Registering with a GP is an important step if you live in the UK or are staying here for a while. Your GP surgery is usually the first place to contact for non-emergency health concerns, repeat prescriptions, referrals, vaccinations, screening and ongoing care.
On 1 April 2026, NHS England Digital recorded 63,673,685 patients registered with GP practices in England, showing how central GP services are to everyday healthcare.
If you have moved home, arrived in the UK, started university, or are helping a loved one, this guide explains how to register with a GP in the UK in a simple, practical way.
How to Register With a GP in the UK?
To register with a GP in the UK, choose a GP surgery, check that it accepts new patients, complete an online or paper registration form, and wait for confirmation. In England, you do not need ID, proof of address, immigration documents, or an NHS number to register.
At a glance:
- GP registration is free in England
- Registration is usually confirmed within 5 days in England
- You can register online via the NHS App, the NHS website, or in person at the surgery
Who Can Register With a GP?
In England, anyone can register with a GP surgery. This includes UK residents, students, people who have moved to a new area, people staying temporarily, and visitors from abroad who need GP care.
This also includes people with no fixed address, refugees, asylum seekers and international students. If you do not have a permanent address, you may be able to use a temporary address, a shelter address or, in some cases, the GP surgery’s address.
You can usually register permanently if you live in the surgery’s practice area, sometimes called its catchment area. If you are away from home for a short stay, you may be able to register as a temporary patient for up to 3 months.
Some overseas visitors may need to check their right to other NHS services, as some hospital or specialist care may involve charges.
What Do I Need to Register With a GP?
Most GP registration forms ask for basic details, such as:
- Full name and date of birth
- Current or temporary address
- Phone number and email address
- Previous GP surgery, if known
- NHS number, if you have one
- Emergency contact details
- Current medicines, allergies or health conditions
- Carer details, if relevant
You do not need to know your NHS number. If you have it, include it. If not, the surgery can still deal with your registration.
Before sending the form, check your contact details and tell the surgery if you have accessibility or communication needs.
Can You Register Without Proof of Address or ID?
In England, you do not need to provide proof of address or ID to register with a GP. NHS guidelines are clear that surgeries cannot refuse your registration solely because you lack these documents. If you are homeless or without a fixed address, you can use a temporary address, a day centre, or the surgery address itself.
Step-by-Step: How to Register With a GP Surgery
Step 1: Find a GP Surgery Near You
In England, use the NHS “Find a GP” service and search by postcode. You can also check local surgery websites.
Look at whether the surgery accepts new patients, opening times, transport links, access needs and online services. You may also want to check whether the surgery accepts your address.
Some surgeries accept out-of-area registration. This can be useful if you want a GP near work, university or a relative’s home, but it may affect home visits and community services.
Step 2: Fill In the Registration Form
Many surgeries offer online GP registration through the NHS website, the NHS App, or their own website. If you prefer paper, ask the surgery for a form.
The form may ask about your health, medicines and allergies. NHS guidance says the online form usually takes about 15 minutes for each person.
Step 3: Wait for Confirmation
As of April 2025, NHS England confirmed that 98.4% of GP practices in England now offer online registration through the NHS App or NHS.uk – meaning that for most people, registration can be completed in minutes from home. After you send the form, the surgery should tell you whether you have been registered. In England, this is usually within 5 days, although it can take longer.
If you are changing GP surgery, you usually do not need to tell your old one. Your medical records should be moved after your new registration is accepted.
Step 4: Set Up Online Access
Once registered, ask about the NHS App or the surgery’s online services. You may be able to request appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view test results, update contact details and see parts of your medical record.
If you care for someone, ask the surgery about online access with permission.
Can You Register a Child or Someone You Care For?
Children under 16 are usually registered by a parent or guardian. Each child normally needs their own form.
You may also be able to help an older person, disabled person, or someone who cannot fill in the form themselves. If someone over 16 cannot make decisions about their care, the surgery may need details from a carer, relative, lasting power of attorney, or legally appointed person.
Can a GP Surgery Refuse to Register You?
A GP surgery may refuse registration if it is not taking new patients, you live outside its catchment area, or there is another reason allowed by NHS rules.
In England, if a surgery refuses you, it should explain why in writing within 14 days. If you think the refusal is unfair, contact your local Integrated Care Board, local Healthwatch, or Citizens Advice.
What If You Need Medical Help Before Registration Is Complete?
If you need medical help before your registration is confirmed, do not wait if the problem is urgent.
Use NHS 111 for urgent but not life-threatening advice. A pharmacist can help with many minor illnesses and medicine questions. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
Conclusion
Knowing how to register with a GP in the UK can help you access the right NHS support more confidently. The process should be clear, fair and accessible, whether you are registering for yourself, helping a family member, or arranging care for someone with ongoing needs.
If you or someone you love needs professional support at home alongside NHS and GP care, Secure Healthcare Solutions is here to help. Our experienced team has been matching individuals and families with trusted healthcare professionals since 2015. Get in touch today and we will help you find the right level of care – with the continuity, dignity and compassion that every person deserves.
Sources:
- https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/common-questions/how-do-i-choose-and-register-with-a-gp/
- https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/patients-registered-at-a-gp-practice/april-2026
- https://digital.nhs.uk/services/register-with-a-gp-surgery-service/get-help-using-the-service/reasons-to-reject-a-registration
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/04/millions-more-patients-can-register-with-a-gp-at-touch-of-a-button/
