Contact the GP surgery and ask to register with them. They will usually ask you to complete a form called a GMS1, giving details such as:

• your name and address
• your date of birth
• your NHS number (if you know it)
• other information, such as the name and address of your previous GP
• your views on organ donation

Some GP surgeries will also ask you to see proof of your identity. for example, they may ask to see:

• photo identity, such as your passport or driving license
• proof of your address such as a recent council tax bill or utility bill (a gas, electricity, water or phone bill, but not a mobile phone bill)

The GP surgery will send the GMS1 to your local NHS Commissioning Board area team. Your medical records will then be transferred to the new surgery.

Read more about what local area teams, authorities and trusts do.

If you are living in a new area for up to 3 months you may want to register with a GP temporarily. To register as a temporary resident in England, you can find a GP near you.

The surgery will ask you to complete a Temporary services form GMS3 (PDF, 81kb).

Read more about temporary registration at the NHS website. 

The GP surgery may ask you for your NHS medical card or your NHS number. However, you don't need either of these to register with a GP or to get NHS treatment.

You will be registered with the GP surgery, rather than an individual GP. If you prefer to see a specific GP, the surgery can note this in your records.

However, you may have to:

• wait longer to see your preferred GP

• see someone else if your preferred GP is unavailable

When you register with a new GP surgery, you'll be invited to make an appointment for a health check within six months.

Health checks are usually done by the practice nurse, who will ask you about your personal and family medical history. They will also ensure that any tests or checks you need are up-to-date, such as measuring your blood pressure or arranging cervical screening.

Sometimes you may not be able to register with a GP surgery. For example, this can be if:

• you live outside the area that the surgery covers
• the surgery is not accepting new patients

You will need to register with another GP surgery in your area instead.

A practice cannot refuse you unless it has reasonable grounds for doing so. These must not relate to race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability, or a medical condition. It must also give you reasons for its decision in writing.