Anyone living in the UK can register with a GP surgery for free. This guide explains who can register, what you need, and the fastest way to do it.
In short:
- Anyone living in the UK can register with a GP for free.
- You do not need documents, an NHS number or a specific visa.
- With Bookable you register and book your first appointment in one step.
How to register with a GP online
To register with a GP, choose an NHS GP surgery near your home and fill in its registration form, online or at the surgery. It's free, and in England you do not need ID, proof of address or an NHS number. Your medical records then move to your new surgery automatically.
The quickest way is Bookable, where you register with an NHS GP surgery and book your first appointment at the same time:
- Enter your home postcode to see NHS surgeries near you.
- Compare surgeries by distance, availability and patient ratings.
- Pick your first appointment time.
- Complete your registration online in about 10 minutes. No documents needed.
- Get a confirmation text and email. Your NHS number and any previous records will move to your new GP surgery automatically.
Who can register with a GP?
Anyone living in the UK can register with a GP, whatever their immigration status. It's free.
You do not need ID, proof of address or an NHS number. A surgery cannot refuse you because you do not have documents or an address.
How do I choose a GP surgery?
Choose a GP surgery near your home, because most surgeries only register people who live in their catchment area. To compare surgeries, look at appointment availability, opening hours and patient ratings. You can change your GP surgery at any time, so your first choice does not have to be permanent.
Other ways to register with a GP
The traditional route has several steps:
- Find a surgery near you that is accepting new patients.
- Fill out a registration form (you might see this called a GMS1).
- Provide any requested documents.
- Wait for confirmation, which can take days or weeks.
- Contact the surgery again once registered to book your first appointment.
What happens after you register with a GP?
After you register with a GP surgery:
- you'll get an NHS number if you do not already have one
- your medical records transfer automatically if you have had a previous English or Welsh GP surgery
- you can book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and use online services
- you may be invited for a new patient health check
Tip: register with a GP surgery before you get ill. It's much easier to see a GP quickly when you're already registered.
Common questions
Can I register with a GP without proof of address?
Yes. A GP surgery cannot refuse to register you because you have no proof of address or ID. This includes people who are homeless or staying temporarily with friends.
How long does GP registration take?
With Bookable, you're usually registered with a GP surgery in under an hour, and you book your first appointment at the same time. Registering directly with a surgery can take days or weeks to confirm, and you then need to book your first appointment separately.
Can I choose any GP surgery?
You can apply to any GP surgery, but most only register people who live in their catchment area. Choosing a surgery near your home gives you the best chance of being accepted and makes appointments easier to get to.
Is GP registration free?
Yes. Registering with a GP and seeing a GP are always free on the NHS, whatever your immigration status. You do not pay to register online through Bookable either.
Can I register if I'm in the UK temporarily?
Yes. If you're living in the UK for months at a time, for example as a student or on a work visa, you can register with a GP. If you're staying in one place for less than 3 months, you can register as a temporary patient at a local GP surgery and get free care.