Identity Checks for GMC Registration
- May 04, 2023
The identity checks (ID) usually required for GMC registration were paused earlier in the pandemic to comply with government guidance on safe workplaces and social distancing.
ID checks have now resumed and are again necessary for all doctors as part of the registration process in the UK.
The GMC has partnered with Digidentity to allow doctors to complete their GMC identity check using a secure app.
In this blog we will be looking at the process of verifying your ID with the GMC to complete the final step in the registration process.
Who needs to complete an ID check?
All doctors joining applying for registration with the GMC must complete an identity check, as well as those who want to restore their registration.
Please note, if you completed an ID check for your PLAB 2 exam, you would not need to attend another one.
When do you need to complete an ID check?
From Wednesday 19th April 2023, you will have three months to book an appointment and complete your ID check. If you don’t, you’ll have to start a new application.
How do I book an ID check?
You will be emailed by the GMC to invite you to complete your identity check as part of your application.
Where can I complete my ID check?
It is no longer necessary to come to the UK to complete your identity check - you can instead do this through the free Digidentity app.
If you are not able to complete your ID check through the app, you will need to book an appointment at the GMC's London office to complete your check in person. The
Information on booking in-person appointments can be found in your ID check invitation email.
You would need to be in the UK, either on your visitor or working visa (if you already got have one).
What documents do I need?
The GMC will accept:
- passports
- full UK driving licences
Forms of ID that will not be accepted are: provisional UK driving licences, expired documents and scanned or photocopies. At this time, Syrian passports also cannot be used.
The GMC recommends that you use your passport if possible; if you use a full driving licence, you may be contacted for additional information.
If you attend your ID check in person, you will need to bring the originals of the documents you submitted earlier in your online application. They must be valid on the day of the appointment and will be photocopied and returned to you.
How do I use the app to complete my ID check?
The GMC has created a short and easy to follow instruction video explaining the process of using the app to verify your identity.
Once you have watched the video, follow the steps below to complete your check using the app.
- Download the Digidentity app to your mobile phone – you will need a phone with iOS 14 or Android 9 or higher.
- Log into your GMC Online account – go to the 'My ID checks' section, click on 'Digital ID checks' and follow the step-by-step guide to completing your check.
- When you take your selfie, please try to take an acceptable passport style photo.
You should use the email address the GMC contacted you on to create your Digidentity account and complete your check.
If you need any support during this process, please contact Digidentity.
Once you’ve completed all the steps in the Digidentity app, you must return to the ‘Digital ID check’ section of GMC Online and follow the steps on screen.
This will allow Digidentity to send the details of your check to the GMC to review.
What happens after I complete my ID check using the app?
Once you’ve successfully completed all the steps on the app, you will receive an email from Digidentity confirming your completed registration.
When Digidentity share the results of your check with the GMC, this will be manually reviewed and you will be emailed to confirm whether your check has been successful.
Please note, the registration confirmation email from Digidentity does NOT mean that you can now practise medicine in the UK. The GMC will email you separately once you have been granted registration. You must not start work until you have received the GMC confirmation email.
It can take up to ten working days to process your check, and you can monitor the progress of your verification via the 'Digital ID check' section of your GMC Online account.
If there are any issues with your check, or if the GMC requires more information, they will contact you to let you know and explain what your options are.
How do I complete my in-person ID check?
Your identity check appointment lasts around 30 minutes.
The GMC will check your passport and then take a photo of you for their records. This photo may be disclosed to employers on request - this helps them to confirm your identity when you start work, as well as to help protect you from identity fraud.
You will also have to fill and sign the declaration form.
The appointment timings are strict, so the GMC won’t be able to provide advice on any other subjects during your identity check. If you have any other questions, please speak to your applications adviser or the contact centre.
Key information for doctors attending ID checks
For doctors who registered with the GMC at the beginning of the pandemic and did not complete an identity check, the GMC will offer you an ID check at the earliest convenience, so do look out for an email from them.
You will also be able to complete your ID check using the Digidentity app.
I’ve completed my ID check, what’s next?
Firstly, congratulations! Once your identity check is complete and the GMC has confirmed your identity, you will immediately be granted registration and your name will be added to the medical register.
Get in touch with our team if you are interested in finding your perfect role in the NHS and relocating to the UK – we’re always happy to help.
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CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
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Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
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Document gathering and checking
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COS and Visa Application support if applicable
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Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
- Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care