How to register with a GP in England: documents, NHS number and next steps
Registering with a GP surgery is one of the first useful steps after moving to England. A GP is normally the main contact for non-emergency healthcare, repeat prescriptions, referrals and ongoing treatment. Registration is free, and everyone in England can apply, including people visiting from abroad. You do not need to wait until you are ill.
Find a surgery and submit the form
Use the NHS “Find a GP” service and enter your postcode to see nearby practices. Most people choose a surgery close to home because practices usually serve a defined area. Many surgeries accept registration through the NHS website, the NHS App or their own website. You can also visit the practice and complete a paper form. A separate form is normally needed for every family member.
The form asks for basic details such as your name, date of birth, address and contact information. If you previously had a GP, provide the former practice’s name and address so records can be transferred. Registration is usually confirmed within five days after the surgery receives the details, although it can take longer.
What documents do you need?
NHS guidance says you do not need proof of identity, proof of address, proof of immigration status or an existing NHS number to register. A practice may request extra information to help locate records or confirm that an adult is entitled to register a child, but lack of standard ID should not by itself prevent ordinary GP registration. People without a permanent address can use a temporary address or, where appropriate, the surgery’s address.
An NHS number is a unique ten-digit identifier used to match a patient with health records. If you already have one, it can help the practice find your information, but you do not need to know it. A person who has never had an NHS number will normally be assigned one during registration. The number does not expire when you move and should not be confused with a National Insurance number.
Changing surgery or registering temporarily
You do not need to tell your old practice when changing GP: it will normally be notified after the new registration is completed. If you keep the same practice but move home, contact it directly to update your address. Some practices accept patients who live outside their normal area, but this may affect access to home visits, out-of-hours care and community services.
If you are staying away from home, you can ask to register as a temporary patient for up to three months without leaving your permanent GP. If a temporary application is refused, you can still receive immediately necessary treatment for up to fourteen days. For urgent medical help when a GP is closed, use NHS 111; call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
If the surgery refuses
A practice can refuse when it is not taking new patients, when you live outside its area or in certain other limited circumstances. It must write within fourteen days and explain the reason. If you believe the refusal is unfair or you have difficulty registering, contact the local integrated care board, Healthwatch or Citizens Advice.
Practical checklist
- Search for nearby practices using your current postcode.
- Check whether the practice accepts online registrations and out-of-area patients.
- Complete one form for each adult and child.
- Give details of your previous GP if available.
- Keep the registration confirmation and then set up NHS App access if useful.
Jurisdiction note: this guide describes GP registration in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate their own health services and may use different registration processes.
Official sources
