You’re entitled to a maternity exemption certificate if, at the time of your application, you are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months.
Speak to your midwife, doctor or health visitor. They'll complete the application for you. They can do this as soon as they confirm that you’re pregnant.
If they use the digital maternity exemption service you can get your certificate by email as soon as they have completed the application.
Otherwise, you'll get a paper certificate in the post