Do you need ID or proof of address to register with a GP?

Do you need ID to register with a GP?

No. In England you do not need ID, proof of address, proof of immigration status or an NHS number to register with a GP surgery. The NHS guide to registering with a GP surgery (opens in a new tab) sets this out.

A surgery will usually only ask for basic details, such as your name, date of birth and address. NHS England's guide You and your general practice (opens in a new tab) says documents can help the surgery. But you do not need them to register or to see a GP.

This guide covers England. The rules can be different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Why might a GP surgery ask for documents?

Some surgeries still ask for ID or proof of address. They may ask for extra details to:

• find your old medical records and move them to the new surgery
• check you are the parent or guardian of a child you are registering

If you can show documents, it may help. If you cannot, the surgery should still register you. Not having documents is not a reason to turn you away.

Can you register with a GP if you are homeless?

Yes. You can register with a GP surgery if you are homeless or living somewhere temporary. A surgery cannot refuse you because you do not have a permanent address.

If you do not have a permanent address, you can register using:

• a temporary address, such as where you are staying now
• the address of the GP surgery

If you are staying somewhere for less than 3 months, you can also register as a temporary patient at a surgery nearby.

Can you register with a GP if you are new to the UK?

Yes. Anyone in England can register with a GP and see a GP for free, whatever their immigration status. This includes people seeking asylum, refugees, people whose asylum claim has been refused, and visitors. You can read the government's migrant health guide on NHS entitlements (opens in a new tab) for more information.

You do not need an NHS number. If you do not have one, you'll get one when you register.

The charity Doctors of the World publishes GP access cards (opens in a new tab) you can show at a surgery. They explain your right to register without proof of address or ID.

GP care is always free, but you may have to pay for some hospital care if you do not usually live in the UK.

What can you do if a GP surgery refuses to register you?

A surgery can only refuse you for a good reason. For example, you live outside their area or their list is closed to new patients. They cannot refuse you because you have no ID, no permanent address or because of your immigration status.

If a surgery refuses to register you:

1. Ask for the reason. The surgery must write to you within 14 days to explain why.
2. Ask to speak to the practice manager.
3. Contact your local integrated care board (ICB), the NHS organisation that plans health services in your area.
4. Get advice from Citizens Advice or your local Healthwatch (opens in a new tab).

If a surgery tells you their list is full, find out what to do if a GP surgery says their list is full.

How to register with a GP without documents

You can register online or at the surgery. With Bookable, you can find NHS GP surgeries near you and register online in about 10 minutes with no documents needed. You can book your first appointment at the same time. It's free.

For a step-by-step guide, find out how to register with a GP.

Sources

1. Register with a GP surgery (opens in a new tab) (NHS)
2. You and your general practice (opens in a new tab) (NHS England)
3. NHS entitlements: migrant health guide (opens in a new tab) (GOV.UK)
4. GP Access Cards (opens in a new tab) (Doctors of the World)
5. Find your local Healthwatch (opens in a new tab) (Healthwatch England)