Need to apply for a National Insurance Number? Good news your exactly in the right place to find out how!
The only way to apply for a National Insurance Number is by phone. The number to apply can be found below. During the phone call you will need to answer a few questions and get yourself registered.
A list of the questions that will be asked during the phone call can be found here.
At the end of the phone call the agent will book you in for a “identity appointment”. It may be annoying and inconvenient for you to attend but unfortunately it is the only way to get a National Insurance Number.
The appointment will be held at your local Job Centre Plus. It will be the closest job centre to the address you give during the phone call. Do not worry about the appointment! All they will do is check your documents and send you on your way. A list of documents you will need can be found below in the FAQ.
Application lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm. They are closed Sundays and bank holidays.
To apply for a National Insurance Number you will need to call 0800 141 2075.
- Is there a way to fast track my application?
- I’ve already been issued a number, can I apply for a new one?
- What documents will i need to apply for a National Insurance Number?
- How long does it take to get issued a National Insurance Number?
- What to expect at my identity interview?
- How long can i work in the UK without a National Insurance Number?
- How do i rebook my National Insurance Number identity appointment?
- Why do i need a National Insurance Number?
- If I leave the UK and return later, will I need to apply again?
- How long is my National Insurance Number valid for?
Is there a way to fast track my application?
No, there is absolutely no way to fast track the issuing of your National Insurance Number. No amount of money would be able to speed up the process. Please be careful of companies online claiming to be able to fast track your application. They are completely false statements and will end up costing you money.
I’ve already been issued a number, can I apply for a new one?
No, if you already have a number you are unable to apply for a new one. Your national insurance number is for life and cannot be changed. If you already have one you must go down a different route and find your national insurance number.
You can either sign into your government gateway account and print it straight out (quickest way) or phone the HMRC on 0300 200 3500.
If you are unable to request your national insurance number using the above methods you will need to fill in application form CA5403.
What documents will i need to apply for a National Insurance Number?
Below is a list of documents you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number. You will need to bring all the required documents to your identity interview. When you phone the Department For Work and Pensions (DWP) they will tell you which ones they require from you.
- Proof of address
- Proof of photo ID
- Your reference number
- Visa information. Letter from home office if you do not have a visa issued yet
- Proof of Dual nationality
- Proof you are looking for work
- Proof you are currently working
- Proof of offer of employment
Proof of photo identification (ID). This would be a driving license, national identity card, and passport.
Proof of address. For proof of address you must use an addressed bank statement, rental contract or mortgage statement. There are other forms of verification such as recent utility bill (Gas, Electricity, Water, Line rental), current council tax bill and/or house or motor insurance certificate. The proof of address must be dated within the past 3 months.
Your reference number. This is the 9 digit reference number in which would have been issued to you whilst securing your appointment. You would have been given this number once your account had been crated. The number will be stated on your appointment confirmation letter. Alternatively if you applied via an agency, you would have confirmation of this on your appointment confirmation e-mail.
Proof that you are looking for work. You will need to show that you are actively looking for work. This would be evidence such as confirmation of submitted applications; dates of which you handed your curriculum vitae (CV) into companies, correspondence with company with offer work opportunities, job interview attendance, and rejection letters.
VISA information. NON-EU Citizens will need to bring all documentation from the Home Office, biometric residence permits (BRP) card, or VISA stamp in your passport. If you do not have a current VISA due to your application being processed, you will need to bring the letter from the Home Office that states that you are able to work in the U.K. whilst your application is being processed.
Proof of dual nationality. If you have more then one nationality you will need to show evidence of both.
How long does it take to get issued a National Insurance Number?
Once you have phoned the DWP to apply for a National Insurance Number you will generally get an appointment slot within 1-3 weeks of phoning. Waiting times for an appointment greatly depend on your home address location as some ares have a higher demand.
After your appointment you will receive your National Insurance Number in the post within 6-9 weeks. During the appointment you will be given a phone number to call in the event your National Insurance Number does not arrive within 9 weeks.
On average it takes 9 to 12 weeks from the date you first phoned the Department For Works and Pension (DWP) to get your National Insurance Number.
What to expect at my National Insurance Number identity interview?
During your identity interview you will be asked a series of questions. The questions will be about your work history and why you would like to apply for a National Insurance Number. The questions asked are not a test; there is no right or wrong answer. It is just to find out if you actually need a National Insurance Number. You do not need to currently have employment or even a positioned offered by the interview date to be issued a number. As long as you explain you are actively looking for work, you will be issued one.
The interview is to check the requested documents to ensure you have the right to work in the UK and that the information records that which they have on you is accurate and correct. Any spelling mistakes and inaccuracies made when first apply for a National Insurance Number over the phone will be corrected.
How long can I work in the UK without a National Insurance Number?
Currently you can work in the UK for 9 weeks without a National Insurance Number. You are able to work longer than that without one but you will be charged emergency tax. Emergency tax is a higher tax rate you will be charged so it would be beneficial to get your National Insurance Number as soon as possible to avoid paying more than you should. Some UK employers will require your National Insurance Number straight away.
You will need to explain to your employer that you have applied for a National Insurance Number and there is a waiting period of 6-9 weeks.
How do I rebook my National Insurance Number identity appointment?
To rebook your identity appointment you must contact the National Insurance Number helpline and request to rebook your appointment. When you contact them they will ask for your reference number (This will be given when you first arranged your appointment) and ask you some security questions. The security questions are normally your name, phone number and full address. You are able to rebook your appointment as many times as you like.
If you cannot remember your reference number the DWP are able to look up your record. They will ask for your family name and date of birth. Once they have your record they will continue with the security questions.
Why do I need a National Insurance Number?
National Insurance tax is used to pay for vital services in the UK. The contributions you make go towards free health care at the NHS, your state pensions, unemployment benefits and sickness benefits.
Paying National Insurance is a UK law and is a mandatory payment if you intend on working within the UK. Your National Insurance Number also acts as a reference number when contacting the HMRC to discuss your tax affairs, so it important to keep them updated on any personal details change.
All UK employers will need their employees National Insurance Number to ensure they are paying the correct amount of tax on your behalf. You risk being charged emergency tax if you do not have one.
If I leave the UK and return later, will I need to apply again?
No. Your National Insurance Number is valid for life. You only have to apply for a National Insurance Number once. Your number will not expire even if you leave the UK for a period of time.
How long is my National Insurance Number valid for?
Your National Insurance Number is valid for life. If you leave the UK for even a period of more than 30 years your National Insurance Number will still be valid on your return.
If you have changed your name or UK address you will need to contact the HMRC to update details. You are able to recover your lost National Insurance Number easily by contacting the National Insurance Number helpline.
If you have any questions please leave a comment below, our admin team or our community will be able to help. Please let us know if any of the above information has inaccuracies by sending an email to admin@nationalinsurancenumber.org.
How long will I be at the interview for?
You will need to arrive 30 minutes before your interview. The interview itself will last between 10-25 minutes.
The interview itself should only take between 10-20 minutes.
Hello, I am an italian citizen who live in Brazil. I am starting a master degree in september in the UK and I am trying to understand what should I do to secure my access to health services. What do you suggest me to do? Should I apply for the EU Settled Scheme or should I register for the National Insurance Number and then at the NHS? Or should I get an EHIC in the UK? Thank you!
I have recently had my wallet stolen with my NI card on.
How do I get a replacement card as I know my number just don’t have proof of this
Please see https://nationalinsurancenumber.org/hmrc-application-forms/find-your-lost-national-insurance-number/
Can i be issued with my ni card again as mine has been missing for the last few months and I intend to return to the uk shortly to work again
Yes, if you have lost your number you will need to contact the HMRC to find it.
Hi, I have an academic visitor visa, could I apply for NI?
Your VISA will need to be work permitted.
You will need to check if your VISA is work permitted.
As a EU Citizen I work in the Republic of Ireland and I life in Northern Ireland. Do I need a National Insurance Number? Thanks for helping. I want to stay here even after the Brexit.
Yes you will need a NI Number if you plan on working in Northern Ireland.
Hello,can I apply the national insurance number with my indefinite permit document from Italy so as to live and work legally in the UK?
No, National Insurance Number cards where stopped in 2011
Good morning ,
My name is Stefan and i am from Romania and i live with my wife and our son 12 years old in Odessa Ukraine. I would like to ask you a question regarding the insurance number.
I understand that UK will go out from UE in September 2019.
My question is , if will be like this , people like us who would like to apply for insurance number after September this year or next year, they will be affected by the UK Brexit?
Thank you very much for your time and sorry to disturb you.
Best regards
how is brexit going to affect anybody from abroad coming to apply for n.i. number and working in the uk?
Currently there is no new information. As soon as we know anything new it will be published on this site.
I am an EU national currently in UAE. Can I book an appointment from here and travel to the UK a few days before my appointment?
You will need to be within the UK to apply via phone.
The HMRC require you to be currently living in the UK to apply for a National Insurance Number.
Hi there,
I plan to live with a family friend and will not be paying rent or bills. I will have no proof of address that way but do need a NI number, does a payslip work as proof of address? if not can you pls give me some other ideas
Cheers!
If you do not have proof of address due to only just moving to the UK, you can get a formal letter from the Home owner or rent/bill payer of whom you are currently living with.
The letter needs to confirm:
How long you have lived there
How long you are planning on living there (for example indefinitely)
Why you are living there
How much you are paying (if any)
Signature of the Home owner or Rent/Bill payer (it needs to be signed to confirm the details)
Along with this letter, it needs to be accompanied with a proof of address document that is addressed to them, to prove they are living there as bill payer (rent) or Home owner.
Hello,
I an inquiring for two friends if mine who intend to work with me for a personal business which I will open in a few weeks or a month. They are Romanian citizens withought a NINO.
Please kindly , could you tell me if they still can be alo ate a NINO if they apply now for one? It is just with Brexit situation quite unsure, that is why I asked. Thank you ever so much.
Also , I have read above that if you change address in the UK and have a NINO, you have to call HRCM to update your address. I moved house, a few times already since I have my NINO,;do I have to call HRCM to let them know my current address? Thank you. Kindest regards, Iuliana
How much do I have to pay for a national insurance card?
It is free to apply unless you use a agency to assist you in applying.
Is is free if you phone the HMRC directly. If you use a agency then they will charge you a service fee.
Hi,
I obtained a National Insurance Number in my early twenties when i worked in the UK.
I now wish to return to work in the UK. However, my number/ card is in my Maiden Name. How do I go about changing this?
To update your personal details you will need to call 0300 200 3300
I am a European citizen and my passport has expired i can apply for NIN
Hi I am a European citizen and my passport has expired, can i apply
For NINO in uk
The HMRC will require one form of photo ID, it doesn’t need to be your passport. A valid driving license for example will be fine.
Hey, I’m a British citizen currently living in South Africa and I want to apply for my NI. I was wondering is it possible to apply from South Africa or do I need to be in Britain in order to apply?
Hi after the appointment how long do they take to send you the actual number, because I need it to get my salary
Normally it takes around 3-6 weeks after your appointment for your national insurance number to arrive in the post. You can ask your employer to put you on emergency tax to get your salary before your Ni number arrives. You will be charged extra tax until your ni number arrives but you will get this back in the form of a rebate.