A clear summary of the GMC registration process, common registration routes, fees, yearly annual fees, revalidation requirements, and useful official links. This page is designed as a practical overview and should always be checked against the latest official GMC guidance before you apply or pay any fee.
Quick Summary View Fees RevalidationThe GMC registration process depends on your background, qualification, and route. In most cases, doctors first identify the correct route, gather required evidence, submit an online application, complete checks, pay the relevant fee, and then maintain their registration and licence through annual fees and revalidation.
Official starting points:
The GMC route depends on whether you are a UK graduate, an IMG, applying through PLAB, using an acceptable overseas exam or postgraduate qualification, or applying for specialist or GP registration.
Usually for doctors entering an approved UK Foundation Year 1 post.
Needed for unsupervised medical practice in the UK and for doctors progressing beyond F1.
Many international medical graduates apply for full registration after passing PLAB and completing internship requirements.
Some applicants qualify through acceptable postgraduate qualifications, sponsorship, or an acceptable overseas registration exam.
Required for entry to the Specialist Register or GP Register through the relevant pathway.
The GMC’s official route tool is the best place to start before preparing documents.
A simple overview of the usual GMC registration journey for doctors.
Use the official GMC route finder to identify the correct application path.
Confirm PMQ, internship, exam, sponsorship, or specialist pathway requirements.
Prepare qualifications, identity documents, good standing evidence, and other required records.
Non-UK qualifications may need primary source verification through EPIC / ECFMG.
Submit the application and pay the relevant fee through GMC systems.
Once approved, your registration and licence status appears on the register.
Keep details updated, pay annual fees, and complete revalidation requirements.
Useful official links:
Exact requirements depend on your route, but these are common areas many doctors need to prepare.
IMGs with non-UK medical qualifications usually need independent primary source verification before registration is granted.
The GMC asks applicants to list countries where they have practised or held registration in the last five years and usually requires certificates of good standing from those regulators.
These may be needed for certain periods of work, observerships, attachments, or non-medical employment.
You will use GMC Online for application steps, updating details, annual fees, and revalidation information.
These figures are taken from the official GMC fees pages. Always re-check the official fee table before applying or paying.
Official fee pages: Fees for doctors | How our fees have changed | How to pay your fees | Financial support for doctors
| Fee type | From 1 Apr 2025 | From 1 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee with a licence to practise | £463 | £481 |
| Annual fee without a licence to practise | £166 | £172 |
| Discounted annual fee with licence (fixed term discount) | £177 | £184 |
| Discounted annual fee without licence (fixed term discount) | £64 | £66 |
| Income discount threshold | £37,000 | £38,500 |
| Fee type | From 1 Apr 2025 | From 1 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Application for provisional registration with licence | £25 | £26 |
| Application for full registration with licence | £463 | £481 |
| Discounted application for full registration with licence | £177 | £184 |
| Scrutiny fee if application is refused, closed or withdrawn | £106 | £110 |
| Restoration after administrative erasure (plus annual fee) | £386 | £401 |
| Fee type | From 1 Apr 2025 | From 1 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| CCT | £497 | £516 |
| Portfolio pathway application | £1,902 | £1,974 |
| Review of portfolio pathway application | £826 | £857 |
| Relevant European qualification route | £497 | £516 |
The GMC also publishes separate fees for PLAB, specialist pathway variations, appeals, and revalidation for doctors without a connection.
Every licensed doctor must revalidate to show they are up to date and fit to practise. Revalidation is not a one-time event after registration. It is part of maintaining your licence.
Official revalidation links:
Revalidation is the GMC’s process for licensed doctors to demonstrate they are keeping their skills and knowledge up to date and remain fit to practise.
Doctors usually revalidate once every five years.
If you are linked to a responsible officer through a designated body, or to a suitable person, you usually collect supporting information, discuss it at annual whole practice appraisal, and your RO or suitable person makes a recommendation to the GMC.
If you do not have a connection, you must keep your connection status updated, submit an annual return, and may need to complete the GMC revalidation assessment and provide extra evidence.
Update GMC Online with contact and connection details.
Reflect on CPD, quality improvement, feedback, and whole practice evidence.
Discuss your evidence at annual whole practice appraisal.
RO or suitable person makes recommendation, or you submit annual return if no connection.
The GMC decides whether you are revalidated and sets the next cycle.
| Fee type | From 1 Apr 2025 | From 1 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Revalidation annual return fee | £296 | £307 |
| Revalidation assessment | £1,307 | £1,357 |
Start with the official route finder: Find your route.
You need a licence to practise if you want to practise medicine in the UK. Some doctors remain registered without a licence, but they cannot practise until they add or restore it. Official licence guidance
Many doctors with non-UK medical qualifications need independent verification before the GMC grants registration. Read the GMC verification guide
The annual fee is due on the anniversary of your registration or restoration to the register. Official annual fee guide
The GMC provides guidance on Direct Debit and other payment methods. How to pay your fees
Yes. Every licensed doctor must revalidate to maintain their licence to work in the UK. What is revalidation?
You must keep your connection status updated, submit an annual return, and may need to take the revalidation assessment. Revalidation with no connection
Once registered, doctors can access proof of entry through GMC Online. Proof of registration guidance
GMC registration rules, fees, and evidence requirements can change. Always confirm your exact route, document list, and current costs using the official GMC pages before applying.
Find Your Route Check Current Fees