How to register with an NHS GP in London

Anyone living in England can register with an NHS GP for free, regardless of nationality, immigration status, or whether they have proof of address. This is the step-by-step guide.

Step 1 — Find a practice with open registration

You can register with any GP practice whose list is open. Most London practices have catchment boundaries — you'll usually be expected to live (or sometimes work) inside them. Use the London GP Directory home page to search by postcode and filter for "accepting new patients".

Find practices accepting new patients →

Step 2 — Register online or in person

Three ways to register:

1. NHS online registration service — the simplest route for most practices. Visit nhs.uk/register-with-a-gp-surgery, enter your postcode, choose your practice, and complete the form. Takes about 10 minutes.
2. Practice's own form (GMS1) — you can pick this up from reception or download from the practice's website. Hand it in or post it back.
3. In person — walk into the practice during opening hours and ask to register. Bring identification if you have it; if you don't, that's still fine.

Step 3 — Wait for confirmation

Most practices confirm registration within a few working days. You'll receive a confirmation by post, email or text. Your NHS number is linked to the new practice; if you've registered with a GP in the UK before, your previous medical records are automatically transferred (you don't need to ask).

What if you don't have an address?

You can still register. You can use:

• The address of a friend, family member, hostel, day centre, or homelessness charity.
• The practice's own address — many London practices register patients with "No Fixed Abode" or use their own address as a registered address for healthcare contact purposes.

If a practice refuses to register you because you can't show proof of address, this is contrary to NHS guidance. You can:

• Show them the relevant NHS England guidance (linked at the bottom of this page).
• Contact your local Healthwatch or NHS England's patient experience team.
• Try a different practice — see our directory.

What if you don't have immigration status documents?

You can still register. Primary care (GP appointments, prescriptions, referrals to NHS hospital care for routine treatment) is free at the point of use to anyone in England, regardless of immigration status. You do not need to show a passport, BRP, or any visa documentation to register with a GP.

What if you've been refused registration?

A practice can refuse registration only in narrow circumstances — for instance, if its list is closed to new patients, or if you live well outside the catchment area. Refusing because of nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, lack of proof of address, or lack of ID is not a lawful reason.

If you've been refused improperly:

1. Ask for the refusal in writing, with the reason.
2. Contact NHS England London via their patient experience team.
3. Contact your local Healthwatch chapter — every borough has one.
4. Try a different practice. See our directory for those currently accepting.

What you'll be asked to share

The registration form (GMS1 or the online equivalent) asks for:

• Your full name, date of birth, and gender.
• Your address (or a contact address — see above).
• Your NHS number, if you know it (you can leave blank if not).
• Previous GP details (if any).
• Any allergies, current medications, or major conditions.

Frequently asked

Useful links

• NHS — How to register with a GP surgery
• NHS England — Registering for primary care guidance
• Doctors of the World — Safe Surgeries initiative
• London GP Directory — How to switch GP in London