National Insurance number and how to apply for one.

National Insurance applying by phone for your number.

National Insurance number application line
Telephone: 0800 141 2075
Textphone: 0800 141 2438
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Welsh language: 0800 141 2349
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

To apply for benefits without a N.I. number, contact Jobcentre Plus instead.

There’s a different process if you’ve lost your N.I. number.

If you’re moving to the UK

You may have a NI number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.

If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for it once you’re in the UK. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a N.I. number.

Working without a N.I. number

You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives if you can prove you can work in the UK. You should tell your employer that you’ve applied for one, and give it to them when you have it.

National Insurance number interview

Jobcentre Plus may write to you and ask you to come to an interview where you’ll be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.

The letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity, such as:

  • passport or identity card
  • residence permit
  • birth or adoption certificate
  • marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • driving licence

You’ll be told at the interview how long it’ll take to receive your National Insurance number.

If you change your address before you receive it, tell the Department for Work and Pensions by contacting the National Insurance number application line.

National Insurance number application line
Telephone: 0800 141 2075
Textphone: 0800 141 2438
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Welsh language: 0800 141 2349
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

If you turned 16 and didn’t get a number

You will normally be sent a NI number automatically just before your 16th birthday if you live in the UK.

If you didn’t get one, call the N.I. number helpline if you’re under 20.

Call the National Insurance number application line if you’re 20 or over.

N.I. number application line
Telephone: 0800 141 2075 Textphone: 0800 141 2438 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Welsh language: 0800 141 2349
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

(This information was supplied by the H.M.R.C. website and is assumed to be correct on the date of publication, however you should always check with H.M.R.C. directly)

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