How to register with a GP; understanding your patient rights
GP access is an ongoing issue you tell us about. We want to help you understand your rights when registering with your GP, using NHS guidelines.
Everyone in England can register with a GP surgery or change their GP surgery for free.
How do I register with a GP surgery?
There are several ways you can register:
- Through the practice website if they offer online registration
- Going to the surgery and filling in their paperwork
- Downloading the register with a GP surgery paper form and taking it to the surgery you want to register with.
If you are already registered with a practice, but wish to change - you can do this through the NHS app.
What do I need to register with a GP?
Proof of address:
NHS guidelines state that you don't need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register with a GP. However, some GP surgeries ask for supporting documentation. They might have a few reasons to do this:
- It can help the surgery find your medical records or transfer them from another practice.
- It confirms that you live in the surgery's practice area if they do not accept patients from outside this area.
If you don't have a permanent address, you can still register using a temporary address or the address of the GP surgery.
Personal ID:
You do not have to provide an ID when registering with a GP, but it does help. Below is a list of documents that you can use as ID:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Biometric residence permit
- Travel document
- HC2 certificate
- ARC card
- Utility bill
Other information:
As part of the registration process you will also be asked for:
- The name and address of an emergency contact
- The name of the GP practice you were previously registered with
- The name and address of your carer, if you have one.
What could stop me getting registered with a GP?
A GP must explain why they refuse your request to register in writing. The GP has the right to refuse if:
- The practice isn't currently accepting new patients.
- The practice only accepts patients living within its practice area.
- you have been removed from that surgery before.
What to do if you're refused the right to register
There could be several reasons a GP may refuse your registration. But they must explain why in writing within 14 days.
If you have problems registering with a GP surgery:
- Call the NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 22 33
- Contact your local Healthwatch
Here are some ways that you can make a complaint:
By email (for the attention of the complaints manager in the subject line)
By post: NHS England, P.O. Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT
By phone: 0300 311 2233 (Telephone Interpreter Service available)
Further information can be found in your local Citizens Advice or your local Healthwatch. This information can be made available in alternative formats, such as easy-read or large print and may be available in alternative languages upon request. To receive this, contact 0300 311 2233 or send an email to NHS England.
I want to change my GP practice. Do I have to give a reason?
No, you don't have to tell your practice why you want to change or your new one why you made that decision.
You'll need to fill in a registration form. A request will then be made to your current GP to transfer your medical records to the new GP surgery.
Read more information on registering with a practice further away from your residence.
Registering as a temporary patient
You can register with a GP practice as a temporary patient. You can register as a temporary resident with a GP surgery for up to three months. To register, you must fill out a temporary services form (GMS3) from GP surgeries.
After three months, you must reapply to register as a temporary resident or become a permanent patient.
Accessing GP care as a student
If you become unwell or need other medical treatment when you're at home or not staying near your university GP, you can contact your nearest practice to ask for treatment.
You can receive emergency treatment for 14 days. After that, you will have to register as a temporary resident or permanent patient.
You can also visit an NHS urgent treatment centre. You don't need an appointment, and you don't need to be registered.
They can treat minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes. They aren't designed for treating long-term conditions or life-threatening problems.
More information
Are you an asylum seeker, refugee, homeless or an overseas visitor, whether lawfully in the UK or not? Find out how to register with a GP surgery.
