Getting started and registration

Questions about getting started and registration

• How do I register with a GP surgery?

  To register with a GP surgery, choose a surgery near your home and fill in its registration form. With Bookable, you pick an appointment and register at the same time: we text you the registration form to secure your appointment. The form asks for personal and medical details so your new GP surgery can identify you.

• Can I register with a GP surgery in England if I am new to the UK?

  Yes. Anyone can register with a GP surgery 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 GP surgery find your records. Different rules may apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check local NHS websites.

• How do I get proof that I am registered with a GP?

  Contact your GP surgery 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 surgery?

  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 to register with a GP surgery. If you do not have one, you'll be given one when you register. If you do have one, sharing it can make it easier for your new surgery to find your medical records.

• Can I register if I do not 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 GP surgery's catchment area, or you have been removed from their patient list before.

• Can I register with a GP surgery near my work instead of my home?

  Yes, if the GP surgery accepts out-of-area patients. Check their website, the NHS Find a GP service (look for "Accepts out of area registrations"), or contact the GP surgery directly to confirm.

• 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?

  A parent or guardian usually registers a child under 16 by filling in a registration form for them. The surgery may ask for the child's birth certificate, your ID to show you're their parent or guardian, and their red book (child health record) if you have it. Families are asked to register at the same GP surgery, so you'll be prompted to register yourself too.

• 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.