Your personal details on your maternity exemption certificate must match your GP records to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Address
If you've changed address, you must tell your GP before contacting us to update your details.
You'll not receive a replacement certificate as your current maternity exemption certificate will remain valid.
Name
Send us a photocopy or scanned image of one of the following documents showing your correct name:
- marriage certificate
- civil partnership certificate
- deed poll
- passport
- driving licence
We’ll issue your certificate within 10 working days once we’ve received your email or letter.
If you have any NHS prescriptions to collect while waiting for your certificate to arrive, tick box 'D' on the back of your prescription. You do not need to pay as the pharmacy can tick the box marked 'Evidence not seen' on your prescription.
Due date
If your baby's due date is earlier or your child was born earlier than expected, you can continue to use your existing maternity exemption certificate to claim free NHS prescriptions until it expires.
If the due date is later than expected but your certificate will expire after the baby is due, use the existing certificate until the birth. Once the baby is born, send a copy of the birth certificate to us.
If your certificate will expire before your baby is due, send us a copy of a letter from the midwife or GP confirming the correct due date or a copy of your MAT B1 form.
We'll issue your new certificate within 10 working days of receiving your evidence.
If you have any NHS prescriptions to collect while waiting for your certificate to arrive, tick box 'D' on the back of your prescription. You do not need to pay as the pharmacy can tick the box marked 'Evidence not seen' on your prescription.
Date of birth
To update your date of birth, send us a photocopy or scanned image of either your:
- birth certificate
- passport
- driving licence
You'll not receive a replacement certificate as your current maternity exemption certificate will remain valid.
Evidence
If you need to update your name, due date or date of birth, you must send us evidence by email or post.
Email address: nhsbsa.ppc1@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Address:
NHS Business Services Authority
Maternity Exemption Certificates
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
We recommend sending photocopies. If you send us original documents, these will be returned within 20 working days from the date you sent them.