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How to Apply for a National Insurance Number
If you're starting work in the UK for the first time, you'll need a National Insurance number – a unique reference that tracks your tax and National Insurance contributions. Applying for one is straightforward, and you can even start work before it arrives as long as you can prove your right to...
If you're starting work in the UK for the first time, you'll need a National Insurance number – a unique reference that tracks your tax and National Insurance contributions. Applying for one is straightforward, and you can even start work before it arrives as long as you can prove your right to work. Here's everything you need to know about applying for your National Insurance number.
Who needs to apply
You can apply for a National Insurance number if you meet all of these conditions:
- You live in the UK
- You have the right to work in the UK
- You are working, looking for work, or have an offer to start work
If you already have a National Insurance number, you don't need to apply for a new one, even if your personal details change. Your National Insurance number stays the same for life.
When you don't need to apply
You don't need a National Insurance number to start an application for benefits or a student loan. If you do need one to receive payment, you'll be contacted and told how to get it.
You also don't need a National Insurance number to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Young people aged 19 or under
If you live in the UK and a parent or guardian filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you, you'll normally be sent a National Insurance number automatically in the 3 months before your 16th birthday.
If you're aged 16 to 19 and didn't receive a National Insurance number, first check whether you already have one. If your parent or guardian didn't fill in a Child Benefit claim form for you, you'll need to apply online.
If you have a biometric residence permit or eVisa
You might already have a National Insurance number if you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa. You can find it:
- On the back of your BRP
- By logging into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to view your eVisa
If you don't have a National Insurance number and plan to work, you must apply for one. You can only apply when you're in the UK.
Documents you'll need
Before you start your application, gather any of the following documents if you have them:
- A passport from any country
- A national identity card from an EU country or from Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
You might need to enter information from one or more of these documents during your application.
You can still apply if you don't have any of these documents, but you may need to attend an appointment in person to prove your identity.
How to prove your identity
If possible, you'll need to take and upload:
- A photo of yourself holding your passport
- Photos of other identity documents
You can use a smartphone, tablet or digital camera. The application process will tell you how to take the photos and what they must look like. You can ask someone to take the photos for you.
If you cannot upload photos, you can still apply online, but your application will take longer. You may need to attend an appointment or post photocopies of your documents. You'll receive an email after submitting your application telling you what to do.
The application process
The application must be made online through the government's National Insurance number application service.
After you apply, you'll receive an email with your application reference number. This email will tell you if you need to provide further proof of your identity.
It can take up to 4 weeks to get your National Insurance number after you've proved your identity.
Starting work before your number arrives
You can start work before you receive your National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. Let your employer know that you're waiting for your number – they can still process your wages in the meantime.
If you've already applied
If you applied more than 4 weeks ago, or if you've moved house or your personal details have changed since you applied, call the application helpline. Have your application reference number ready when you call – you'll find it at the top of the confirmation email you were sent after you applied.
Getting help
For help with your application, you can contact:
National Insurance number application helpline (England, Scotland and Wales)
- Telephone: 0800 141 2079
- Welsh language line: 0800 141 2349
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (Welsh line open 8am to 6pm)
National Insurance number application helpline (Northern Ireland)
- Telephone: 0800 587 0024
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
All helplines offer Relay UK services for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone (dial 18001 then the helpline number) and British Sign Language video relay services.
Sources
This article provides general guidance based on current HMRC rules. For advice specific to your situation, speak to your accountant.
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