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Registering with a GP, and sorting ID and banking

The practical basics that unlock nearly everything else.

What this means

You do not need a fixed address, ID or immigration documents to register with a GP. Surgeries sometimes get this wrong; you can push back or use a different surgery.

Not having ID makes things harder but it is solvable, and there are bank accounts designed for people without standard documents.

Your options

  • Register with a GP without a fixed address

    You can give a temporary address, a hostel, a day centre or the surgery's own address. Ask for the registration form and say you have no fixed address.

  • Build up ID step by step

    A letter from a support service, a benefit award letter, a birth certificate or a provisional licence can often start the chain. Homelessness and recovery services are used to helping with this.

  • Basic bank accounts

    Most banks offer a basic account with no credit checks. Credit unions are often more flexible about documents and are worth asking.

  • Phone, data and internet

    Ask about social tariffs if you receive benefits, and about free SIM and data schemes through local services and libraries.

Things you could do today

Small steps only. Add any of them to your plan — or none of them. Nothing is expected of you.

  1. Pick a GP surgery near where you are staying and ask for a registration form.
  2. Make a list of any documents you do have, however partial.
  3. Ask a support service whether they can write a letter confirming who you are and where you stay.
  4. Check whether your provider offers a social tariff.

Information it helps to have ready

  • Your name and date of birth
  • Any address you can be contacted at, including a service's address
  • Any documents you already hold

If you do not have some of these, ask anyway — not having everything is not a reason to be turned away.

Words you could borrow

Edit, copy and send these yourself. Nothing is sent from BesideYou.

Registering with a GP with no fixed address

Edit anything in [square brackets]. Only include what is true and what you want to share — nothing is sent from here.

What happens next

Registration is often same-day or within a few days, and you can ask for an appointment at the same time.

If a surgery refuses, you can register elsewhere or contact NHS England / your local health board.

More help

Where this information comes from