How do I find my National Insurance number?

For people who need to find their National Insurance number.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Check your payslips, P60 or letters about tax, pensions or benefits. You can also find it in the HMRC app, your personal tax account, or your Apple or Google Wallet if you saved it there.

It looks like 2 letters, 6 numbers and a letter, e.g. QQ123456B.
HMRC can't give it to you over the phone or webchat.
You can download a letter showing it from the HMRC app or your tax account.

Key facts

On payslips and P60s
In the HMRC app
Not given by phone

Places to look first

Your National Insurance number is printed on lots of paperwork. Try these:

Where	Notes
Payslip	From your employer
P60	The yearly summary your employer gives you
Letters about tax, pensions or benefits	From HMRC, DWP or a pension provider
HMRC app	If you live in the UK
Personal tax account	If you already have one
Apple or Google Wallet	Only if you saved it there before

Getting it online

Download the HMRC app or sign in to your personal tax account.
Prove your identity when asked.
Find your National Insurance number on screen.
If an employer or bank needs proof, download a letter showing your number.

If you cannot get it online

Use form CA5403 to ask for your number by post.

Fill in the form online.
Print it and sign the declaration.
Include the identity documents it asks for.
Post it to HMRC, National Insurance contributions and Employers Office, BX9 1AN.

HMRC will not tell you your number over the phone or by webchat. This is to protect you from fraud, so do not waste time calling.

Starting a job while you wait

You can start work before you have your number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.

If you have never had one

Most people who grow up in the UK get a number automatically in the 3 months before their 16th birthday, as long as they live in the UK and a parent or guardian claimed Child Benefit for them.

If that did not happen, you can apply if you live in the UK, have the right to work here, and are working, looking for work or have a job offer. It can take up to 4 weeks to get your number.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Find your NI number

Common questions

When do you get a National Insurance number?

You are normally sent one in the 3 months before your 16th birthday if you live in the UK and a parent or guardian claimed Child Benefit for you.

Can I get my National Insurance number by post?

Yes. Fill in form CA5403 online, print and sign it, and post it to HMRC with documents to confirm your identity.

How long does it take to get a new National Insurance number?

It can take up to 4 weeks to get your National Insurance number after you apply.

Do I have a National Insurance number if I moved to the UK?

You may already have one if you have worked or claimed benefits here, otherwise you may need to apply.

Official sources

1.Find your National Insurance numberwww.gov.uk/find-national-insurance-number
2.Apply for a National Insurance numberwww.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
3.Get your National Insurance number in writing: form CA5403www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-get-your-national-insurance-number-in-writing-ca5403

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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