process slightly smoother, but it is not required. Your practice can find your NHS number through the NHS Spine (the national system) once they have your name, date of birth, and address. If you do not know your NHS number, do not let that stop you from registering.
What happens to my medical records when I switch GP?▾
Your records are transferred electronically from your old practice to your new one. This happens automatically when you register — you do not need to do anything. The transfer usually takes a few weeks. Your new practice can see your summary care record from day one, but the full detailed record may take time to come through.
Can I register at a GP in a different area to where I live?▾
Yes. Practices can choose to register patients from outside their catchment area. They are not required to do so. If a practice in a different area is more convenient for you — near your workplace, for example — contact them and ask. Out-of-area registration usually means you are not entitled to home visits if you live far away, but for most patients this is not a concern.
What if I am refused by every local practice?▾
If you have been refused by three or more practices in your area, contact NHS England and ask to be assigned to a practice. NHS England has a duty to ensure you can access GP services. They will place you with a practice that has capacity, which may not be your nearest but will give you access to GP care. Contact details for NHS England are at england.nhs.uk/contact-us.
How long does GP registration take?▾
Most practices confirm registration within a few days. Some take up to a week or two, especially during busy periods or if they need to complete a new patient health check first. You can request urgent appointments during the registration process if you have an immediate medical need — do not wait to be formally confirmed before seeking care if you need it.
Can children register separately from parents?▾
Children can be registered at the same practice as their parents or at a different one. Registration for children is completed by a parent or guardian. There is no requirement for the whole family to be at the same practice. Once registered, a young person aged 16 or over can generally access GP services independently.
Do I need to re-register if I move within the same area?▾
Not necessarily. If your new address is still within your current practice's catchment area, your registration continues unchanged. Contact your practice after you move and update your address. If your new address is outside the catchment area, you will need to register with a new practice.
Explore related pages
- →NHS overviewBack to the NHS overview — what is free, what is charged, and which service to use
- →NHS Prescription ChargesOnce registered, here is what you need to know about prescription charges and exemptions
- →BenefitsIf you are on certain benefits, you may qualify for free prescriptions and other NHS cost exemptions