Frequently asked questions

Getting started and registration

How do I register with a GP?
To register with a GP practice, you can complete the online registration form on our website. Using the Bookable service, you can select an appointment and register at the same time. We will text you the registration form to secure your appointment. You will need to complete the registration form with key personal and medical details to identify yourself to your new GP surgery.
Can I register with a GP in England if I’m new to the UK?
Yes. Anyone can register with a GP in England and get GP services free of charge, no matter your immigration status. You do not need proof of address, ID, or an NHS number to register (though having them can help the surgery find your records). Different rules may apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check local NHS websites.
How do I get proof that I'm registered with a GP?
Contact your GP practice directly to request a registration confirmation letter. This usually includes your registration date and NHS number.
Do I need ID, proof of address or immigration status to register with a GP?
No. You do not need ID, proof of address, or proof of immigration status to register with a GP surgery.
Do I need an NHS number to register?
No. You do not need an NHS number, though having one can make it easier to find your medical records.
Can I register if I don’t have a permanent address?
Yes. You can use a temporary address, such as a friend’s address, or even the GP surgery’s address.
Can a GP surgery refuse my registration?
Yes, but only if they are not accepting new patients, you live outside the surgery’s catchment area, or you have been removed from their patient list before.
Can I register with a GP near my work instead of my home?
Yes, if the surgery accepts out-of-area patients. Check their website, NHS Find a GP service (look for “Accepts out of area registrations”), or contact the surgery directly for confirmation.
Why might a GP surgery ask me for extra documents?
Sometimes a GP surgery may ask for documents to help transfer your records, confirm your identity, or prove you are the parent or guardian of a child you are registering.
How do I register a baby or child?
Children under 16 usually need to be registered by a parent or guardian. You will need to complete a registration form for the child. You may be asked for the child’s ID (such as their birth certificate), your ID to prove you are the parent or guardian, and their red book (child health record) if you have it. Parents and guardians are requested to be registered at the same GP surgery to improve care of the child, you will be prompted to register yourself at the same time as the child.
Can I register someone I care for?
Yes. Carers (paid, unpaid, foster or young carers) can register someone. You will be asked for both your details and theirs.
What if the person I care for cannot make decisions about their care?
If someone over 16 cannot register themselves, registration can be done by a relative, main carer, a person with lasting power of attorney, or someone appointed by the court under the Mental Capacity Act.

Finding your GP

What is my nearest GP practice?
Use our postcode search feature to find GP practices near you. Enter your postcode and we'll show you all available practices in your area.
How can I find which GP I'm already registered with?

If you've forgotten your registered GP, you can:

  • Check any previous appointment letters or prescriptions;
  • Call the number 111 for assistance from the NHS 111 service
  • Use the NHS website's GP finder with your postcode
My GP doesn't show up on the map, what should I do?
Make sure you have all filters removed and confirm you have entered the correct postcode. If you have moved since you registered, you may have moved out of the catchment area so we no longer show your registered GP surgery. Try searching with the postcode that you used to register for the surgery.

Booking Appointments

How do I book an appointment?
Use this website's online form to find a GP surgery that can offer the care you need near your home address. There will then be an option to book an appointment of your choice, call the surgery directly or, for some surgeries, use their own website to request an appointment.
Can I book a same-day appointment?
Same-day appointments depend on availability at your chosen practice. This website allows you to compare available appointments in your local area, making it easier to book same-day appointments. If you have significant concerns about your health, call 111 on your phone to get assistance from NHS 111 or call 999 for emergency services.
I want to book an appointment with my own GP, how do I do this?
Use this website's online form to find your own GP surgery, confirm you are an existing patient and use the phone number or online form to request an appointment. Alternatively, this website will allow you to get an appointment of your choice with a new GP surgery.
Can I book an appointment with a different GP if mine has no availability?
Yes, this website will allow you to view the appointment availability of other GP surgeries in your area. You will be able to book an appointment of your choice. However, in order to secure the appointment you will need to register with this GP surgery. This will mean moving your care away from your existing GP. You would need to re-register if you want to return to your existing GP surgery.

Managing Appointments

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
You can cancel appointments using website links in the confirmation email or text you received. Alternatively, you can call the GP surgery directly.
I was late for my appointment, can I rebook?
Contact the practice directly to explain the situation. They may offer you another appointment depending on availability.
I booked an appointment but no one called me, what should I do?
Phone appointments can take place across the morning or afternoon and may not occur at the scheduled time. For example, if your phone call appointment was scheduled for a time before noon you could be called any time between 9am and 12 noon. Likewise, if you have a phone call appointment scheduled after noon you could be called any time between 12 noon and 6pm. Check your contact details and ensure your phone is working. If the morning or afternoon when you were expecting a call has elapsed, contact the GP surgery directly.
How do I delete an appointment I booked by mistake?
Use the cancellation or manage your booking link in your booking confirmation email or text. Alternatively, contact the practice directly to cancel unwanted appointments.
I no longer want my appointment, can I cancel the transfer of my medical records?
If you have completed the registration form we will automate the transfer of your records and this cannot be cancelled. Use the NHS Find a GP service online to find your previous GP surgery and complete their registration form again. This will send your medical records back.

Specific Services

How do I book a blood test?
Search for practices or hospitals that offer blood test services in your area. Some GP practices offer blood tests, or you may be referred to a local hospital or clinic. The Bookable service cannot book a blood test.
Can I book a same-day blood test?
Same-day blood tests depend on availability and urgency. Contact the practice directly for urgent blood test requests.
How do I get my blood test results?
Results are typically available through your GP practice. Contact them directly or check if they have an online patient portal for results.
Does my local practice provide STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing?
Many GP practices offer sexual health services including STI testing. Contact your practice directly to confirm available services.

Changing GP or Address

I've moved house, do I need to change my GP?
If you have moved outside your current GP's catchment area, you may need to register with a new local practice. If you're still within the area, you can usually keep your current GP.
How do I change my registered address?
Contact your GP practice directly to update your address details. You may need to provide proof of your new address.
How do I transfer to a new GP practice?
Using this website to register with a new GP practice will lead to the transfer of your medical records before your next appointment.
Do I need to change hospitals if I change GP?
No, changing your GP does not automatically change your hospital care. Your new GP can refer you to local hospitals as needed.
Will changing GP impact any specialist care I may be waiting for?
Changing GP could impact your status on hospital waiting lists, check with the hospital to confirm the impact before using bookable.
Will changing GP impact accessing my prescription medication?
Yes, you will need to contact your new surgery to confirm your prescription. They can then send it to the pharmacy of your choice, which you specify when you register. If you need a controlled medicine, you may need to have an appointment with your GP before your new surgery can send your prescription.

Technical Issues

Where do I enter my email verification code?
The website will prompt you where to enter the verification code if it is required.
The system says my email address is invalid - what should I do?
Check for typing errors and ensure you are using the correct format. If problems persist, try a different email address or contact our support team.
Why won't the system let me register?
This could be due to incomplete information, technical issues, or eligibility requirements. Check that you have filled all information in correctly. If the problem persists, try selecting a different GP surgery.

NHS Numbers & Records

What is my NHS number and how do I find it?

Your NHS number is a unique 10-digit number. You can find it on:

I can't see my health records after changing GP, how do I fix this?
It can take time for records to transfer between practices. Contact your new GP practice to check the status of your record transfer. If you wish to view your records in the NHS App, you will need to contact your new GP practice to confirm you are happy for your health data to be shared with the NHS App.

Dental & Specialist Services

How do I book a dental appointment?
Dental appointments are usually separate from GP services. Search for NHS dentists in your area or call NHS 111 for dental emergency advice.
How do I see a specialist (neurologist, etc.)?
You usually need a referral from your GP to see a specialist. Book a GP appointment first to discuss your symptoms and request a referral.
Can I book specialist appointments directly?
Most specialist services require a GP referral through the NHS system, though some private specialists accept direct bookings.

Emergency & Urgent Care

I need an emergency appointment, what should I do?
For genuine emergencies, call 999. For urgent but non-emergency care, contact your GP practice, call 111 to access NHS 111 services, or visit an urgent care centre or walk-in clinic.
Is this service for walk-in appointments?
Most services require advance booking. Check with individual practices about walk-in availability or visit dedicated walk-in centres.

Costs & Free Services

Are medicines free?
Prescription charges apply unless you are exempt (under 16, over 60, pregnant, or have certain medical conditions). Check the NHS website for the full exemption list.
Is GP registration free?
Yes, registering with a GP is free for all NHS-eligible patients.
Are there parking fees at GP practices?
Parking policies vary by practice. Check with your specific GP practice about parking availability and any charges.
Can I use this service if I am a tourist?
You will need a UK phone number to use this service.

Need more help?

If you can't find the answer to your question here, you can:

  • Contact your GP practice directly
  • Call 111 for health advice from NHS 111
  • Visit the NHS website at nhs.uk

This FAQ is regularly updated based on the most common questions from our users.