What Does a National Insurance Number (NIN) Mean?
A National Insurance Number is a personal identification number that is given to people who are entitled to work or receive benefits issued by the UK government. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) use it to keep a record of National Insurance contribution and taxes you pay at work or when setting up your own business.
- It is usually two letters and 6 digits plus one letter (e.g. AB123456C).
- Your NIN does not change when your name or address changes.
- It also serves to identify certain state benefits and Student Loan repayments.
You are required to have a National Insurance number in case you are going to work in the UK.
Do I Have to Have a National Insurance Number?
- People who have recently immigrated to the UK and would like to work.
- Those who were not assigned with an NI number even when they were still children.
- People who relocate to their first job or to self-employment.
- Visa holders, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and other non-UK nationals who have a right to work in the UK.
Note: You do not need to apply to get another National Insurance number when you already have one.
Will You Automatically Receive Your National Insurance Number?
The majority of UK residents are given their NI number automatically upon, or about, their 16th birthday provided that their parents or guardians had claimed child benefit on their behalf. It comes via letter. Unless you never did or lost it, you will need to apply.
Requirements to Apply for a National Insurance Number
You must satisfy the following minimum criteria before you apply to be given an NI Number:
- At time of application, you live in the UK.
- You are entitled to work or study in UK (valid visa, settled status, or UK citizenship).
- You are either in employment, have been offered a job or you are seeking employment.
When you are not in the UK, you cannot apply to get a National Insurance number, but when you enter the UK and satisfy the above-mentioned requirements, you have to apply.
Application to Receive a National Insurance Number 2025
Step 1: Apply Online
Apply online to get a National Insurance number: go to the official UK government site:
- Visit www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number.
- Filled out the form online and entered in your personal information.
- Provide pictures of your identification documents (e.g., passport, national identity card).
- You might be requested to post a photo of you with your ID so as to verify authenticity.
In case of a failure to upload photos, you can apply online, but your application is likely to be more delayed as you will have to visit the identity check in person.
Step 2: Identity Verification
Depending on your circumstances and documents shown, you may be required to:
- Go to a Jobcentre Plus office.
- Present original documents with your name and address like passport, visa, biometric residence permit, birth certificate or utility bills.
This measure is to make the government certain that they are about to issue you with your NI number and that they are satisfied with your identity.
What Documents Do You Need?
You need to at least prepare one of the following valid documents:
- A good passport of any kind.
- An EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland national identity card.
- UK biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or biometric visa.
- Birth or adoption certificates (sometimes).
- Utility bills or official letters with your address in the UK (occasionally).
Whatever documents you provide must clearly indicate who you are or have a right to work in UK.
What Happens Next After You Apply?
- Your application will be processed and you will get a confirmation email that will have an application reference number.
- Assuming you are authenticated on the Internet, within approximately 4 weeks your National insurance number will be posted to your UK address.
- Should the appointment be face-to-face, you will be informed or contacted, and be provided with the information about the booking or the dates of your attendance.
- You can call the National Insurance number application helpline on 0800 141 2079 you have a call and are unsure where to move to.
Do I Need a National Insurance Number to Start Working?
Yes. As long as you can demonstrate to your employer that you have a right to work in the UK (through visa, residency status or citizenship), you are legally allowed to take up employment pending the receipt of your NI number.
Your temporary information will be registered by your employer and the NI number updated on receipt. This prevents the problem of delay in job commencement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does it have a fee of application?
A: No, it is totally free and I do not need to pay money to apply to obtain a National Insurance number through official government channels. Be careful of agencies that take a fee.
Q: What if I lose my NI number?
A: It is available on payslips, P60s or on your personal tax account via the internet. You do not have to apply to a new one.
Q: How long is an application?
A: On average, you wait 4 weeks to get your NI number once you have applied and proven who you are.
Q: Can it be applied as a national (EU/EEA) online?
A: Via the internet and telephone, depending on their visa statuses as well as their residence permits.
Application Insider Tips
- Make a second verification of the information that is typed on the Web.
- Observe beforehand, make some valid identification documents.
- Post quality photos that can be scanned or photographed with a quality and readable camera.
- Apply immediately after coming to the UK so as not to delay in beginning employment.
- Note your application reference number just in case you would require any follow-up.
Also use official government channels or helplines only. Do not use third party paid services.
