Applying for a National Insurance number
Last updated August 2006
- What is a National Insurance number?
- When and where should I apply for a National Insurance number?
- Applying for a National Insurance number
- What is an interview for?
- What types of evidence and information can I bring?
- What happens after the interview?
- National Insurance number allocation fast path process for employers
What is a National Insurance number?
A National Insurance (NI) number is a personal number used:
- to record a person's NI contributions and credited contributions
- because it is needed when claiming social security benefits.
A NI number should only be given to one person and must only be used by that person. There are circumstances when, by law, you must apply for a NI number.
When and where should I apply for a National Insurance number?
You should apply for a NI number if:
- you will be making a claim for benefit, or
- your partner is claiming benefit for you.
This should be done through your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can find your local office on the Jobcentre Plus website.
You should also apply for a NI number if:
- you have started or are about to start work
- you are self-employed, or
- you want to pay voluntary NI contributions and would benefit from paying them.
For these applications you should telephone 0845 600 0643 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
If you are hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties, call our textphone on 0845 600 0644.
Applying for a National Insurance number
There is a process of checks we need to go through when you apply for an NI
number. Firstly, we make sure you need an NI number. Secondly, we make sure
you haven’t already got an NI number. If you need an NI number and you
haven’t already got one, we will write and ask you to come to an interview.
We use this interview to check your identity and, where applicable, your right
to work – to
make sure you are who you say you are, that you are entitled to work in the
UK (where applicable) and to protect your NI and social security accounts.
What is an interview for?
At the interview, we will ask you questions about who you are and why you
want an NI number. This information, and any official documents you bring with
you, will help to prove your identity and, where applicable, your right to
work. You may also have to fill in a form to apply for an NI number.
When we give you the date of your interview, we will tell you what information or evidence to bring with you. The information or evidence you
need to bring depends on why you need the NI
number. The list below might give you an idea of
the relevant documents.
The interview will usually be with one other person unless, for example, you need an interpreter. Sometimes we may ask for your permission to let us keep your documents for a short time. We will give you a receipt for any
documents you let us keep.
What types of evidence and information can I bring?
Here are some examples of the types of evidence and information we need. We cannot accept photocopies.
For advice about ordering a copy of a birth or marriage certificate, visit the General Register Office website.
General documents:
- Passport
- National Identity card
- Birth certificate
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Full driving licence
- Home Office documents
- 2 or more passports if you are of dual- or multi-nationality
- Student-loan documents
- Student identity card
- Letter from your college, including course details
- Mortgage or rental agreement
- Residence or naturalisation documents
- Adoption certificate
Employment documents:
- Payslips
- A work permit
- A letter from your employer
- Your contract of employment
- Details of any employment agencies you are registered with.
- Evidence that you are actively looking for work
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of association
- Articles of association
- Services contract
Documents if you’re self-employed:
- Invoices
- Letters from your accountant
- Letters from your clients
- A form or letter from HMRC about your self employment, for example a bill for your Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
- Stock transfer form
If you have recently arrived in Britain after living outside Europe, you must bring any travel documents you have. These are documents that give information about your travel between countries. They include things like your passport, National Identity card or NASS 35 form (issued to people seeking asylum in the UK).
- The leaflet How to prove your identity for benefit purposes (ISSPA5JP) gives more examples of this type of document. (144KB)
If you have any other documents that you think may help prove your identity
or your right to work, please bring them with you.
If you do not have any documents you must still go to the interview.
You may be able to prove your identity with the information you give at the interview.
What happens after the interview?
If your application is successful, we will give you your NI number in writing as soon as possible after the interview. We will send you an NI numbercard later. If your application is unsuccessful we will write and tell you.
Remember - a National Insurance number is not proof of identity.
There is more detailed information about National Insurance numbers on the HM Revenue & Customs website
National Insurance number allocation fast path process for employers
Employers who are applying for a work permit under the Business and Commercial Scheme (Tier 1 or Tier 2) should be aware of a new application fast path for employees who need a National Insurance number.
This new process now means that a postal National Insurance number application form can be completed by the employer and employee instead of visiting a Jobcentre Plus, Jobcentre or social security office for an interview.
A similar scheme is available for:
- NHS professionals who are recruited from overseas and
- certain EU nationals working in the UK for an employer using the work permit process and who are employed in categories compatible with work permit holders in the Business and Commercial Sector Tier 1 or Tier 2.
For more information on the fast path schemes contact:
Fast Path Internet Enquiries
CCU Admin Team
5th Floor
Portcullis House
21 India Street
Glasgow
G2 4PH
Telephone: 0845 641 5047 / 5048 / 5049
Fax: 0845 641 5037
Email: glasgow.ccufastpathadmin@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
NB: These contact details are for use by employers only for fastpath applications.