Your NI number is not the same as your NI record
This is the most important thing to understand. Your National Insurance number is just an identifier, a reference that tells HMRC and DWP which person is which. Your NI record (the history of contributions that determines your State Pension entitlement and contributory benefit eligibility) is held separately by HMRC.
Losing your NI number or card does not affect your NI record. It remains intact. The only way to check your NI record is through your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK.
What your NI number is
Your National Insurance number is a nine-character identifier in the format XX 99 99 99 X: two letters, six digits, one letter. It is unique to you and permanent. You will have the same number for your entire life, regardless of whether you move house, change your name, or change jobs.
It is not a sign of entitlement to any particular benefit or service. It is simply how HMRC and the DWP identify you in their systems.
What your NI number is used for
You will need your NI number in a number of situations:
- Starting a new job, your employer uses it to record your tax and NI contributions against your record
- Claiming most DWP benefits
- Opening a bank account (some banks require it)
- Applying for student finance
- Making enquiries about your pension
- Completing a Self Assessment tax return
You do not need to memorise it. You do need to be able to find it when required.
The fastest way to find your NI number: check these first
Before requesting anything from HMRC, check these sources, most people have their NI number somewhere they can access immediately:
- Your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK, this is the fastest route. Sign in at GOV.UK and the number is displayed on your account summary.
- The HMRC app, available on iOS and Android. Your NI number is shown in the app once you sign in.
- A P60, your employer issues one at the end of each tax year. Your NI number is printed on it.
- A payslip, most payslips show your NI number.
- A P45 from a previous employer
- Any letter from HMRC or DWP, your NI number appears on correspondence from both departments.
If you have any of these to hand, you have your number.
If you need a letter confirming your NI number
If you cannot find your number through the methods above, HMRC can issue a letter confirming it.
You can request a letter confirming your NI number through your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK, or by calling HMRC's National Insurance helpline (number at GOV.UK).
There is no replacement card as such. HMRC issues a letter, not a physical card. The letter serves the same purpose.
How to apply for an NI number if you have never had one
You can apply for a National Insurance number if you are 16 or over and have the right to live and work in the UK.
Applications are made online via GOV.UK. The process includes identity verification, you will need identity documents and may be asked to complete a video call or provide biometric information as part of the verification.
You can start work before your NI number arrives. An employer cannot refuse to employ you because you do not yet have an NI number. Give them the number as soon as you receive it, so your contributions are correctly recorded.
Processing times vary; check GOV.UK for current estimates when you apply.
In some circumstances, HMRC may issue a temporary number while your application is processed. Ask about this when you apply if you are waiting for a number urgently.
Who gets an NI number and when
UK residents are usually issued an NI number automatically ahead of their 16th birthday. HMRC sends a letter to the young person at their home address when they are approximately 15 years and 9 months old.
People moving to the UK to work apply through the standard online process. This includes both EEA nationals after Brexit (who use the same GOV.UK application route as anyone else) and non-EEA nationals.
If you arrived in the UK as a child and moved frequently, or if you never received the automatic letter at 16, you may need to apply through the online route even as an adult.
Your NI number and fraud
Your NI number alone cannot be used to access your HMRC or DWP accounts. It is one piece of identifying information, not a password.
However, combined with other personal details such as your name, address, and date of birth, your NI number could be used in identity fraud. If you believe your NI number has been used fraudulently, contact HMRC and report to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk).
Be cautious about who you share your NI number with. Legitimate employers, banks, HMRC, and DWP all have valid reasons to ask for it. Unsolicited requests, particularly by phone or email from unknown sources, should be treated with scepticism.
Get updates when HMRC or DWP makes changes to the NI number application process.
Common questions about the NI number
How do I find my NI number quickly?▾
The fastest routes are your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK (sign in and it is displayed on your account), the HMRC app, or a recent P60 or payslip. Any letter from HMRC or DWP also shows it. Most people can find it within a few minutes using one of these sources without needing to contact HMRC at all.
What if I have never had an NI number?▾
Apply online via GOV.UK. You will need to verify your identity as part of the application. The process typically takes several weeks. You can start work before your number arrives, your employer cannot refuse to hire you because you are waiting for it. Give them the number as soon as it comes through.
Does losing my NI card or number affect my State Pension?▾
No. The card is just a physical record of your number. Your NI contribution record, which determines your State Pension entitlement, is held by HMRC and is completely separate. Losing your card or forgetting your number does not affect your record. To check your State Pension forecast, sign in to your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK.
My NI number has letters in it. Is that right?▾
Yes. All NI numbers follow the format XX 99 99 99 X: two letters, six digits, then one final letter. That is correct. The specific letters in the first two positions are not random, certain letter combinations are not used, but you do not need to know the internal rules. If your number has that shape, it is valid.
Can I apply for an NI number as a foreign national?▾
Yes, if you have the right to live and work in the UK. Apply via GOV.UK and complete the identity verification as part of the process. Having a work visa, settled status, or pre-settled status all give you the right to apply. The process is the same regardless of nationality.
Why does my employer need my NI number?▾
So HMRC can correctly attribute your tax and National Insurance contributions to your personal record. Without your NI number, contributions may not be recorded against your account, which can affect your State Pension entitlement and contributory benefit eligibility. Always give it to a new employer as soon as you have it.
I gave my NI number to a job application. Could this be used for fraud?▾
Your NI number alone is not enough to access your accounts or claim benefits. But combined with other personal information, it can be used in identity fraud. If you are concerned about how a company handled your information, you can make a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). If you believe fraud has already occurred, contact Action Fraud and HMRC.
Related guides
- →National Insurance contributionsWhat NI contributions are, how they differ from the NI number, and how they affect your State Pension.
- →HMRCHow to contact HMRC and manage your tax account online.
- →National Minimum WageCurrent minimum wage rates and who is entitled — your employer needs your NI number to pay you correctly.
- →Sole traderNI obligations for self-employed people, including Class 2 and Class 4 contributions.