How do I apply for a National Insurance number?
A national insurance number is a unique series of letters and numbers and is given to most people who live in the UK. Your National Insurance doesn’t change and remains with you for life.
The way in which you apply for your national insurance number depends on your circumstances. We cover the best methods to apply for a NI number and how to find your NI number if you can’t find it.
National Insurance number for a UK resident aged 19 or under
Most people are sent a national insurance number automatically three months before your 16th birthday.
This is the case for anyone who is living in the UK and has a parent or guardian who has completed a child benefit claim form for you.
Aged between 16 and 19 and have not received a National Insurance number
If you have not received a national insurance number and you are aged between 16 and 19 you should contact HMRC.
To check if you already have a National Insurance number and you just haven’t received it yet you can contact HMRC online.
To apply for a National Insurance number online is most common in cases where your parent or guardian has not completed a child benefit form you. HMRC has an online National Insurance application process here.
Apply for a National Insurance number online
To be eligible to apply for a National Insurance number you must meet the following criteria:
- live in the UK
- have the legal right to work in the UK
You are allowed to apply for a NI number if you are working or looking for work.
If you can prove you have the right to work in the UK you can start work without an NI number.
I have lost my National Insurance number how do I find it?
If you already have a national insurance number and have lost it you don’t need to apply for a new one.
Finding your national insurance number can be done digitally or offline and you hopefully will be able to find it without needing to contact HMRC.
Find your National Insurance Number online
You can use your personal tax account or HMRC app. There is an option to view your NI number or you can print a piece of correspondence from HMRC which shows your NI number on it.
Find your National Insurance number offline
You can find your National Insurance number on a variety of documents which are sometimes posted or emailed to you.
Some of the most common paperwork that states your NI number includes:
- Payslips.
- P60 end of your certificate.
- Letters about income tax for example a P800 tax calculation.
- Pension or benefit correspondence.
Contact HMRC to find your National Insurance number
If you are unable to find your NI number from your own tax records you can contact HMRC.
HMRC let you contact them via a postal form or by phone.
National Insurance number by post:
To apply by post you should complete form CA5403 and post it to the address provided on the form.
National Insurance number by phone:
You can call HMRC on 0300 200 3500 or
+44 191 203 7010 if you are outside the UK.
Call centre opening times are:
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
HMRC will post you your national insurance number and it should arrive with you in about 15 days. They are unable to tell you your national insurance number over the phone.
