How do I get a National Insurance number?

What a National Insurance number is

Your National Insurance number is your personal reference number for tax and benefits. It makes sure the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are recorded against your name only.

It is made up of 2 letters, 6 numbers and a final letter, for example QQ123456B.

Who uses it

You may be asked for it by:

• your employer
• HMRC
• the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for benefits
• your council, if you claim Housing Benefit
• the Electoral Registration Officer
• the Student Loans Company
• pension and ISA providers

Only give it to people who really need it. This helps protect you from identity fraud.

How you get one

If you grew up in the UK: you are normally sent your number in the 3 months before your 16th birthday, if a parent or guardian claimed Child Benefit for you. You do not need to apply.

If you did not get one: you can apply online if all of these apply:

• you live in the UK
• you have the right to work in the UK
• you are working, looking for work, or have a job offer

How to apply

1. Use the "Apply for a National Insurance number" service on GOV.UK.
2. Prove who you are. You can upload photos of yourself with your passport (from any country) or an EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland national identity card. If you do not have these, you may need to go to an appointment.
3. Keep the application reference number from your confirmation email.
4. Send more proof of identity if you are asked for it.

If you have an eVisa or a biometric residence permit, you may already have a number. Check your UKVI account or the back of your permit before applying.

The service is also available in Welsh.

How long it takes

It can take up to 4 weeks after you have proved your identity. If it has been longer, call the National Insurance number helpline and give your reference number:

You can start work before your number arrives, as long as you can prove your right to work.

If you have lost your number

Your number stays the same for life, even if you change your name or address. To find it:

• look on a payslip, P60 or letters about tax, pensions or benefits
• check the HMRC app or your personal tax account
• check your Apple or Google Wallet, if you saved it there

You can download a letter showing your number from the HMRC app or your personal tax account. HMRC will not give out your number over the phone or on webchat.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

National Insurance numbers work the same way across the whole UK, and you use the same GOV.UK service to apply. Northern Ireland has its own helpline number (see the table above).

Related guides

• How do I find my National Insurance number?
• How much National Insurance do I pay?
• How do I prove my right to work?
• What are National Insurance credits?

Where this comes from

• Apply for a National Insurance number (GOV.UK)
• How to apply for a National Insurance number (GOV.UK)
• Your National Insurance number (GOV.UK)
• Find a lost National Insurance number (GOV.UK)