How to Apply for a National Insurance Number (UK)
A National Insurance (NI) number is your UK tax and benefits ID. You apply by phone, prove your identity at a Jobcentre PlusJobcentre Plus — The DWP office network for benefit claims (including National Insurance number interviews) and job-search support.Click for official info ↗ interview (if required), and the number arrives by post — you can start working before it arrives.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Check whether you need one
You need an NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ if you want to work, open a Help to Save account, or claim benefits in the UK. If you were born in the UK you may already have one (check a payslip, P60, or HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ app). You can start work before your number arrives — employers use your share codeUK immigration share code — A 9-character code that proves your UK immigration status to an employer or landlord. Generated online, valid 90 days.Click for official info ↗ and a temporary note from HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ meanwhile.
Click to mark as done
- Go 15–30 min
Call the NI number application line
Ring 0800 141 2075 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). The adviser checks your eligibility and either posts you an application form to sign and return or books you an Identity Interview. Textphone: 0800 141 2438. There is no online application — sites charging a fee are private middlemen, not HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗.
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- Go 1 hour + travel
Attend the Identity Interview (if asked)
Most non-UK nationals are asked to prove their identity and right to work at a Jobcentre PlusJobcentre Plus — The DWP office network for benefit claims (including National Insurance number interviews) and job-search support.Click for official info ↗ office. Bring your passport, visa/BRPBiometric Residence Permit — The card proving your UK immigration status, permission length, and right to work. Being replaced by eVisas.Click for official info ↗ or share codeUK immigration share code — A 9-character code that proves your UK immigration status to an employer or landlord. Generated online, valid 90 days.Click for official info ↗, and proof of address. You will be asked why you need the number and about your job search or employment.
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- Wait Up to 16 weeks
Wait for the decision letter
If your application is accepted, HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ sends a letter with your NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗. Processing commonly takes up to 16 weeks; EU Settlement Scheme and visa applicants are sometimes allocated a number automatically when they receive their BRPBiometric Residence Permit — The card proving your UK immigration status, permission length, and right to work. Being replaced by eVisas.Click for official info ↗.
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- Follow Up 20 min
Chase it if it is delayed
If you have heard nothing after 16 weeks, call the application line again with your reference details. If you start a job in the meantime, tell your employer you have applied — they can confirm with HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗.
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- Receive —
Keep the number for life
Your NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ never expires and follows you between jobs. Store it securely (it is a defence against identity fraud — never share it except with employers, HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗, or the DWPDepartment for Work and Pensions — The UK department for benefits and pensions, including Universal Credit and State Pension.Click for official info ↗). Your employer uses it to record your National Insurance contributions.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work before my NI number arrives?
Yes. You can legally start work while waiting. Your employer can verify your right to work with a share codeUK immigration share code — A 9-character code that proves your UK immigration status to an employer or landlord. Generated online, valid 90 days.Click for official info ↗ and record your details; HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ tells them how to handle payroll before the number arrives.
Do I have to pay for an NI number?
No. HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ never charges. Any website selling "NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ registration" for £50–£100 is a private company forwarding the same free phone application — apply directly yourself.
I lost my NI number. How do I find it again?
Check a payslip, P60, HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ app, or your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk. If you still cannot find it, fill in form CA5403 and post it to HMRCHM Revenue & Customs — The UK tax authority. It collects income tax, issues National Insurance numbers, and runs Self Assessment.Click for official info ↗ — they will confirm it by post within 15 days.
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