How to check if your nurse is registered

Use the NMC's online register search

Go to the NMC's register search (link below). You can search by name or by 8-character NMC PIN. The PIN format is two digits, one letter, four digits, one letter — for example, 01A2345N. Like a GMC reference, it is the most reliable way to identify the right person. Nurses must give you their PIN on request.

Search results show the registrant's name, PIN, town, and the part or parts of the register they are on. The NMC register has separate entries for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates — a person may be on more than one.

What the entry tells you

Each entry shows the registrant's status, which is the most important piece of information. "Registered" means they can practise. The register also flags any conditions of practice, suspensions, or erasures from fitness-to-practise proceedings, with effective dates.

• Registered — the nurse can practise
• Suspended — practice is paused for a fixed period
• Conditions of practice — they can practise only subject to specific restrictions
• Caution — a formal note on the record that does not restrict practice
• Struck off — they are no longer permitted to practise

What to do if there is no record

If the person you are checking does not appear at all, they are not currently registered to practise nursing or midwifery in the UK. Title misuse is also a criminal offence — it is unlawful to call yourself a registered nurse or registered midwife in the UK without being on the register.

Raise your concern with whoever employs them, with the Care Quality Commission if they work in a regulated clinical setting, and with the NMC's referrals team. If you believe someone may be in immediate danger, call 999.

What about older fitness-to-practise outcomes?

The NMC publishes hearing outcomes on its website but only retains the most recent few months of decisions on its main page. Older outcomes are no longer linked from the NMC's index. MedicWatch retains those records under the journalism exemption so the public can find them.