Preparing for an ID Check for GMC Registration

After applying for UK GMC registration, submitting all your documents, and waiting for approval, you can finally start getting excited about your move to the UK. However, you have one final vital step - the ID check. 

You can only book your ID check after completing the previous stage of GMC registration. Once you’ve submitted all the necessary documents, such as your certificates of good standing and proof of English language knowledge, you will have to wait five working days for the GMC to approve your application. Once you have received approval, you will receive a confirmation email that tells you it’s time to book your ID check.

Once this step is complete, your UK GMC registration will be complete. This means that once your ID check is over, you will be fully licenced to practise medicine in the UK, and you can start your dream career. 

Due to the importance of the ID check, we have created this insightful guide where we discuss its purpose, how to upload your ID documents to the GMC app, the required documentation, and what happens after the ID check. 

What’s the Purpose of the ID Check for GMC Registration?

The ID check is essential for completing your GMC registration, and only after completing this will you be able to practise medicine in the UK. The purpose of the ID check is so the General Medical Council can verify your identity so they can ensure you are who you claim to be. This is to prevent fraud and ensure that only qualified doctors are registered to practise in the UK. 

What Documents are Required for the ID Check?

Before you start your ID check, you’ll need to have your ID documents on hand. The General Medical Council accept the following documents: 

• Passports
• Identity cards (with a machine-readable zone)
• Full UK driving licences. 

 They don’t accept:

• Provisional UK driving licences 
• Expired documents 
• Scanned or photocopies 

The GMC recommends using your passport. If you choose to use a full UK driving licence, the GMC may contact you to gather some additional information. 

The GMC will unlikely need to check any other documents in person as you'll have had them verified through EPIC or other bodies throughout your registration process. That said, they will notify you if they need to see any of the following documents: 

• Proof of Primary Medical Qualification
• Certificate of Internship Completion
• Certificate of Good Standing

What if You Completed PLAB Part 2?

Not every IMG needs to complete this ID check to get on the GMC register. If you have completed PLAB part 2 as part of your GMC application process, you will have already done an identity check in the UK, so you won’t have to do one again.

How do I Complete my ID Check using Digidentity?

Previously, you needed to attend your check in person at one of the General Medical Council’s offices. This limited you to particular times and dates and also meant the need to travel to the UK. For these reasons, the General Medical Council have created an app in partnership with Digidentity to complete digital ID checks. They've even provided a useful instructional video on how to use the app:

Once you've completed the check, you'll receive an email from Digidentity to confirm that the check is complete. Note that this doesn't mean you are ready to work just yet. You still need to wait for another email from the General Medical Council confirming in writing that you have a registered licence to practise. This can take up to 10 days to arrive. 

However, if you cannot access the app, you still have the option to attend the General Medical Council office in person. We will discuss the process for attending the ID check in person later in this guide. 

Who Can I Contact if I have any Issues Using the App? 

It’s natural to worry about such an important step as an ID check, especially when it’s the last step standing in the way of you becoming GMC registered. However, if you have made it to this point, there is little chance of anything going wrong. 

However, to be prepared, be sure to have your documents close by and ready to photograph using the app. Also, ensure your phone is charged, and you have a good Wi-Fi connection or access to your mobile network! If you face any issues or need some support, you can contact Digidentity’s team of experts, who are ready to answer any questions. 

What Happens After the Online ID Check?

Once you’ve completed the online ID check, you need to wait for the GMC to email you, confirming that everything is complete and you are on the register with your licence to practise. From there, you can start applying for jobs, then obtaining your visa and relocating to the UK! It’s an enormous step to take and one that you will surely be proud of doing. 

Do I need to attend the General Medical Council Office in person?

With the introduction of the Digidentity app to complete ID checks, you no longer need to worry about travelling to the UK or finding your way to a selected GMC office. 

If you can't use the app or prefer to attend in person, you can attend one of the General Medical Council’s UK offices (you’ll receive confirmation of the location and time from the GMC). 

It is important to remember that you must attend the in-person ID check within three months of your GMC application being approved.

What Should I Expect if I attend my ID check in Person?

You must arrive on time for your ID check as the GMC are strict about appointment timings. Once you have entered the building, you will check in at reception and receive an ID badge, which you must wear.

Next, you will show your documents to a member of staff, and they will take photocopies of them. You must ensure your documents are valid on the day of the appointment. 

That will include taking a photocopy of your passport, which they will keep for future identification purposes. You will also give proof of your address, which they will use to send confirmation of your GMC registration later.

Finally, you’ll sit in a room where you’ll watch a video demonstrating what the UK healthcare system is like. You might already know much of this information due to your own research, but you may still find the video beneficial to your future career. In total, the appointment should only take around thirty minutes.

Once you have received your confirmation from the General Medical Council that you are registered to practise, you’re all done (you’ll receive this confirmation before you leave the office). Your name will be added to the GMC register, and you’ll be fully licenced to work as a doctor in the United Kingdom. 

Final Word on ID Checks for UK GMC Registration 

Preparing for an ID check for GMC registration is a crucial step for international medical graduates looking to practise in the UK. It marks the final stage after submitting your documents and waiting for GMC approval. The ID check is designed to verify your identity, ensuring only qualified doctors enter the UK healthcare system promoting security and trust.

Once you’ve passed the ID check and completed GMC registration, you’ll be free to work as a doctor in the UK. This an outstanding achievement, and it’ll provide you the opportunity to provide high-quality healthcare to a diverse patient population, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. You will be working in a supportive and collaborative work culture, offering continuous professional development and career opportunities.

Looking for Expert Support for your NHS Job Search?

Now you’ve worked through the intricacies of the UK GMC registration application, you’ll be ready to begin your job search. At BDI, we are ready and waiting to provide specialist support to make your move to working as a doctor in the UK seamlessly and stress-free.

Thousands of international doctors have already trusted us with their career journey. Are you ready for us to support you? Contact the team today, and let’s discuss the latest opportunities.