Your details on your maternity exemption certificate must match your GP records to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Follow the guidance for changing your:
Address
You must update your address with your GP.
Once your address has been updated with your GP, contact us to update your record.
You'll not receive a replacement certificate as your current maternity exemption certificate will be valid.
Name
You must send evidence of a photocopy or scanned image showing your correct name.
We can accept a:
- marriage certificate
- civil partnership certificate
- deed poll including un-enrolled
- passport
- driving licence
We'll send your new maternity exemption 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
You must send evidence of a photocopy or scanned image showing your correct date of birth.
We can accept a:
- birth certificate
- passport
- driving licence
You'll not receive a replacement certificate as your current maternity exemption certificate will be valid.
Due date
You can continue to use your maternity exemption certificate until it expires if your:
- baby's due date is earlier
- child was born earlier than expected
If the due date is later than expected but your certificate will expire after the baby is due, you can continue to use your maternity exemption certificate until the baby is born. Once the baby is born, you must send a copy of the birth certificate.
If your maternity exemption certificate will expire before your baby is due, you must send either:
- a copy of a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming the correct due date
- your MAT B1 form
We'll send your new maternity exemption 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.
Sending evidence
This can be sent by email to nhsbsa.ppc1@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or by post to:
NHS Business Services Authority
Maternity Exemption Certificates
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
We recommend sending photocopies.
If you send original documents, these will be returned within 20 working days from the date you sent them.